Archives for August 2005

‘The Bills weren’t exactly error-free, running up a string of penalties. “I thought it was sloppy, and we have some things to address,” Mularkey said. “But with the first preseason game, some of those things are expected. You hope they don’t happen, but it’s the first time for a lot of those guys when the bullets are flying.”‘

‘The most encouraging aspect regarding Losman’s performance in an otherwise meaningless 17-10 Buffalo victory in Indianapolis were the things he did that predecessor Bledsoe can’t do. Move and improvise.’

‘The Kellys didn’t find out that Hunter had Krabbe disease until he was 4 months old. By then it was too late for treatment. “Three thousand babies die every year because they’re born in the wrong state,” Kelly said.’

‘The Bills did defeat the Colts 17-10 in their first preseason game, but it had little to do with the offense. A special teams blocked punt for a touchdown, and defensive support were the major helping hand in this one. In fact, Losman was never settled on his feet, and appeared to bounce in the pocket like a pinball. He even took off a couple of times to try to get rid of some of his nervousness.’

‘The Bills opened up their pre-season schedule with a win in Indianapolis on Saturday night, but more importantly the team got a feel for what needs work over the next several weeks before the opener with Houston, and most of that work will need to come on the offense.’

‘Because of the Kellys, New York State will begin screening newborns for the disease. Jim Kelly: “You don’t have to see your kids suffer like my son, not just with Krabbes but many other diseases.” If caught just after birth, an umbilical cord blood transplant can halt its effects.’

‘As for quarterback J.P. Losman and the Buffalo Bills’ starting offense, well, let’s just say both are still a work in progress.’

‘Not only is that style of coaching civilized, it’s smart.’

‘”I really like where they are, and I’m not saying that because I have an affinity for the Buffalo Bills,” said the team’s Hall of Fame former coach, Marv Levy, prior to Saturday’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. “Their defense was magnificent last year, and it came on stronger and stronger. (Running back) Willis McGahee will be much better now that he’s fully healthy. The special teams, in my opinion, were the best in the league and the most dangerous as far as the return game.”‘

‘”It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I knew that by coming up here and being the grand marshal and to be able to spread the word about what we’re doing will help,” he said. “My son, Hunter, wants me to be here because he realized the people we can touch with this. I can’t wait to say, “Gentlemen, start your engines,’ because my son is going to be right with me looking down from above.”‘

‘"I think J.P. just settled down as the half progressed," said Evans. "He was able to get a few completions and get into a rhythm which is what you need to do. I think we were all playing with a little more confidence offensively in the second quarter. J.P. made some plays and got into a nice rhythm and we were able to connect at the end of the half, so I feel pretty good about how we finished the first half."’

‘Leave it to the Buffalo Bills defense and special teams to steal some of quarterback J.P. Losman’s thunder.’

‘But what may have been even more impressive was the way the defense shut down the Colts after Losman fumbled on Buffalo’s first play of the third quarter, giving the Colts the ball in the red zone. Good teams do that. Find a way to pick each other up during times of adversity.’

Colts’ push comes up short (Indianapolis Star)

Confusion reigns on TD (Indianapolis Star)

A night for the reserves (Colts.com)

Backup battle (Colts.com)

Game photos (Colts.com)

Colts Hang Tough Against Bills (ColtPower.com)

‘“The whole night, I really didn’t feel comfortable running or throwing,” Losman said. “The ball just didn’t come out right, sometimes it happens.”’