Archives for November 7, 2006

‘Reed had been in the hospital for observation since brusing a kidney during the Bills’ win over the Packers last Sunday.’

‘Two things are worth noting as we continue trying to figure out the Bills qb question; Losman is physically and mentally tough, and that does count for something. Also, this last game did mark an event that hadn’t happened until now in Losman’s brief NFL career. He made a meaningful play with the game on the line in the fourth quarter.’

‘Buffalo doesn’t have much of a chance in this matchup between former AFC East foes, especially since it takes place at the RCA Dome. The Colts are ranked second in the NFL in offense and have a triple threat in Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Buffalo owns the 17th-ranked defense in the league, so expect a lot of work from defensive backs Terrence McGee and Nate Clements.’

‘"We like that left side," said head coach Dick Jauron. "You know what we think of Jason (Peters) and we think the move inside for Mike (Gandy) is a really good one. He did a nice job over there. We did get some movement yesterday and that’s what we need."’

‘Coach Tim Miller of Cattaraugus/Little Valley High School has been named the Buffalo Bills High School football “Coach of the Week” for the tenth weekend of the 2006 season (November 4-5).’

‘The Bills don’t do anything creative with their schemes. It’s just straight-ahead, one-on-one blocking. In most of those situations, Peters, Gandy and Shelton won their matchups handily.’

Buffalo’s plus-4 against the Packers lends insight to the giddiness Jauron felt Sunday, and Monday, despite other statistics that would figure to infringe on his euphoria. The Bills are a plus-7 in their three victories, a minus-10 in their five losses.’

‘If recent history is any indication, McGahee will miss two to four weeks.’

‘”It’s definitely too early, and we’ll just have to make an initial decision on Wednesday and move from there through the week,” Jauron said. “It depends on how painful it is, and it depends on the extent of the fracture. We’ll obviously know a lot more as we go throughout the week. But we’ll be cautious with him.”‘

‘Losman just doesn’t seem to have what it takes. Something is missing, though I sense that what he misses most is help from his teammates.’

”’I’ve been blessed to have had many memorable days in my life. … the day I was married, the days my kids were born, graduations, two Super Bowls I attended and on and on, but this one ranks right up there,” she said. ”To see Andre’s name being unveiled up there and etched on that wall and to know that it’s going to be there forever, well, it was an overwhelming moment. It made me really proud and I know that his dad [the late Calvin Reed] is really proud of him, too.”’

‘The Bills won despite Losman completing just eight passes for three first downs and 64 net yards, all season-lows. Before hitting Lee Evans on a 43-yard touchdown heave with eight minutes to play, Losman had passed for just 21 yards against the NFL’s last-place secondary. Playing behind a reshuffled offensive line, he was also sacked five times as Buffalo was outgained 427 yards to 184. Green Bay had 26 first downs to the Bills’ 11.’

‘Dick Jauron’s decision to juggle his offensive line did not solve the offense’s struggles under Losman. Still, the team played with more passion than in recent weeks, capitalized on Green Bay’s mistakes and finally closed out a close victory at home.’

‘McGahee’s broken rib is down near the bottom of his ribcage. He was hurt in a pile up of bodies after a third-down run lost 3 yards on the game’s opening drive, and he needed to be helped off the field. He was scheduled for more tests, but Jauron indicated that McGahee’s return is a pain-tolerance issue and a question of whether he would risk further injury if he does play sooner than normal.’

‘At the close of the season, the soon-to-be free agent could very well depart western New York, especially considering the man representing him, mega-agent Drew Rosenhaus. No matter what happens, Fletcher-Baker, who hasn’t missed a game since entering the league with the Rams in 1998, has been the heart of a Bills team that has lacked it over the last four-plus seasons. His play may not always be above par, but the 5-foot-10, 245-pounder’s character can never be questioned.’