Archives for September 28, 2006

‘Three weeks into the season, the Bills rank 25th in the NFL in red zone offense, scoring touchdowns on just 33.3 percent (3 of 9) of their penetrations inside opponents’ 20-yard line.’

‘”We do try to stay on top of everything with our players, but we’re obviously not privy to anything that they don’t want to tell us in terms of emotional or family issues or other issues off the field,” Jauron said.’

‘Losman, who spoke candidly on the subject, said he’s known players that have gone through various stages of depression. “You try to get them out of it,” he said. “Me personally, I’ve been upset and extremely frustrated with things. I think all those things have taken place in my career, whether it was in high school, college or the NFL. … You’ve just got to find a way. Personally, I’ve been fortunate to be around some great people who pulled me out.”‘

‘”J.P. is coming around,” McGahee said when asked if Losman had improved as a team leader. “I would say he’s a whole lot better than he was last year. He’s actually sitting in the pocket, making the reads and making the throws. You can just tell that he’s actually developing a whole lot more than what he was from last year.”‘

Wiggins believes his time will come (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Former Michigan star Henson signed as No. 3 QB (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Depth at linebacker becomes a concern (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Buffalo QB showing leadership (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Vikings Report (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

Vikings grind away loss to Bears (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

Overheard (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

Pat Williams pumped up to play Bills (AP)

Vikings notebook (MinnesotaVikings.com)

Quotes on the Bills game (MinnesotaVikings.com)

Vikings announce roster moves (MinnesotaVikings.com)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and Personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

‘The Bills have improved against the run but their smallish front is still cause for concern. Opponents are still averaging 116 yards per game and a healthy 4.4 yards per carry.’

‘The Bills were committed to keeping draft picks Donte Whitner, Ashton Youboty and Ko Simpson for their secondary. That kind of youth movement also created an urgent need for some experienced depth. Thomas, who has 11 NFL starts, has been a welcomed addition so far.’

‘Since the Bills had more pressing needs at offensive and defensive tackle, the selection of WR Roscoe Parrish was considered a luxury pick for the Bills in 2005. But he’s sure fun to have around.’

‘The Bills have to battle the 2-1 Minnesota Vikings this weekend, who have a terrific secondary, meaning Losman will have difficulty finding a target through the air before the Vikes’ impressive D-line closes in on him. When that happens, he’ll have to run. For the 6-foot-2, 217-pounder, there will be no way around it.’

‘In and of itself, Sunday was a horribly frustrating afternoon – an inexcusable home loss to a relatively weak division team. But in looking at the larger picture, Losman showed something he hadn’t.’

‘”I had a problem with the old coaching staff, but they’re all gone,” Williams said. “They didn’t know what was going on there.” Gregg Williams, Wade Phillips and Levy were the coaches Williams said he liked, but he called Mularkey a “joke” and was not a fan of Donahoe’s direction. The Bills were trying to re-sign Williams in 2004, but he decided to play the year out and enter free agency.’

‘”Nobody comes into your backyard and whups your butt,” he added. “If you’ve got to go into the house and pick up something and go beat them back, you do whatever it takes. But nobody beats you at home.”‘