Archives for September 2005

‘The top eight teams in total revenue last season averaged about $75 million more than those in the bottom quarter, according to Forbes Magazine figures. The big-market teams were led by Washington, which had $287 million in total revenue, according to Forbes. Vincent said the Bills were about 26th. (Forbes puts Buffalo at $173 million.)’

‘Tasker cherished his time playing for DeHaven but now, eight years removed from his retirement, he admits there’s one other guy he would have liked to have played for: current Bills’ special teams coach Bobby April. “Both great coaches,” Tasker said. “Bruce was linked with Marv (Levy), who was very conservative. We had fakes, but it was only in desperation or at the perfect time to run them. Bobby rolls the dice a little more and I like that. I think it has its place.”‘

‘”We feel we are the focal point, the strong point of the Buffalo Bills,” says Spikes, who is coming off an All-Pro season in which he intercepted five passes – two of which he returned for touchdowns – and forced four fumbles. “So, we take it upon ourselves. We have very high expectations. We want to dominate and get the job done, no matter how many minutes we have to spend on the field, no matter where the ball is when we go out there.”‘

‘”We have to be smart how we handle the game plan with him early,” coach Mike Mularkey said of Losman. “And we will.”‘

‘”It would be an amazing story, an amazing part of our lives,” Losman said. “It would bring us three closer than we ever thought we could be as teammates. I just feel it’s a special chance to be a special trio, if you will. But we still have a lot of games to play and a lot of ‘Ws’ to earn before that can happen.”‘

‘Ralph Wilson Stadium officially opened on Aug. 17, 1973, covering 113 acres. Today, the Stadium has a capacity of 73,967. The largest crowd at the stadium was 80,368 vs. Miami on Oct. 4, 1992. 164 suites, 8 club areas have been added since its inception. In addition, the stadium has 127 restroom locations and can park 12,000 cars, 300 buses and 250 campers.’

‘Popular opinion No. 1 is that Losman merely has to be light on mistakes for the Bills to succeed. With the league’s No. 2 defence returning essentially intact and an offence loaded with the star power of running back Willis McGahee and receivers Eric Moulds and Lee Evans, there are enough supporting tools. Popular opinion No. 2 is that opponents will bring the blitz early on to put the onus on Losman to make or break it.’

‘”It’s been an emphasis for eight months,” Mularkey said. “Obviously these guys understand we can’t start 0-4 and put the pressure on ourselves that we put on ourselves last year.”‘

‘”There was a time-out and I could hear Jonathan laying into some of his teammates,” she recalled. “I was mortified. That game couldn’t end soon enough for me. On the ride home that night, I gave him an earful. I told him that was no way to be a leader. I told him you should be encouraging your teammates, not tearing them down. I think I got my point across.”‘

‘Q: So, Eric, we’ve seen the national football magazines describe you as a receiver in decline. What’s your reaction to that? A: “It bothers you a lot, but at the same time it’s something to prove wrong and if you can do that, those people have to eat their words. I’m looking forward to this season and I think people will be impressed with what I’m about to do.”‘

‘So what can we expect from the Bills as they kick off season No. 46 this afternoon? We can expect …’.

Out to prove he can win (Houston Chronicle)

Win now or tear up blueprint (Houston Chronicle)

Texans hope to make a splash at Buffalo, but will they be able? (San Antonio Express News)

Texans hope investment in defense pays dividends (Shreveport Times)

For rookie, Bills a tougher challenge than Duke (Indianapolis Star)

‘Peformance statistics for each team in various situations are listed.’

‘Both the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans have issues with the quarterback position.’

‘”I’m going to be pumped up,” Losman said. “This whole city, everywhere I go, whether it’s to go eat, walk downstairs at my apartment, everyone is just talking about it. So I’ll have to force myself to calm down.”‘