Archives for October 13, 2006

‘Buffalo’s offensive line vs. Detroit’s front four. Because the Bills rely so heavily on their ground game with McGahee, it’s important that the Lions stop the run like they did against Seattle and Green Bay. If Preston starts in place of Villarreal, it could cause some serious matchup problems with Lions tackle Shaun Rogers.’

‘Clements remains listed as questionable with a sore right quadriceps, which he hurt in Buffalo’s 40-7 loss at Chicago last weekend. He had been held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday.’

‘The Bills were forced to alter their workout schedule on Friday. Meetings, which are normally held early Friday morning, were pushed back until 12 Noon and practice was changed to 2:25-3:50 p.m.’

‘Bills 20, Lions 16.’

‘Part of the problem has been the need to make some changes to the unit. Former wedge captain Justin Bannan was lost in free agency and fullback Joe Burns didn’t make the team this summer. That forced April to plug other players into those positions. Daimon Shelton was tried at fullback along with Anthony Thomas. Tim Anderson and rookie Kyle Williams were used on the wedge as was Duke Preston. The lack of continuity from last season’s lineup has required the new members of the unit to jell with the vets.’

‘Royal, who caught 18 passes in a blocking role in Washington last year, says he wants to catch balls but he’s also happy to block. “I’m just trying to take the same approach that I’ve taken the whole season: go out and work hard and continue to try to improve on the things I’ve been doing well thus far,” he said. “And when the opportunity comes just try to be ready. I’d love for it to happen.”‘

‘Vincent will receive his full salary of $2.6 million from the Bills. He originally signed a six-year contract with the Bills, through 2009. His salary cap charges for future years now roll into this year’s salary cap, and it’s believed he now will count $5 million against the cap this year.’

‘Q: What are the chances the Bills can trade Nate Clements before the trade deadline, since he’s so likely to sign somewhere else in the offseason anyway? A: Just about zero.’

‘Unlike players placed on injured reserve with serious injuries, the designation Vincent received was not season-ending. When he became healthy, as he is now, the Bills were obligated to release him and he’s now free to sign with any team as a free agent for the remainder of this season – except the Bills.’

‘”I liked the way about him last Sunday,” said Fairchild, who helped develop Rams star Marc Bulger in St. Louis. “Obviously, there are some throws J.P. wants to have back but this process of developing a quarterback is going to be a (long) road. He knows it and I know it. But I thought he was a tough guy and he didn’t down and I liked his mannerisms. He wasn’t flustered or pouting. He’s buying into the coaching and what we’re doing here. I think he’ll continue to improve and I’m excited about where he can go.”‘

‘It’s a situation not seen too often in professional sports.’

‘I guess the best way to begin is to ask this question? What is it like when you go and visit your in-laws for the weekend? By, the way, my in-laws are delightful, and I’m not making this up to please my wife. However no one likes living out of a suitcase, not to mention sleeping in an unfamiliar bed that keeps you awake half of the night.’

‘”He’s maybe not as tall, as fast or as heavy, but he makes plays,” Lantzy said. “And I’m sure that’s what the Bills like about him.”‘

‘Kicker Jason Hanson recently spoke of how Jauron urged players to compete as hard as they could, no matter the obstacles. “He said, ‘If there’s no wind in your sails, just row,'” Hanson said.’

DiGiorgio fits the bill for Buffalo (Detroit News)

Jauron appreciates his tour, the league (Detroit News)

Lions notebook (Detroit News)

Rogers could be great (Detroit Free Press)

The whole nine yards (Detroit Free Press)

Lions’ WR Ellis gets promotion (Detroit Free Press)

This week’s game (Detroit Free Press)

Campbell glad to be playing, but wants to help Lions win (Booth Newspapers)

Lions just trying to get guys healthy (Oakland Press)

Ellis has ‘devastating’ speed (Oakland Press)

The Lions might have to get used to their losing ways (AP)

Detroit Lions Parking Update for Sunday’s Game vs. Buffalo Bills (DetroitLions.com)