Archives for November 4, 2004

‘”I remember that and I was thinking about that Monday night after the game was well in hand in the fourth quarter,” Pennington said yesterday. “I was thinking how we were going to handle this week and make sure we don’t go up there and lay an egg. That’s basically what we did last year. We were physically beat in all phases of the game.”‘

‘Bledsoe has been sacked 24 times, fourth-most in the NFL. How troubled are you by that?

A lot of that is getting the ball out of Drew’s hands and maybe helping in the protection with the backs and tight ends.’

‘"Well, we passed the ball a lot (in the first game) and anytime you pass the ball you give rushers a chance to get to the quarterback," Jennings said. "Even though Abraham had a good game we still could have won it. We’ve just got to do what we’ve got to do and go out and play football. We can’t worry about one person."’

‘The Bills-Jets game this Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is sold out and will be televised locally.’

‘Former Buffalo Bills’ punter Paul Maguire will receive the 19th annual Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the Monday Quarterback Club at ceremonies on Monday, November 8 during the club’s luncheon at HSBC Arena in downtown Buffalo.’

‘The Ameriquest Mortgage Neighborhood MVP Award recognizes an NFL player each week during the regular season for his dedication to making physical improvements to neighborhoods in his community.’

‘According to head coach Mike Mularkey, Vincent’s status for Sunday’s game against AFC-East foe New York (6-1) is unknown.’

‘The Bills’ pass offense ranks 28th in yards, so it’s no surprise Buffalo is below average on pass completions of 20-plus yards so far. The Bills have 16, which is tied for 25th in the league. The league average for teams with seven games played is 20.3.’

‘Moorman can make things happen with his legs, but it’s his right one that has made him the Bills’ secret weapon. Some feel the 28-year-old Kansas native has been his team’s most valuable player so far. He boomed an 80-yarder in the opener and hasn’t let up since. His gross average (43.2) is sixth in the AFC, but it doesn’t begin to reflect his value. In the Bills’ two wins, he was astonishing in the brutal winds of Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘The Bills suddenly are banged up at receiver. Josh Reed has a bruised kneecap and is not likely to play. That puts Sam Aiken up to No. 3 receiver. Drew Haddad is questionable with a sore hamstring. If Haddad does not improve, the Bills would have three healthy receivers on the roster. That could prompt a promotion from the practice squad.’

‘That’s why I see the Jets winning 17-13.’

‘"I feel like we talked about getting to that next level," said linebacker Takeo Spikes. "Start here and keep climbing. Since about a month ago, there were several guys coming in here when it’s pitch dark in the morning, and then leaving at 6:30 at night, putting in 12-hour days. It shows how much dedication is put toward the common goal that we all want."’

‘”Every time I say I’m doing good I go out there and it hurts,” said the rookie first-round pick. “I didn’t say anything this week so I’m going to see if that strategy works.”‘

‘”And I’ll tell you what he does: he can run downhill. The other guy was more of a slasher and cutter. This guy will run downhill. I know the guys from Miami have a passion for the end zone and the way they run the football. We’ve just got to keep it in front.”‘

‘A year ago, the Jets were coming off a big feel-good Monday Night Football victory at home over the Titans when they went “up there” to Buffalo the following Sunday to play the Bills and got ambushed. They were physically assaulted in a 17-6 loss that closed out any chances they had at a playoff berth.’