Archives for December 11, 2005

‘Offensive Line: Chris Villarrial returned to the lineup and was called for a devastating false start penalty in the red zone in the first quarter. Mike Gandy had two false start penalties. One of them deflated the momentum of a big pass to Evans. There were no holes for the running game and Losman was running for his life most of the game. Grade F-: The reason for the inevitable demise of the Donahoe era.’

‘J.P. Losman was a lowly 10-of-27 for 181 yards with three interceptions and a late TD for the Bills (4-9), who have dropped four straight. Willis McGahee was held to three yards on eight attempts, while Buffalo as a team was limited to just 14 net rushing yards.’

‘Worst news of all for the Bills; owner Ralph Wilson was in attendance and saw first hand what a mess his team has become.’

‘Gameballs: None – In this total failure of a week, that ended with this total failure of an effort. Why should anyone get a gameball?’

‘The fans showed their displeasure Sunday, leaving en masse after Rian Lindell missed a 32-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the third quarter. One fan, standing behind two Moulds’ jerseys draped over the wall in the end zone, wore a bag over his head. Another fan held a sign reading, “Free Eric.”‘

‘McGahee was hurt in the second quarter when he went down to block Patriots’ defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who had burst up the middle deep in Buffalo territory. McGahee upended Seymour, but was struck in the helmet by Seymour’s left knee.’

‘General manager Tom Donahoe appears to be on shaky ground, particularly now that taking wide receiver Roscoe Parrish instead of an offensive lineman with the team’s first draft pick this season now appears to have been a colossal mistake. Mularkey’s job could be saved only by the assumption that owner Ralph Wilson won’t want to eat the remaining three years of his contract. That said, Mularkey could be forced to revamp his coaching staff, including both coordinators. Overall grade: Given the enormous expectations and the Bills’ failure to meet them, it’s hard to find much positive from this season. D.’

‘Gut check. Character test. A measure of the team’s unity.’

‘The Bills signed Peters out of the University of Arkansas with the notion there must be a role in the NFL for someone who fills the doorway and yet possesses smooth, almost balletic qualities. And so it has been that all discussion of Peters seems to have revolved around his physical gifts. What’s easily overlooked is his eye for detail, his innate ability to apply rapidly accumulated knowledge.’

‘Patriots 20, Bills 13.’

‘Mularkey has displayed a leaden hand when dealing with his players.’

‘The other day, a friend told me it must be tough to write harsh things about the Bills’ players and management. Actually, it’s easy at a time like this. The organization’s flaws are numerous and clear. I’m merely giving voice to the frustrations of others.’

‘Faced with the titanic challenge of playing the Patriots in a game that carries high stakes may be just what the Bills need to sharpen their focus and forget the tumult that has marked the last seven days. “They’re trying to clinch the division and we’re going to do all we can to make sure that doesn’t happen on our clock,” said defensive end Chris Kelsay. “In order to do that, we have to stay focused on what’s ahead and not worry about what’s behind us or what distractions there might be.”‘

‘I know Eric Moulds has been an important mentor for you, Sam. Is this an awkward position to be in?

“Well, whatever the coaches tell me to do, I’ll do it. That’s my job. But I look up to Eric. I can go to his house and ask him a question any time and he’s always available. Things happen for a reason and whatever reason it is, hopefully it’ll work out for the best. I’ve talked to him. He was upset after the game last week but we all were upset.”‘

‘So much for the weather advantage Buffalo normally enjoys. Since 1993, the Patriots are 23-2 in games played when the temperature was below 35 degrees, including 14 wins in a row.’