Archives for September 2006

‘It was not even a remotely close call between Kingsbury and Holcomb. Kingsbury had a great college career. But he did not show the arm strength or physical tools to make a strong run at making the roster.’

‘"Our organization is proud to have Marv Levy promoting our cardiac program," said James Kaskie, President and CEO of Kaleida Health. "Having an endorsement from a Hall of Famer who is noted for his dedication to his personal health speaks volumes about the confidence that he has in our physicians and clinicians."’

‘”What I love about that whole defensive group is their energy, their passion, the way they pursue to the football,” said Jets coach Eric Mangini, himself a former defensive coordinator at New England who knows the importance of a disruptive pass rush. “It’s really impressive.”‘

‘Despite coming off a 5-11 season and missing the playoffs for six consecutive years, despite being without a marquee player to put fannies in the seats, despite operating in one of the league’s smallest and poorest markets, the Bills are succeeding.’

‘According to Schumer, the eight-member owners committee to study revenue sharing will meet Oct. 24th. The senator also said Wilson will meet one-on-one with new NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in November.’

‘The Bills, under the first-year defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, have relied on frequent substitutions, creating opportunities for several players who may otherwise be buried on the depth chart. The defense has also relied on aggressive blitzing and stunts, playing to one of Denney’s strengths: speed. Linebacker Takeo Spikes said, “If you want this scheme to work, you need guys up front coming off the ball, being unselfish, and develop some depth,” so there is not a drop-off when a starter is out.”‘

‘McGahee, 6-foot, 228 pounds, is the engine that drives the Bills’ offense, having put together back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons the past two years. He has the speed to turn the corner and the power and toughness to run inside. He has rushed for 388 yards and two touchdowns on 88 carries (4.4-yard average) against the Jets.’

These Aren’t the Same Old Bills, as a Speedy Defense Spurs a Turnaround (New York Times)

Jets’ Special Teams Coach Looks to Get Back to Top (New York Times)

Glass calf full (New York Post)

Rhodes making strides (New York Post)

McCareins ready, Justin case (New York Daily News)

Jets should run to Smith (New York Daily News)

Mangini takes high Rhodes (New York Daily News)

Awaiting opportunity (Newsday)

Rhodes on right path (Newsday)

Jets’ Coles remains questionable for Sunday (White Plains Journal News)

Bills’ McGahee load of a problem for Vilma, Jets (Newark Star Ledger)

Looks like Barlow will carry the load (Newark Star Ledger)

Finding new Rhodes to success (Bergen Record)

Jets notebook (Bergen Record)

Jets’ Coles questionable for Bills game with calf injury (AP)

Inside the Locker Room (NewYorkJets.com)

The Rhodes to the Top (NewYorkJets.com)

Fantasy Final: Week Three (NewYorkJets.com)

On the Road Again (NewYorkJets.com)

‘When it’s all said and done around 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, expect the victor to be the Bills, 20-10.’

‘Schumer is rooting for team owner Ralph Wilson. He understands Wilson’s concerns about hammering out a collective bargaining agreement that treats small markets like Buffalo fairly. “But it’s a constant fight because obviously the big teams from places like New York or Chicago or LA have a lot of clout and they have more money.”‘

‘The Bills linebacker went on to say that he is very comfortable in the system the team plays on defense, and that he is able to just go out there and make plays. "I can just let my athletic ability take over out there and not as much thinking. If you think to much, it doesn’t allow you to play fast, you’re less worried about making mistakes." When asked if the scheme was simple, Crowell said, "The system isn’t simple, it just allows you to play fast."’

‘I like the Bills to win 20-13.’

‘Takeo Spikes refuses to budge from his belief this is a rebuilding season for the young and retooled Buffalo Bills. What the star linebacker didn’t anticipate was how far ahead of schedule the process might be.’

‘Wire survived because he’s bright – sociology degree from Stanford – has extremely high character and is outstanding on special teams. And, sure enough, in the season’s second week he showed it.’

‘”He’s a real weapon,” special teams coach Bobby April said. “It’s not easy for them to start like that, way down there. You do it once or twice, and it’s `Gosh, he killed us.’ But five times, that’s just crushing.” “It was a magnificent performance,” added Bills general manager Marv Levy. “The impact it had on the outcome of the football game was monumental.”‘