Archives for October 3, 2006

‘That’s not to say the Bills are a playoff team, but they also seem better than the four victories many predicted.’

‘"Willis played really an exceptional game," Jauron said. "He was outstanding in every area. Some terrific runs in the course of the game that are visible to everybody. And he made a lot of blocks, aggressive blocks. That’s the best I’ve seen him play since I’ve been here, and he’s played well every week."’

Childress says final play could have been better (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

After the dust settles (MinnesotaVikings.com)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

‘"If Chris can’t go then we’ll probably stay with what we have," said Jauron. That means Preston, who stepped in to spell Villarrial six times as a rookie last season, would do so again this Sunday. But the second-year lineman won’t prepare any differently than he has each week.’

‘The game, which Fletcher-Baker demonstrated Tuesday at Amherst Central High School, tests students money skills in an online football simulation environment: The more students know about money and finances, the more they advance the ball.’

‘”We did a lot better job,” said Denney about defending the three-step drop like that of Pennington or the Vikings’ Brad Johnson. “We talked about this last week. When they do that three-step drop, there is not a whole lot you can do except get your hands up. We got a few tips and a big play on the interception. That’s the best thing you can do sometimes with this offense.”‘

‘Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman faced a lot of heat from the Minnesota Vikings, who augmented their pass rush with plenty of blitzes. Losman was sacked three times, but the third-year passer had one of his best days as a pro by showing a lot of cool under fire. Here are a few examples…’.

‘”He was a free guy running loose, and it’s my job to pick up any guy who leaks through,” McGahee said Monday. “I just put my feet down and braced my body for a big impact. It’s nothing to brag about. But trust me, I was happy I made the block.”‘

‘Their respect for the Bears and coach Lovie Smith is a big reason Jauron and Fewell are downplaying their return to the Windy City. “It’s a chance for our players to see how they stack up against a playoff team,” said Fewell, Smith’s former secondary coach. “I think if we just keep our heads about ourselves and do our work, we’ll challenge them. But that’s a good football team over there. I still watch them every week, and I admire the way they play and what they do. It’ll be emotional from that standpoint, seeing those guys. But I’m a Buffalo Bill now and I’m going there to get a ‘W.'”

‘It looks like offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild is starting to trust Losman a little more each game. He’s allowing J.P. more latitude, and I thought Losman handled the load pretty well. He seems to be improving in his decision-making, he completed passes to eight different receivers, so he’s seeing the field better, and you can tell by his body language that his confidence is growing.’

‘Levy said game day is much different for him than when he was a coach. He sits in the press box, isn’t connected electronically to the sideline and will not meddle. ”During the game, the coach is down there making 200 decisions, and he has only 30 seconds to make each one of them,” Levy said. ”I’m up here trying to look wise while wondering what they’re going to serve at halftime.”’

‘But what was equally as impressive about Losman’s day was his effectiveness within the Bills offensive scheme. That’s where the real progress is being made. Losman got everyone involved.’

‘Buffalo’s playmaking allowed it to overcome 15 penalties. Losman said his job becomes easy when his receivers are making things happen. “I think they’re all amazing guys,” he said. “It makes my job easier. I can throw a hitch and there’s Lee picking up an extra four, five or six yards. Josh, I threw it up to him and he made a great catch. Those things can’t go unnoticed and those players need to be recognized for it.”‘

‘But overall, Jauron and his staff deserve credit for their team’s gutsy effort in overcoming their mistakes and winning an ugly game.’

‘The Bills’ already suspect offensive line depth will be put to a stiff test this weekend in Chicago. Former Bears guard Chris Villarrial suffered a high right ankle sprain early in the second half blocking on a goal-line play and did not return. X-Rays were negative but he left the locker room wearing a large protective boot. Such injuries can take up to 4-6 weeks to heal, but coach Dick Juaron did not have a long-term prognosis on Monday. Villarrial was replaced in the lineup at right guard by second-year pro Duke Preston, who filled in for an injured Villarrial last season on several occasions and started one game.’