‘The Bengals have a Pro Bowl kicker in Shayne Graham, the Bills have a Pro Bowl punter in Brian Moorman. The Bills have a Pro Bowl kick returner in Terrence McGee, second in the NFL with 29.1 yards per return, against a Bengals kick coverage team that is second in the NFL. The Bengals have an emerging kick return star in rookie Tab Perry, eighth in the NFL and within six returns and 113 yards of setting the club’s single season records, working against the league’s top cover team. While Perry uses brute power and force, McGee is a slashing speed guy with hellacious cutbacks. The Bengals discipline is going to be tested because they’ll have to stay in their lanes. One concern is their leading special teams tackler, linebacker Marcus Wilkins, hasn’t practiced all week and is questionable with a hand injury.’
Archives for December 23, 2005
Bengals can make history at home
‘When they pack their bags, the Bills evidently leave something behind. They’ve lost six in a row on the road, their worst showing since they dropped 22 straight from 1983-86. They’ve scored only eight touchdowns in six road games, and given up 20.’
Bills’ Williams won’t play against Cincinnati
Bills offensive lineman Mike Williams will miss Saturday’s game in Cincinnati because of an injury to his back and chest. He was hurt in the first half of Buffalo’s loss to Carolina, forcing him to miss the past three games. He also was inactive for two games this season because of an ankle injury.
Bengals’ triplets are set to ruin Christmas for the Bills
‘Bengals win 37-10.’
Cincinnati gets rid of ‘Bungles’
‘”It’s great to be a part of something that has completely changed,” Palmer said. “This organization has taken a 360 turn, and to have that respect and have people speak of us that way is a big honor. It’s a lot to live up to.”‘
Bengals are Bills’ third straight division-leading foe
‘Why are the Bills 4-10? Ten of their 14 games have been against opponents with a .500 record or better. The only wins over teams at .500 or better were against the Kansas City Chiefs (8-6) and the Miami Dolphins (7-7), who had a losing record when they fell to the Bills. Buffalo has met only four teams with losing records, winning two of them, and visits the 3-11 New York Jets on Jan. 1. It was much easier for the Bills last season when they feasted on weaker opposition. Seven of their nine wins came against teams that were .500 or worse.’
Speedy Booker gave the Bills an edge on the corner
‘Who’s the best Bills player to never make the Pro Bowl?’
Battle special for sure
‘Not much has gone right for the Bills in a 4-10 season, but they have perhaps the best special teams unit in the NFL and with that comes the ability to change the momentum of a game and field position on one play. “They do as good of a job as anybody in the NFL …” Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons said before correcting himself. “They do a better job than anybody in the NFL of controlling field position. This is by far the best group of special teams we’ll face. That’s not an indictment on anybody else, but they play really well.”‘
Wyche still in the game
‘Mularkey believed Wyche, known for his creative offensive approach and role in the development of Joe Montana, Boomer Esiason and Trent Dilfer, could prepare J.P. Losman for the starting quarterback job in Buffalo. The Bills designated their first-round draft pick in 2004 as the starter entering this season. A shoulder injury prevented Losman, who has fought inconsistency all season, from playing in Buffalo’s most recent game, and backup Kelly Holcomb is expected to start against the Bengals as Buffalo attempts to break a five-game losing streak Saturday. “J.P. is going to be a good quarterback,” Wyche said. “He’s a shifty guy. He can run. He’s got a rifle arm.”‘
Wyche pioneered the no-huddle
‘The Bills, naturally, do utilize the no-huddle offense at times. “That fast-break kind of football is fun,” Wyche said. “The networks hate it. They can’t get their 10-second promos in. But other than that, it’s fun for the people in the stands, for sure.”‘
Losman can take a cue from Palmer
‘If ever there is a player Losman should aspire to emulate, it’s Palmer, because the circumstances surrounding the starts of their careers are strikingly similar.’
Friday’s Cincinnati Coverage (Updated 9:00 a.m.)
Wyche still in the game (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Wyche pioneered the no-huddle (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Thurman, Bengals ready for Bills (Cincinnati Enquirer)
The two faces of Bengal fandom (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Stripe your ride (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Battle special for sure (Cincinnati Post)
Players have to adjust to Saturday game (Cincinnati Post)
Tale of two ‘backers (Dayton Daily News)
Playoff tickets will be difficult to find (Dayton Daily News)
Washington stays prepared despite limited playing time (Columbus Dispatch)
Former ‘Who Dey’ greats shuffle into Triple Crown (Chillicothe Gazette)
Former Vol Washington makes most of chance (AP)
Marvin Lewis statement on Tony Dungy (Bengals.com)
Thurman works, but questionable (Bengals.com)
Bengals Linebackers Donate Tickets (Bengals.com)
Pro Bowl selections raise eyebrows (Bengals.com)