Archives for December 19, 2004

‘Just five short weeks ago, the Bills were left for dead at 3-6 after an embarrassing defeat to the New England Patriots. Since then, Buffalo has scored at least 33 points in each win, making the 2004 team the first to score 30 points in five straight games in franchise history.’

‘For the second straight week against a playoff contender, the Bengals self-destructed with turnovers and gaffes and blew up their own playoff chances as well as a shot at a winning season during an ugly and cold 33-17 loss here to the Bills at Paul Brown Stadium.’

‘With the defense and special teams playing so well, the Bills’ offense didn’t have to do much. Drew Bledsoe was 15-of-30 for 183 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans.’

‘Linebacker Takeo Spikes all but ended his former team’s postseason hopes and kept his current squad in the thick of the playoff chase.’

‘Buffalo running back Willis McGahee left the game with a hyperextended knee after rushing for 25 yards on 11 carries.’

‘The Bengals offense has played extremely well but Spikes could single-handedly disrupt their offense. He is both a stout run stopper and can also play back in coverage. He has three interceptions on the year, tied for second on the team. Cincinnati needs to be aware of where he is on the field at all times. Even if the Bengals double or triple team him, it may not be enough to contain the excitement he will be feeling on the field this week.’

‘What is going to decide the Bengals’ first home game in December between two playoff contenders (Cincinnati at 6-7 and Buffalo 7-6) in nine years is that little matchup in agate print: Special teams.’

‘The Bengals’ offense is one of the hottest in the NFL, averaging 478 yards a game over the past three weeks. Even though Cincinnati (6-7) will be without starting quarterback Carson Palmer, who has a knee injury, the Bengals will turn to one of the most competent backups in the NFL – Jon Kitna. He threw the third-most touchdown passes in the league last year.’

‘The Bills’ ability to control the clock probably will be a huge factor against a Bengals offense that has been racing up and down the field the past month. "That’s one of the first things I go to see," Mularkey said. "Obviously if you have the ball, you have chances to score and they don’t. It’s been a couple years since I did it, but typically the top teams in the league are at the top in time of possession."’

‘"It seems like I’ve always started at the bottom," Mularkey said. "If we’d have started 4-0, maybe then I’d have been caught off-guard."’

‘Today’s game in Cincinnati will be a demonstration course. The Bengals virtually have been eliminated from playoff possibilities, but they are still a work in progress, a team that is almost certain to insert itself into much more serious contention in the next few years.’

‘Bills survive a shootout with a 34-27 win.’

‘But in reality, it was an 11-round draft for the Bills, because four rookie free agents made the roster. Three of those – safety Rashad Baker, corner Jabari Greer and tight end Jason Peters – also have contributed. That’s an impressive accomplishment for the Bills’ college scouting department, headed by Assistant General Manager Tom Modrak.’

‘The Bills employ five offensive and defensive starters as blockers on the kickoff return team, including 245-pound linebacker London Fletcher as McGee’s fellow deep man and designated blocker. The Bills also are dangerous on punt returns, so the Bengals’ cover team will have to be sharp. Nate Clements and Jonathan Smith have returned punts for touchdowns this season, and the Bills’ five return TDs in one season are the most since the Chicago Cardinals returned five for scores in 1959. Buffalo is ranked in the top five in kickoff return average, punt return average, average drive start (offense) and kickoff return average (defense).’

‘Bengals 24, Bills 23.’