Archives for December 22, 2004

‘In a telephone conference call with San Francisco-area reporters later in the day, McGahee said he was ”pretty sure,” when asked of his chances of playing against the 49ers. ”I just know that I’ve got to contribute,” he said.’

‘But the Bills should also pay attention to what happened to the Pats at Miami. Any NFL team is capable of beating any other, and especially at home. New England was a double digit favorite at Miami. The Bills are a double digit favorite at San Francisco.’

‘In addition, cornerback Nate Clements, receiver Eric Moulds and defensive end Aaron Schobel have been selected as alternates.’

‘Henry also revealed for the first time that he tore ligaments in his right ankle, adding he did not require surgery. The Bills had not divulged the extent of the injury, merely referring to it as a lower leg injury.’

‘The Buffalo Bills have announced that three of their players, DT Sam Adams, KR Terrence McGee and LB Takeo Spikes have been selected to represent the American Football Conference in the Pro Bowl, the NFL’s annual all-star game.’

‘Bills 34 49ers 20.’

‘Somehow they’ve won five straight. The secret, according to coach Mike Mularkey, was to play one game at a time. You see, earlier in the season, the Bills made the mistake of playing multiple games at once. It was obvious to me while watching defenses sack Drew Bledsoe nearly every pass play. He just looked exhausted, as if he were playing six games concurrently. Well, that was precisely the problem. The last time against New England, they played about 10 games at the same time, while the Patriots played one. Buffalo amazingly found itself in multiple dimensions of the space-time continuum, and consequently, its players were one-tenth of the Patriots’ players. So naturally, the Bills lost.’

‘But Williams was undrafted last April because of his size; he figured he’d catch on somewhere returning kicks and punts. Now he’s on the verge of starting at running back. "I just want to be ready if they call my number," he said.’

‘"Let’s face it, they’re playing better than that group that I played with," Tasker, now a CBS Sports analyst, said Tuesday. "They’re having as good a year as anybody ever had in Buffalo on special teams."’

‘WGR Sports Radio 550 and Coca-Cola Buffalo are presenting the second annual Coy Wire Lazy Man’s Christmas Party on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Flappy’s Famous Edibles and Elixirs, 252 Delaware at Chippewa.’

First-time coaches fare much better (San Francisco Chronicle)

49ers are No. 1 (in draft) with just one more loss (Contra Costa Times)

Even former 49ers are not doing well (Oakland Tribune)

Barlow back as starter for 49ers; Rattay likely done for year (The Sports Network)

Seven Work Out For 49ers Tuesday (SF49ers.com)

49ers Flashback: September 13, 1992 (SF49ers.com)

Lord hear our prayers (49ersWebZone.com)

‘Mularkey believes the Bills’ season was salvaged in a 37-17 victory over St. Louis that began the five-game winning streak. Buffalo rallied after an early 10-0 deficit. "That was the defining moment that these guys are a special group," he said. "It’s obvious that you have to be mentally tough when you overcome an 0- 4 start."’

‘WIVB, had a 42.6 rating with a 66 share, meaning two out of every three TVs in the Buffalo area were tuned to the game. Since meters were introduced to the market prior to the 2000 season, only two games against drew more viewers locally. Those games were against the New England Patriots (44 rating) in November 2002 and the Miami Dolphins (44.3) in December 2002.’

The Bills look to continue their improbable playoff run with a trip to the West coast to take on the San Francisco 49ers. The Bills are rolling with five straight wins, seven of their last eight, and eight of their last 10. The offense has struggled the past two weeks despite convincing victories and they may be without their best weapon as Willis McGahee will most likely miss the game with a hyperextended knee.

‘The 49ers and the Bills combined for 1,086 yards, the fourth-highest total in league history. And they established their own NFL record, as well. For the first time, no punts were attempted by either team. "I do recall on the plane ride back home, walking back and telling Chris Mohr he wasn’t going to get a paycheck that week because he didn’t punt once in the game," laughed Buffalo’s head coach Marv Levy.’