Archives for October 26, 2006

‘"Each and every year, they made a conscious effort to improve the team with quality players as well as quality character individuals," Smith said. "I started getting the sense of how good and how special we could become in ’87. We were putting the pieces of the puzzle together."’

‘Schobel (51.5 careers sacks) currently trails Cornelius Bennett (52.5) by one and is ten behind Phil Hansen (61.5) who sits number two on the list. Bruce Smith (171) is naturally the franchise’s all-time leader.’

‘"The bye week comes at a great time for us," said linebacker London Fletcher, not needing to elaborate.’

‘On Saturday, October 28, the Buffalo Bills Youth Football Stadium will play host to six championship games for the Hunter James Kelly Youth Football & Cheerleading League. In order to have six games in one day the Buffalo Bills have rented lights for the facility. These will be the first games to be played under the lights at the facility. The first game will kickoff at 9:00 AM and games will last throughout the day until approximately 9:00 PM.’

‘The Buffalo Bills Pepsi PUNT, PASS & KICK Sectional Championship has been rescheduled to be held on Saturday, October 28, 2006 in the Bills Fieldhouse.’

‘"I don’t want to cast any false rosy optimism on the scene," the first-year general manager said. "But at the same time, we’re a long way from saying, `Oh, write it off. Let’s get ready for next year."”

‘Of Losman’s 21 sacks, 4.5 have come through Gandy. Losman also has 11 turnovers on six interceptions and five fumbles.’

‘"Yeah, it’s frustration," Spikes said. "When I can’t do certain things the way I’m used to (because of the hamstring), add on top of that I’m trying to govern myself about not putting too many reps on my Achilles’. I still have to be mindful of that. You get into a rhythm and then you get out of that rhythm. There are a lot of things coming into play, but progress is being made. This bye, though, it couldn’t have come at a better time for me."’

‘The Bills have crunched a lot of game tape this week as part of their bye-week critiquing and have been shocked by the dumb mistakes they’ve been making. Buffalo’s 50 penalties rank behind only Washington (55), Detroit (53) and Arizona (51) and the combined record of those four teams is 6-22. Meanwhile, the Bills rank first in pre-snap flags (false start, encroachment, delay of game) with 23.’

‘Prater wasn’t sure what to make out of his workout in Buffalo, terming it “weird.” He said none of the special teams coaches were present, and he was taped performing his kicks. “I understood that they were struggling on kickoffs,” he said.’

‘”I don’t think so,” Losman said Wednesday after practice. “I was excited about their play. There were times I didn’t get the ball out as fast as I should’ve and there were times I drifted a bit and hurt some guys. As much as it’s on them, it’s on me. I don’t think it’s a reflection on them. It’s just that we needed to change something, mix things up. But I’ve definitely had my share (of mistakes).”‘

‘”I’ve always felt that way wherever I’ve been,” said Jauron, who played in two different NFL cities and has coached in four. “I do have a feeling for the other teams in town and I follow those teams in the papers. You pull like heck for them.” Jealousy? “None at all.” Jauron is sincere. But the Bills business and marketing guys are sweating.’

‘Only nine games remain in what is turning out to be another long season. If Bills fans have any reason to hope this year’s version of the team can begin to mirror that of 1986, it has to begin with the general manager.’

‘It only worsens the situation that fans are displeased by management’s decision to draft safety Donte Whitner eighth overall and bypass quarterback Matt Leinart. Whitner has stepped in and played well, but he lacks the cachet of Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner who is learning under fire with the Arizona Cardinals.’

‘Shifting Jason Peters from right tackle to left is a good move, especially since I advocated it last week. I am, however, surprised to see Mike Gandy shift from LT to guard, replacing Tutan Reyes. While Reyes was an average starter, I find it hard to believe Gandy, who has already allowed five sacks this year, won’t be worse.’