Archives for September 29, 2006

‘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.’

‘"Donte has done a nice job for us," said Bills coach Dick Jauron, who announced the news about Whitner to the team after practice. "He came in late, obviously. He didn’t have any spring with us to speak of. He’s coming along fast, which is great to see."’

‘Which one of your former teammates at Ohio State is going to win the Heisman Trophy?’

‘The Bills coaches forced Losman to stay in the pocket instead of scrambling in training camp, and that was the right thing to do. They want him scanning the field from the pocket and running as a last resort. Part of the reason Vick has taken so long to mature is he bailed out of the pocket too soon his first several years – and he still does at times.’

‘According to the team, Whitner is just the third Bills rookie to win the league’s monthly award, following Gabe Northern in November 1996 and Sam Cowart in October 1998.’

‘Lindell is on one of those rolls that golfers who can’t miss the fairway and batters who can’t miss a pitch get on. The uprights seem as wide as the field itself and they extend all the way up to the clouds.’