Archives for November 2005

‘However, unless Williams makes vast improvement, it appears that the former No. 4 overall draft choice will not start Sunday when the Bills visit San Diego.’

‘Holcomb’s concussion actually gives the waffling Mularkey the perfect excuse to go back to J.P. Right now, Holcomb is the Bills’ unsung hero for taking the shot heard ’round western New York. A rib injury to Rob Johnson once opened the door for Doug Flutie to step through. It’s up to Losman to make this his Wally Pipp moment.’

‘As he was carted off the field, the driver swung him by the Bills’ bench where Losman and head coach Mike Mularkey came out and shook his hand and shared a few laughs. Losman had a few words for the security guard before he left the field. “I told him, ‘You took one for the team buddy. I appreciate it,’ ” Losman said.’

‘As I see it, J.P. should work all week as the #1 quarterback and start, while Holcomb lets the cob webs from a concussion clear. If Holcomb is cleared to play, then he can be there again if Losman struggles, which could easily happen against a Chargers defense that is #1 against the run in the NFL.’

‘Kelly Holcomb is not the future. I think it’s probably time to let the kid get back in there. He showed that he might be ready to play the rest of the way. I think the Bills schedule remains too difficult for them to make a legitimate playoff run. But, the longer they are still in the pressure of a playoff race, the better it will be for Losman. So let’s keep the hope alive, and hope J.P. remains fighting mad.’

‘If Holcomb is healthy and the coaches conclude Losman can’t handle the things San Diego does defensively, Holcomb may get the nod. But if Holcomb’s practice repetitions are limited, it may become a moot point.’

‘Coaching: B-minus — Losman provided the spark, but that was just dumb luck for Mike Mularkey and his staff, who only turned to their former starter after Holcomb was injured.’

‘Offensive lineman Mike Williams is headed for the bench after his miserable debut at guard on Sunday. Williams, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 draft who lost his starting right tackle job to Jason Peters, lasted just four series against the Chiefs at left guard. Those four series ended with a tipped pass, a botched flea-flicker, a sack on fourth down, and a sack/lost fumble when quarterback Kelly Holcomb suffered a concussion.’

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

‘Holcomb suffered a concussion in the second quarter and was still suffering from headaches on Monday. According to Mularkey, Holcomb’s health and ability to practice this week will play a role in his decision on the starting QB. Mularkey also announced that Troy Vincent will undergo an MRI on his shoulder.’

‘"We had a lot of young players step in and play well for us," coach Mike Mularkey said Monday. "I think it’s a great confidence builder for their play, and I know it’s a confidence builder for a coaching staff that you’ve got guys like that able to step in in big games like that and perform."’

‘Sam Adams has expressed his displeasure with the team’s defensive schemes. How do you and the coaches address this problem to get everyone on the same page and avoid possible dissension?’

‘What was the logic behind the play called on fourth and 1 around midfield? It worked last year but this was a totally different situation. Why not just hand it off to Willis McGahee?’

‘Aaron Schobel: Posted his 11th career multi-sack game as he took down Trent Green two times…the sacks also marked Schobel’s third game this season with two sacks and his seven sacks on the year are a team high and currently rank third in the AFC…Schobel has been productive over the last three games, posting five sacks in the last three games giving him his fourth career streak of three+ games with a sack…Coupled with his multi-sack performance at New England (10/30), Schobel has posted back-to-back multi-sack games for the second time in his career.’

‘"Any injury to the head, neck, back, you’ve got to be very cautious with," Mularkey said. "I think he’s better today, but not where we’d clear him to go. We’ll see Wednesday."’