Archives for November 2004

‘"The deputy was struck from behind by a vehicle that was exiting a stadium drive after the Buffalo Bills game," the sheriff’s office said in a statement.’

‘”Our team knows the position we’re in. Were trying to dig ourselves out of a hole (0-4) that we can only blame ourselves for. It’s been a long time since we won two in a row".

‘In assessing his own performance, McGahee allowed, “The offensive line has faith in me and I’ve got to make them look good. We all have confidence now … we know what it takes to win and what we have to do.”‘

‘"The thing that I like is that the team is starting to take on the personality that (head coach) Mike (Mularkey) has been preaching since he first got here," quarterback Drew Bledsoe said. "We’re showing the power running game, special teams are playing very well, we’ve been efficient the last couple of games in not turning the ball over, and our defense is playing well."’

‘"It’s nice to get the win," he said. "But at the same time, it’s a hurting feeling knowing that you really hurt the team, and it could have been a loss. That’s one of those days I never want to see again. It’s a good learning thing, but I didn’t want to learn like that."’

‘"This was just their day," Martin said. "They came out and took control of the game from the beginning. They outplayed us in every aspect of the game. We got our butts kicked. There is no excuse. Buffalo played a good game. They came out and they handed it to us today. Defense, offense, special teams – they did everything."’

‘They are still only 3-5, but the Bills have at least put themselves on the outer fringes of the playoff race and given their fans a reason for hope heading into the second half. They’ve reclaimed their home-field mystique, and the improved play of the offensive line is a big reason.’

‘It’s no surprise Bledsoe has been a different quarterback these last two weeks, at ease and productive. Maybe infusing the running game with Willis McGahee has had something to do with it. Maybe the offensive line has finally started to meld. What’s clear is that Bledsoe is receiving adequate time to make his reads, that his confidence in his line has been restored, that he’s back to throwing passes with conviction. He was 18 for 30 for 184 yards in Sunday’s 22-17 win over the Jets. He made key throws at the important times and appeared thoroughly rejuvenated.’

‘"I think he’s doing everything that everybody expected out of him when he was drafted," said Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally. "That light is going on. He’s played very good football the last four or five weeks."’

‘Game Balls: The Bills will distribute them this week, but we give them to Jonas Jennings on offense and Chris Kelsay on defense.’

‘Coaching: (B) – – Good call to go for it at Jets’ 12. Botched clock at end of half. Defense starred. Offense rebounded from first meeting.’

‘Now the Bills sit at 3-5, with a Sunday match up against the New England Patriots looming. Obviously, I have already thrown the flag in on the Bills season in earlier columns, but for some reason these guys don’t seem to believe that it is over. Hey, whatever works for them. If they believe, I guess I can still believe. But of course, only if they can knock off New England and get to 4-5.’

‘Unfortunately for the Bills, the reality is just that: With this victory over a New York team that came into blustery Ralph Wilson Stadium with a 6-1 record and an earlier 16-14 victory over the Bills, Buffalo still is saddled with a 3-5 record. And on the horizon is the toughest test of the season, a night road game at the home of the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots that could very well determine the fate of their season.’

‘The Bills’ 22-17 victory against the previously once-beaten New York Jets at The Ralph was their second straight win and third in four games. Besides improving their record to 3-5, it provided additional proof that the offensive line is finally getting its act together.’

‘In other words, they won in spite of failed gadgetry and some odd personnel use that, quite frankly, doesn’t seem necessary and could come back to bite them in a future game.’