Archives for September 2006

‘When it was all said and done, the Bills had just one meaningless sack and a 28-20 loss. The optimism that had raged like a pep rally bonfire after last week’s Fish-squishing victory in Miami had been doused by a harsh dose of reality. Their 1-2 record is a reminder that the Bills remain in rebuilding mode.’

‘It didn’t help that the Bills’ offense went 1 of 4 in converting fourth downs and came away with only three points after driving to the Jets’ 35-, 19-, 26- and 1-yard lines early on.’

‘Buffalo dominated the first quarter but only led 7-0, and then the Jets made their first big offensive play which clearly woke them up. On a third-and-four from his own 47, Chad Pennington dumped a pass to Leon Washington, beating a blitz that left a gaping expanse in the middle of the field. Washington raced 47 yards to the Buffalo 3, setting up Kevan Barlow’s TD that tied the game.’

‘The Bills would’ve won this game if not for three turnovers, and coaches don’t include those in the game plan. Still, they aren’t totally off the hook. Dick Jauron got too cute calling for a fake field goal early in the game that was botched and seemed to open a floodgate of errors.’

‘Family and friends of Bills wide receiver Lee Evans are also usually in the RV lot. Evans’ mother, Annette, said they make the three-hour drive from the Cleveland area each Saturday to stake out a spot for the 42-foot RV.’

‘”It’s funny, but people outside the region don’t have any perspective of what goes on in this community on a Sunday until they get here and walk around on game day,” Brandon said. “That is our biggest marketing tool.”‘

‘Let’s look at five of the hidden moments in this disappointing loss that cost the Bills their first chance for a 2-1 start since 2003.’

‘So just how does that happen? How could Losman have his best day, and running back Willis McGahee enjoy his best day as a pro, running for 150 yards on 26 carries, in what turned out to be a dispiriting loss? It came down to five plays, really — and some calm, clever, opportunistic game management from Jets quarterback Chad Pennington.’

‘Jets second-year safety Kerry Rhodes got the last laugh on his former college nemesis, Bills quarterback J.P. Losman, and he figures to do the same to several more quarterbacks this season.’

‘But the Jets defense, led by nose tackle Dewayne Robertson, who finished with just two tackles but clogged up the middle, held McGahee to just 36 yards on eight carries after intermission.’

With College Try, Jets’ Defense Takes Losman to School (New York Times)

Buffeted at Buffalo, Jets Hold It Together (New York Times)

Jets beginning to take flight (New York Post)

Riding smooth Rhodes (New York Post)

Mates give Chatham needed relief (New York Post)

Latest victory fits Jets’ Bill (New York Daily News)

Mangini & Co. wing it in Buffalo (New York Daily News)

Jets shuffle RBs to no avail (New York Daily News)

Blitzing Rhodes is all the rage (New York Daily News)

‘Same old’ losing its Jets meaning (Newsday)

Mangini era: Encouraging start (Newsday)

Running in some new running backs lifts Jets (Newsday)

The Rhodes to the pocket (Newsday)

Slow start did not stop Coles (Newsday)

Jets Q&A (Newsday)

Grading the Jets (Newsday)

Bills get stats, but Jets get win (White Plains Journal News)

Chatham’s mistake doesn’t cost Jets game (White Plains Journal News)

Jets find footing on road (Newark Star Ledger)

Rhodes schools Losman again (Newark Star Ledger)

Defense stymies Bills RB (Newark Star Ledger)

The morning after (Newark Star Ledger)

Gang Green making it happen now (Bergen Record)

Hobson happy to help (Bergen Record)

Jets’ notebook (Bergen Record)

Game balls (Bergen Record)

Jets’ ‘D’ bends, but breaks Bills (Middletown Times Herald Record)

Rookie ready when Jets call (Middletown Times Herald Record)

QB’s arm fine; so is his heart (Albany Times Union)

Jets Travel Down the Right Rhodes (NewYorkJets.com)

‘Losman threw for 328 yards, including a 51-yard score to Roscoe Parrish on the game’s second play. Losman ran for a 12-yard touchdown with one-15 remaining, but he also tossed an interception and lost two fumbles.’

‘Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office was counting the number of people arrested at the game. There were 17 arrests, including two for assault. One man was hit in the face with a beer bottle.’

‘”We came out here at 7 o’clock to tailgate and party,” said Thomas Skye, another fan.’

‘According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the New York Jets are the Bills biggest rival, not the Miami Dolphins. They say you can tell by the behavior of the fans at last year’s game in Buffalo.’