Archives for September 2005

‘”Then we start hydrating, getting some fluids in us, and by that time you’re really cranked up and your nerves are flying, so maybe sometimes you just go out on the field and run around a little bit just to get the nerves out of you,” Villarrial said. “I mean, I get nervous. I personally get so nervous sometimes, so tensed out, and I start sweating.”‘

‘”He did better last year than everyone gave him credit for and he’s done well this training camp,” Bills line coach Jim McNally said. “He’s lost weight, he’s healthy and he’s ready to go. We expect it from him and needs to do it. He’s in his fourth year and he should be ready.”‘

‘”Being a head coach in this league is something I’ve aspired to do ever since I became an assistant with the Titans (in 1997),” Gray said this week from his office at Ralph Wilson Stadium. “I’ve always wanted to be the best at every level. I’m not getting impatient; I’m just determined. I believe I’ve got a lot to offer if I get that opportunity.”‘

‘The party starts at 11 a.m. Sunday at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, 701 W Lumsden Road, Brandon, where Bills fans often cheer on their team. Jurgen Wochnik, the O’Brien’s manager, said the pub was preparing for a crowd of several hundred people.’

‘The early portion of the schedule presents a stiff challenge for McGahee and the Bills. Teams will load up against the run, daring J.P. Losman to beat them in his first year as the starting quarterback. Losman threw only five passes as a rookie and missed eight games with a broken leg. “They can stack the box, but that means one-on-one coverage for (wideouts) Eric Moulds and Lee Evans. If they feel they can do it, go ahead and try,” McGahee says, adding, “J.P. is going to shock a lot of people.”‘

‘The Bills, in chasing their first playoff berth since 1999, will rely on their proven defense and hope young Losman avoids fatal mistakes as he operates an offense built around McGahee. Defenses will stack the box against the run, daring Losman to beat them with his arm.’

‘Sources say the likely dates and opponents for the four Saints’ games are Oct. 2 against the Buffalo Bills, Oct. 16 against the Atlanta Falcons, Dec. 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dec. 24 against the Detroit Lions. The Oct. 2 date opened after the Builder’s Showcase Expo at the Alamodome agreed to reschedule, dome director Mike Abington said.’

Gray makes name for himself by staying in Buffalo (Houston Chronicle)

Davis closes on idol (Houston Chronicle)

Can Carr get protection he needs to lead Texans? (AP)

First-round pick anxiously awaits first NFL game (AP)

Texans seek tickets for storm refugees (AP)

Faith in numbers (HoustonTexans.com)

Texans announce gameday changes (HoustonTexans.com)

Inside scoop (HoustonTexans.com)

Back in the groove (HoustonTexans.com)

‘”I had Lawyer over to my house this weekend and he had his Super Bowl ring on. I just kept looking at it and I kept walking around with it, and those are some of the things I want to do,” veteran wide receiver Eric Moulds said. “As an older player you want to win as much as possible. Stats are going to come if you win, so I’m not really concerned about that, but winning for me is the most important thing right now."’

‘”Lee is ready to go,” coach Mike Mularkey said this week as Buffalo prepared to open its regular season hosting Houston on Sunday. “I wouldn’t count numbers based on preseason games. Lee’s prepared. I think he’ll have a productive season.”‘

‘Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early at stadium gates to help facilitate this additional security measure. All fans entering Ralph Wilson Stadium will be subject to and should expect to be patted down by security personnel before going through stadium gates.’

‘If he can’t go, rookie Duke Preston would get his first NFL start.’

‘In an e-mail sent to The Associated Press on Thursday, Clements’ agent, Todd France, wrote there has been no progress in talks with Buffalo to extend his client’s contract beyond this season. "At this point there is nothing to report," France said. France added he expects to meet with Bills president Tom Donahoe on Sunday while attending Buffalo’s season-opener against Houston at Orchard Park.’

‘This season, the Bills Television Network will produce two shows airing on Saturday nights beginning Saturday, September 10. The Mike Mularkey Show returns for its second season. Bills Head Coach Mike Mularkey and Bills play-by-play announcer and WKBW sports director John Murphy will discuss the inside scoop on what it will take for the Bills to navigate the road to Super Bowl XL in Detroit. Mularkey and Murphy will go behind the scenes with Bills players and coaches as they offer their strategic analysis as the 2005 season unfolds. Mularkey will also take the fans to the film room and breakdown key plays from the previous week.’

‘"Yeah man," Preston said after practice Thursday. "I was brought here to do a job and regardless of age, who you are or where you were drafted, when your number is called you have to be ready. And that is the approach I am taking."’