Archives for October 2004

‘”The outcome is not where we wanted it, and that’s the frustrating part,” said Chris Villarrial. “We battled back and overcame some tough things but now we have to learn how to win.”‘

‘John Abraham continued to be a menace on the defensive side of the ball for the Jets, as he recorded three more sacks to up his AFC-leading total to six on the season. It should come as no surprise that Abraham had a huge game against Bledsoe, whom he has sacked eight times in his career – the most of any QB in the league.’

‘Coy Wire, who had been filling in for SS Lawyer Milloy (arm), was benched because of struggles in pass coverage. Wire’s replacement, Pierson Prioleau, is undersized (5-11, 188) and has spent most of his career at free safety. Second-year CB Terrence McGee, playing in place of Troy Vincent (knee), has good speed but is short (5-9) and has trouble covering crossing routes.’

‘What do you remember about your NFL training-camp experience with the Buffalo Bills?

Cain: I remember bumping into Bruce Smith’s (butt).’

‘Sunday’s 16-14 loss to the New York Jets leaves the Bills as just one of two winless teams remaining in the NFL. The good news – or bad news, depending on one’s viewpoint – is that there’s a good chance that number will diminish to one six days from now when the Bills host the winless Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Of course, with the offense both teams have, it’s very likely the game could end in a scoreless tie.’

‘”We keep making the same mistakes,” Buffalo quarterback Drew Bledsoe said. “It’s frustrating. The coaches have put us in a position to win, but we haven’t taken advantage of it.”‘

‘Big whoopee.’

‘"We didn’t close it," Adams said.’

‘Fletcher’s 21 tackles, including 15 solo, during the Bills’ 16-14 loss to the New York Jets matched his career high. He had 21 stops (also 15 solo) against the San Francisco 49ers while playing for the St. Louis Rams in 2001.’

‘"It felt good to get out there," said McGahee, who had only 11 carries for 28 yards in the previous three games. "I’ve just been waiting for my opportunity, just staying patient. Once I get my opportunities, I try to make the most of them."’

‘Jeff Posey’s fourth-quarter interception of Chad Pennington’s ill-advised throw was the Bills’ first pick in their last eight road games, the equivalent of an entire NFL season.’

‘Coaching (D): Mularkey was brought in to fix offense. Obviously, it’s the players. But staff needs to make more of Evans, Moulds.’

‘"He had every right to be pissed off," guard Chris Villarrial said. "We’re out there sputtering and not getting things done. It’s good that he got pissed off. Guys started to step up and we put up a fast 14 points. The outcome’s not what we wanted, but as far as maturity we took a step today."’

‘Maybe this Buffalo team that general manager Tom Donahoe has put together is what it is: An 0-4 team that, thanks to a bye week, isn’t 0-5 and residing at the bottom of the NFL right alongside the Miami Dolphins.’

‘But the fact is, for as good as the Bills’ defense is, it is also incredibly flawed and overrated. Great NFL defenses know how to close the deal, and this one never does.’