Archives for January 2, 2005

‘With their playoff lives on the line and just down by a point, the Bills offense was set to roll. But on third-and-six from their own 24-yard line, the cold Buffalo wind seemed to blow away their chances. The veteran Bledsoe could not get away from rookie Ricardo Colclough, who sacked him for a seven-yard loss and knocked the ball loose. James Harrison was right there and caught the ball in mid-air and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown, giving the Steelers a 26-17 lead that the Bills couldn’t overcome.’

‘The key moments of the game that led to the Bills demise were untimely turnovers and a missed 29 yard field goal by Ryan Lindell in the third quarter that really switched momentum. Buffalo lost two fumbles and two interceptions in the game that led to 10 Pittsburgh points.’

‘The game turned late in the third quarter after Buffalo’s Rian Lindell missed wide right on a 28-yard field-goal attempt that left the Bills clinging to a 17-16 lead. The Steelers responded on their next drive when Jeff Reed hit a 37-yarder, set up by Parker’s 58-yard run.’

‘The Steelers took the lead for good on a 37-yard field goal by Reed 11 seconds into the fourth quarter, his fourth of the game. Harrison scored 1:25 later after rookie defensive back Ricardo Colclough jarred the ball loose from Bledsoe, increasing the lead to 26-17.’

‘After Rian Lindell missed a 28-yard field goal that would have given the Bills a four-point lead, Parker raced 58 yards down the left sideline on the next play to set up a 37-yard field goal by Reed to put the Steelers ahead 19-17.’

‘The Bills currently stand No. 3 overall in defensive yards allowed per game, trailing Pittsburgh and Washington heading into the final week of the NFL season.’

‘Pittsburgh has the best rushing defense in the league and will be ready to stop Willis McGahee. The Steelers have been wearing down and punishing runners for most of the season and Willis will be next on their list. “They’re tough op front,” McGahee said. “It doesn’t change how I prepare. It’s just like any other game.”‘

‘"I told our people it’s business as usual," Mularkey said. "Whatever you typically do on a Sunday during our game (regarding out-of-town scores), just do the same thing."’

‘"They’re physical up front. They got a nice linebacking corps. They’re all on point right now. They’re playing good ball. They’re on a good high, and they’re going to come in here with the intention of winning."’

‘I doubt the Steelers will do that. Their franchise has been the Rooney family’s from the start. Integrity came with the family coat of arms.’

‘So whatever happens today, be sure to savor the moment. I don’t care who the Bills have played, this six-game winning streak is one of the more incredible runs we’ll ever see. Back in October, who would have imagined that the Bills would show up for the season finale with something to play for, with a possible playoff berth on the line?’

‘Bills’ win streak reaches seven as they beat depleted Steelers, 20-13.’

‘"I was telling him they’re like fire and ice," Fletcher said. "They’re two totally different temperament-type players, which is good. The way we run our defense, the strong safety a lot of times is like a fourth linebacker. He has that hitter’s mentality, that chip on his shoulder, that attitude. Lawyer plays with a lot of aggression, a lot of anger. Lawyer’s definitely angry on the football field."’

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‘In the big picture, as Cowher so often says, his relationship with Donahoe means nothing. But even though today’s game means little for the Steelers, don’t think for a minute that Cowher wouldn’t love to beat the Bills today and keep Donahoe out of the playoffs.’