Archives for December 23, 2004

‘Injured with a bruised and hyperextended right knee, McGahee wore a wrap on his leg, but walked without a limp. Will he play against the 49ers? ”I don’t have no answer for you,” he said.’

‘The San Francisco 49ers are now paying the price for their spending spree in the late 1990s, trying to keep players together from their Super Bowl glory years. They have been faced with difficult decisions the past few seasons, parting ways with Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, and Jeff Garcia. They are a team in transition looking to escape the restraints of long contracts and large signing bonuses. But it doesn’t come without a price and the 49ers are playing through their toughest season since 1978, a year in which they finished 2-14. San Francisco currently sits at 2-12, the league’s worst record, an with games remaining against Buffalo and New England it’s not impossible to think they may not win another game this season.’

‘The media has been critical of the Bills for drafting Williams out of Texas with the fourth pick, three spots ahead of McKinnie. Citing Williams’ struggles on a line that combined to allow 105 sacks in 2002 and 2003, some questioned whether the Bills should have taken McKinnie.’

‘There are only two weeks left in the regular season and it’s really starting to get exciting. The Bills are making a serious playoff push and could be playing in January with some help. This week, they have to make a tough road trip to the West Coast for the third time this season and what’s worse is that they have to leave on Christmas day. It’s tough to not be able to spend a lot of time with your family around the holidays, but that’s how this profession is. The team knows they have a job to do and I expect them to play well against the 49ers to set up a big finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.’

‘Bills 31, 49ers 10.’

‘Bills win 30-0, and come home for a playoff showdown with Pittsburgh. Merry Christmas, Bills fans.’

‘The selections reflected the strength of the Bills. Their defense is ranked No. 3 in the NFL. Their special teams are first on kickoff returns, seventh on punt returns, third on kickoff coverage and 12th on net punting.’

‘It looks likely one of them will start against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.’

49ers lean to using top pick (San Francisco Chronicle)

A rare postseason snub (San Francisco Chronicle)

Season is over for injured Carter, Winborn (Contra Costa Times)

Proof is in pudding — zero 49ers in Pro Bowl (Contra Costa Times)

49ers turn to future after snub (San Jose Mercury News)

Throw two more on the injury heap (San Jose Mercury News)

Is top draft pick worth it for 49ers? (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

Team shut out of Pro Bowl picks (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

49ers representatives in the Pro Bowl: Zero (Sacramento Bee)

Pro Bowl snub of 49ers irks Ulbrich (Oakland Tribune)

Surprise! Donahue plans to use Niners’ high draft pick (AP)

Niners’ Carter, Winborn to miss rest of season (AP)

Niners’ Carter, Winborn out for the year (The Sports Network)

49ers Say Thank You To Fans! (SF49ers.com)

Carter Joins Injured Reserve List (SF49ers.com)

Ulbrich Is 2004 Hazeltine Winner (SF49ers.com)

‘"When you’re first coming in, me personally, from a small school, my focus was, ‘Please God, let me just stay in the league,’" said McGee, who won the kickoff return job from Antonio Brown in training camp and has been a smash hit with an AFC-leading 26.6-yard average. "To be able to go to the Pro Bowl and put that on my resume, it makes me feel that much (more proud)."’

‘Bledsoe has bought into first-year coach Mike Mularkey’s run-first offensive game plan this season and it’s paying off. But with Willis McGahee and Travis Henry injured and out for Sunday’s must-win game in San Francisco, it could be an ideal time for Bledsoe to deliver his first 300-yard passing performance since the second week of the 2003 season.’

‘”It’s a great opportunity,” said the former Alabama star. “We’re not sure on anybody’s status right now, but I have to be ready to go.”‘

‘”When you play with the fear of losing and going back to where you were, which was not very good, and you know where you don’t want to go, it keeps you on the right path,” said Adams, who was selected to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday. “It’s a great equalizer, losing.”‘

‘But missing out on a chance to even be in contention in the final week by losing to the 49ers? That would be tougher to swallow than any recycled fruitcake that is served this week. So while it truly may be better to give than to receive, the Bills have to make sure they’re not giving away a much-needed win against a clearly inferior opponent. The 49ers aren’t going anywhere this season. Let’s hope the Bills aren’t in that same sled come Sunday.’

‘Special teams, defense and a consistent running attack have helped the Buffalo Bills win five straight games and move into the thick of the AFC wild-card race. The Bills may have to rely more on the first two facets when they visit the San Francisco 49ers.’