Archives for November 2004

‘While it’s too soon to anoint him a star, he’s certainly found the launching pad — the Bills are 3-1 since he took over the starting job from Travis Henry.’

‘They’re last in the AFC in yards per play on first down (4.22). They’re 29th in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt (3.5). They’re 27th in passing (170.4 yards per game). They’re 27th in sacks allowed per pass play (23 on the season). They’re 27th in points per game (17.1).’

‘“You definitely have to be aware of him,” said Brady. “He knows our personnel. He knows our play-calling as well as just about anybody. So he’s going to have his input. He had a great game against us last year when we played them there. He seems to always find his way into the mix.”’

‘Of course, part of the reason Williams failed as head coach was the players Donahoe gave him. After a boffo 2001 draft that yielded four starters – CB Nate Clements, DE Aaron Schobel, RB Travis Henry, OT Jonas Jennings – Donahoe has been under siege for his personnel decisions.’

‘With the Bills and Patriots set to meet again Sunday night at Gillette Stadium, the aftertaste of the coverage collapse in Buffalo has been revisited this week. “Nobody had more problems than we did with their kicking game,” Belichick noted.’

‘”Sometimes it takes a few weeks to kind of get things to where you want them to be,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said of the Bills. “Last week against the Jets [they] really pretty much played a perfect game. They had no turnovers, no interceptions, efficient passing, a good job running the ball by [Willis] McGahee, [they] got a couple of turnovers, [they had about] 38 minutes time of possession and held the Jets to 11 yards in five possessions in the second half, things like that. It was another solid day for them in the kicking game. That was probably their best effort of the year and best game of the year, especially after the Jets [were] coming off of a big win against Miami. [Buffalo] played the game the way that Buffalo wanted to play it.”‘

‘Although both Henry and McGahee have similar sets of skills, Mularkey felt McGahee was doing more with his opportunities. “The difference between the two of them at the time is that we were getting more yards after first contact with Willis,” Mularkey said. “That’s been the case in the first three games. He’s making a lot of yards when there’s nothing there. He’s run the ball very well.”‘

‘Now, at the season’s midpoint, the two former New England Patriots head back to Foxboro, their first NFL home, having contributed in major ways to the Bills’ recent charge. Bledsoe?’

Against Clarett, Vrabel lines up alongside OSU (Boston Globe)

No taking offense with title defense (Boston Globe)

Bills’ patience paying off (Boston Globe)

Pats know rival Bills pack punch (Boston Herald)

Brady, Milloy still close (Boston Herald)

Coverage in focus as Pats prep for Bills (Metro West Daily News)

Branch inches closer to return (Metro West Daily News)

So Far, McGahee Giving Bills A Needed Boost (Hartford Courant)

McGahee backing the Buffalo offense (Woonsocket Call)

New England signs Nimmo for practice duty (Woonsocket Call)

Lately, at least, the Bills are getting it right (Providence Journal)

Branch appears close to a return (Providence Journal)

Vinatieri’s got plenty of game (Springfield Republican)

Vrabel backs ex-coach (Springfield Republican)

Dillon is the team MVP at this juncture (Quincy Patriot Ledger)

Pats’ offense still clicking (Nashua Telegraph)

Miller throw on a fake punt? Well, certainly don’t rule it out (Portland Press Herald)

McGahee rushes to turn Bills around (Lawrence Eagle Tribune)

Key injuries don’t stop New England (AP)

Inside slant (CBS Sportsline)

Strategy and personnel (CBS Sportsline)

Notes, quotes (CBS Sportsline)

Two minute timing (Patriots.com)

Patriots sign OT Lance Nimmo to practice squad (Patriots.com)

Tom Brady Locker Room Interview (Patriots.com)

Injury report (Patriots.com)

Bill Belichick Press Conference (Patriots.com)

Bills’ Willis McGahee Conference Call (Patriots.com)

Bills Head Coach Mike Mularkey Conference Call (Patriots.com)

‘Counting this year’s 0-3 mark, the Bills are 2-13 since midway through the 2002 season on the road. In that block of games, Bledsoe has been sacked 53 times and has thrown 22 interceptions and as a team the Bills are minus-34 in turnover ratio.’

‘The Bills will consider moving DT Justin Bannan to offensive guard on a full-time basis next year, line coach Jim McNally said, and Bannan isn’t opposed to the idea.’

‘RB Willis McGahee’s 132-yard rushing day on 37 carries against the Jets last Sunday was even more impressive when you consider he had 11 runs go for zero or negative yardage. Six runs lost 21 yards. He made up for it with five carries for 12 yards or longer, bouncing outside when a hole wasn’t there or carrying defenders on his back.’

‘“We’re all getting comfortable right now,” McGahee said. “We know what it takes to win.”’

‘Troy Vincent was still limited in Wednesday’s practice. His knee is listed as questionable. Missing and riding the bikes were Mike Williams, Coy Wire, Josh Reed and Constantin Ritzmann. Ritzmann is out, while Wire and Reed are doubtful.’

‘”The feeling’s great. Anytime you win it’s great,” said right guard Chris Villarrial. “We would like to stack up more of these together and this is a huge, huge week for us right now. We can go up there and if we can beat the best team in football it can really raise the morale around here.”‘