Archives for November 2006

‘Heading into today’s rematch at Reliant Stadium, it’s difficult to differentiate between the Texans, a 5-year-old expansion franchise that has yet to make the playoffs, and the Bills, a 47-year-old franchise with a rich history that last made the postseason six seasons ago.’

‘The Buffalo coaching staff seems to have shackled Losman in recent weeks. Against a fellow bottom feeder like Houston, is this the day Losman breaks out with a big performance?’

‘What’s the best perk of being an NFL player? “Just being around the guys. We get some of the free stuff, but being around the guys is the best experience. I get to meet a lot of people and it’s cool to see people that you got to see play when you were growing up, so that’s one of the cool things.”‘

‘”When you played the Buffalo Bills back in the day, you knew Jim Kelly ways the guy,” Moulds said. “My years there, it was rare, week-to-week, that you knew who the guy was going to be. With all the quarterback controversies and the things you had to deal with, it made it tough. It put a strain on the lockerroom.”‘

‘In assuming Villarrial’s spot, Preston will play in a spot he’s grown accustomed to. Though he was drafted as a center out of Illinois, Preston has worked primarily at guard in the professional ranks. “It’s the place I’ve gotten the majority of my playing time, so I feel pretty comfortable there,” he said.’

‘Buffalo needs to forge a new identity under Marv Levy and Dick Jauron and although Spikes has been an obedient soldier, it’s still a business.’

‘Moulds’ temperament elicits from Johnson a one-word description about his new teammate. “Professional. That’s what he is. A professional,” Johnson said. “How can I not learn from him?”‘

Texans receiver treats game like a true professional (Houston Chronicle)

A win today shows product is worth buying (Houston Chronicle)

Matchups for Texans, Bills at Reliant Stadium (Houston Chronicle)

Previewing today’s Texans-Bills game (Austin American Statesman)

Mario making his mark now (Raleigh News and Observer)

Game notes (HoustonTexans.com)

‘He developed into one of the NFL’s best receivers, but he’ll always be excluded from the company that includes Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith and Andre Reed. They were all there when he first arrived as an immature first-round pick in 1996, back when the playoffs were a given and not some half-baked fantasy. "When I got drafted, I said, "Man, I’m going to have a chance to go to the playoffs and go to the Super Bowl every year,’ " Moulds said. "You looked at the Bills when they went to four straight Super Bowls, and you just felt that."’

‘In promoting Preston, the Bills passed over seventh-year veteran Tutan Reyes, one of their offseason free-agent signees. "There’s a couple things," coach Dick Jauron said. "Duke played pretty well in the game on Sunday [at Indianapolis]. "He’s a bigger, more powerful man than Tutan. He doesn’t have the experience, but we need to see him and evaluate him. We think he’s playing pretty well. We don’t think there’s a big drop there in terms of performance. In the backup spot, we need a center-guard, a guy that swings both."’

‘Former Bills coach Mike Mularkey may not have liked Moulds’ outspokenness, but Kubiak could not say enough good things about Moulds. "I didn’t know Eric personally, but he’s sure helped us," said Kubiak, the longtime offensive coordinator in Denver who won two Super Bowls and made the playoffs seven times in 11 years. "We felt fortunate to get him in here. He’s done a good job and been a good influence on Andre. I think his presence has helped Andre in his development."’

‘”I do think J.P. is developing,” Jauron said. “I think he’s going to be a really good quarterback in this league and we have to give him help. I really think whatever happens, you develop from it. You learn something on every play, hopefully, and that advances your progress. He’s done a good job.”‘

Carr’s wheels spinning (Houston Chronicle)

Carr, Williams ready to go (Houston Chronicle)

Williams held out of practice (Houston Chronicle)

A celebration of football legends (HoustonTexans.com)

Friday update (HoustonTexans.com)

Winston relishes opportunity (HoustonTexans.com)

‘Texans 23 Bills 20.’

‘Best Advantage: Buffalo defensive ends vs. Houston offensive tackles – The Texans’ offensive line is beat up. Both of their starting tackles are out with injuries. Journeyman tackle Ephraim Salaam starts on the left side, while rookie third-round pick Eric Winston makes his first career NFL start on the right side. Houston QB David Carr is capable of using his legs to elude the pass rush, but Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney should have their share of opportunities against the Texans’ pass protection.’