Archives for November 29, 2006

‘Special teams keyed the victory over the Jaguars, as Roscoe Parrish returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown and Terrence McGee brought a kickoff back 19 yards to set up Lindell’s winning field goal. "Every team, everywhere is three-pronged. It’s offense, defense and special teams, and it’s not in any particular order," Bills coach Dick Jauron said. "You’ve got to believe that because if you don’t, it’ll come back and hurt you. And we do have a special group."’

‘Mobile iNzone is available to Verizon Wireless customers by visiting www.buffalobills.com/mobileiNzone. Standard text messaging rates apply for all text alerts. Wallpapers and ringtones are $1.99 each.’

‘Spikes spoke about the importance of milk, breakfast and exercise, Principal Margaret Hollstein said. The player also handed out milk and helped serve breakfast to the hungry students. “It was phenomenal,” Hollstein said about the assembly. “Today alone we doubled our breakfast count.”‘

‘"The guys in front of me did a good job blocking and we made it happen," said Parrish. "It was a good feeling."’

‘"I’ve had bigger challenges than the ribs," said McGahee, who came back from a devastating knee injury in college. "That’s not going to stop me."’

‘"That’s been key," said Kelsay of the penetration from the defensive tackles. "Oftentimes this year we’ve seen quarterbacks step up in the pocket, but when we’re getting a push from Tim Anderson, Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams and Anthony Hargrove in passing situations that helps us as ends a lot."’

‘”With Brad on the practice squad, it really gave us a comfort zone,” Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “When Ryan went down and Brad came up, we felt like we had a guy that would perform, that the game wouldn’t be too big for him. That’s what he’s done so far. He’s done a real nice job blocking and [Sunday] catching the ball.”‘

‘Chargers 21, Bills 13.’

‘"We’re trying to change it around," the 23-year-old says of the stereotype of being an NFL cheerleader. "We’re not just ‘pretty girls’ wearing uniforms that are semi-revealing. We want to raise awareness that cheerleading isn’t just going on the field and dancing around, acting like bimbos."’

‘”We want healthy women, not skinny women, and we also counsel girls when we think they’re getting too thin,” she says.’

‘Despite a brilliant November afternoon, the announced crowd of 63,680 at Ralph Wilson Stadium not only was the first NFL game of the season not to be a sellout, it was some 10,000 shy of a full house. For a team that had sold out 27 of its previous 28 starts — through good weather and bad, poor teams and putrid — it was a bad and somewhat shocking sign.’

‘But make no mistake, those who often complain the loudest are those without tickets – and tickets for the next three home games are quite plentiful.’

‘New coach Dick Jauron is the only coach in the league starting two rookie safeties, but the defense has been better against the pass than the run. Buffalo won its last two games despite allowing Houston and Jacksonville to rush for 395 yards. The offense, led by third-year quarterback JP Losman, has been below average all season, ranking 25th or lower in several categories. The special teams, however, are among the best in the league.’

‘Losman was part of that 2004 first round that produced Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. Losman, at No. 22, was the fourth of the celebrated quarterbacks to be selected and has solidified his role this year as the Bills’ offensive leader. He’s made his biggest strides in accuracy, as his footwork improved dramatically under QB coach Turk Schonert in the offseason. He hit 49.1 percent of his passes in 2005, the worst of any NFL starter. This year’s he’s at 63.8 as he has completed 185-of-290 attempts for 2,007 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Losman has produced two straight last-minute, game-winning drives.’

Fouts has 2 words for Jackson ruling (San Diego Union Tribune)

Bills failed to fire early, but have found stride (San Diego Union Tribune)

Chargers scouting report (North County Times)

Merriman recharged after four-game suspension (AP)

Jackson no Thanksgiving turkey (Chargers.com)

LASIK helps players elevate their game (Chargers.com)

Rivers unhappy with performance, thrilled with outcome (Chargers.com)

Chargers give “Charging Mustang Field” to Mt. Vernon Elementary School (Chargers.com)