Archives for November 2006

‘”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)

‘I don’t mean to pour cold water on the Bills success. This is a young team that’s making big strides and gaining confidence. It’s fun to talk about playoff scenarios, remote as they are right now. In evaluating the Bills chances, you’ve got to focus on fundamentals.’

‘With November now in the past for the Bills, they’ll look to make their meager playoff hopes into something quite realistic by pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the season. The Bills will be taking on the San Diego Chargers this Sunday, arguably the NFL’s best team. However, with the way Buffalo has been playing lately, maybe a win isn’t fully out of the question.’

‘Bills tight end Robery Royal; "At times you get pretty cold here in Buffalo. So if I could throw fire or spit fire sometimes, I could heat myself up. Maybe when my driveway is full of snow, I don’t have to get out there and shovel it. I can just blow it away and it will melt and turn into some water."’

‘Of the Bills’ 24 starters – including kicker and punter – 16, or two-thirds, are Donahoe acquisitions. He’s fully answerable for the misguided head-coaching hirings of Gregg Williams and Mike Mularkey. But in the area of talent evaluation, time could well prove him to be more than capable.’

‘"The good Lord, He had a lot to do with it," said McGahee of being able to play with pain of three broken ribs and get through Sunday’s game. "I just prayed and rested. That’s all."’

‘Four plays in particular helped them pull off a 27-24 upset over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The plays were a combination of fine blocking, but also great individual effort by the skill players involved. Here’s a closer look…’.