Archives for September 2006

‘”The thing about Andre was when he was inside, it didn’t matter if it was an 8-yard pass or a 12-yard pass, it was about his effectiveness running after the catch,” Jim Kelly said. “The workout ethic he had, the strength he had – that was Andre’s trademark. He was so good inside nobody could ever bump him, nobody could ever touch him.”‘

‘Each has been worth every penny. In his two-plus seasons with Minnesota, Winfield has averaged 100 tackles per year and has nine interceptions (he had seven total with Buffalo). Last week against Chicago, he notched 10 tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. Williams, a premier run-stuffer, led Vikings defensive linemen in tackles last year with 88, including nine for losses, and was mentioned for the Pro Bowl. This year, he has 13 tackles and two quarterback pressures. Surrounded by scores of other big names, the ex-Bills are part of a Vikings defense that ranks 12th in yards, 10th against the run, fifth in the red zone, seventh on third down, and 11th in points allowed.’

‘Sen. Clinton “has been wanting to go to a Bills game for quite some time,” said spokeswoman Jennifer Hanley. Sunday will be the first time Sen. Clinton has attended a Bills game, she said.’

‘On former Bills President Tom Donohoe: “He didn’t know what he was doing. He messed everything up, getting rid of all the good players. He was doing the same thing in Pittsburgh he was doing in Buffalo – messing it up. He was there five years. He messed it up five years.”

On former Bills coach Mike Mularkey: “He was a joke, too. That’s why he ain’t there, either.”‘

Humbled Henson pours himself into opportunity (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Whitaker says he didn’t give Bears a clue on winning TD (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Blaine tired of waiting on Vikings (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

Out of the loop (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

Leber has practiced, may be ready to play (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

On and on (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

On and on, part II (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

He said, she said (MinnesotaVikings.com)

Coach of the week (MinnesotaVikings.com)

‘And Winfield made it clear he has no regrets on choosing the Vikings, who made the playoffs in his first season, despite an 8-8 record, and last year just missed them after going 9-7 in the face of the Party Boat scandal, in which he was not involved. “For my career, financially, it was definitely the right move to Minnesota,” he maintained.’

‘A 90-minute wine tasting, followed by a sit down gourmet dinner, auction, and awards ceremony will highlight the 6th annual Harvest Festival presented by the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006 at the Adams Mark Grand Ballroom in Buffalo, NY.’

‘Melvin Fowler vs. Pat Williams – The former Bills defensive tackle is still a menace inside on run downs and often alters the path of inside run plays. Fortunately for Buffalo, Fowler is very familiar with Williams’ game having practiced against him all of last season when he played for Minnesota. Fowler will have to use technique and his quick feet to consistently outmaneuver ‘Big Pat’.’

‘From exit strategies to game plans; Yale graduates don’t know how to make adjustments and the former Bulldog, Jauron, is no different.’

‘Dick Jauron will see a team that gave away a home division game to a mediocre (at best) opponent. Looking ahead at the next two weeks, things don’t get any easier. The Vikings (2-1) come into town next week before a trip to Chicago (3-0) to tangle with a suffocating defense. The Bills are probably not going to the playoffs anyway in a stacked AFC, but you never give games away, especially in your division at home.’

‘"Bill and Hillary will be here in time for the scheduled 1 p.m. kickoff," in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, Berchtold said.’

‘Coach Dick Jauron said after Friday’s practice that Spikes is on “the downside of 50-50,” but added the player will be a gametime decision. Spikes, who remains questionable on the official injury report, had practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday.’

‘That’s why I like the Vikes to win 20-10.’

‘The former first couple will be the guest of Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. for the National Football League game on Sunday, according to Jennifer Hanley, the senator’s spokeswoman.’

‘Neither player wanted to leave Buffalo, but the Bills wouldn’t meet their asking price. The Vikings were more than willing. In 2004, they outbid the New York Jets by signing Winfield to a six-year, $35 million contract that included $10.8 million in guarantees. A year later, Minnesota lured Williams away from several other teams with a three-year, $13 million contract that included $6 million in guarantees.’