Archives for December 28, 2006

‘The Bills had their postseason hopes dashed with a crushing 30-29 defeat last weekend at home against Tennessee. Buffalo has nothing to play for but a .500 finish and the chance to beat a very good football team, and while that isn’t like fighting for a first-round bye, it is at least a goal worth pursuing.’

‘Whitner suffered a great toe sprain in practice Wednesday. Dick Jauron still expects him to play.’

‘Coach Dick Jauron ruled Shelton out on Thursday, saying he has not fully recovered from a concussion sustained while blocking during a kickoff return against Miami two weeks ago. Shelton hasn’t practiced since the injury and missed last weekend’s game against Tennessee.’

‘"As soon as the game was over I was ready to start camp," said Losman. "There was no point (continuing). The season was over. We weren’t going to the playoffs and it was very, very disappointing. I was ready to start over, but you can’t. You have to eat it, you have to swallow it and deal with it. There were some things in that game that I felt I could’ve done better to help us succeed more, so I was ready to fix those things right away. And that’s what it’s going to come down to. That’s what my goal is."’

‘The Ed Block Courage Award is presented to the Buffalo Bills player who exemplifies a commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. The recipient symbolizes professionalism, great strength, dedication and serves as a community role model for others.’

‘"Willis has been a very productive player for the Buffalo Bills," Rosenhaus said from his Miami office. "He has played through injuries. He’s worked hard. He has been a good teammate. I think he deserves a new contract and we will vigorously pursue that this offseason."’

‘The Bills did not release the terms of the contract, but it is believed to be a five-year deal worth close to $10 million.’

‘For Moorman to even be in the running to finish first in net average is quite an accomplishment as he ranks 16th in the league in gross average (43.7 yards, more than four yards below leader McBriar, who is at 48.0). However, Moorman’s keen ability to directional punt, the height he gets on his kicks, his knack of dropping punts inside the 20 (31, which is one behind league-leader Mike Scifres of San Diego) and the outstanding work done by Buffalo’s coverage team, are all key factors in his success.’

‘During the last three years Lindell has made 76 of 88 field goals (86 percent), and during his four-year tenure in Buffalo he has made 83 percent of his field goals (93 of 112) making him the most accurate kicker in Bills history.’

‘Losman has been getting it done for the Bills this season. While his resume includes four games of 115 passing yards or less, the third-year veteran has been the closest thing to a franchise quarterback since Drew Bledsoe spent three years in Buffalo.’

‘”J.P. has a big arm, and I played against him last year,” said Pryce, who played for Denver before joining the Ravens in the offseason. “The one thing that impressed me the most is that he’ll stand back there and take the hit.”‘

‘On how he defines the Bills’ offensive line play: “We’ve made a number of changes, obviously, as the year has gone by. I do believe that we have improved, again, almost daily. The more time [the team] spends together?the practice time and, of course, the games, are the most important time because it’s the only time you get it at true game speed and intensity. They’ve grown from the time we made the changes and I do believe that they have done a pretty good job of [things]. Clearly, we are going to be tested. It will be a tremendous test for us all on our football team this Sunday.”‘

Losman firmly in grasp for Bills (Baltimore Sun)

Ogden may miss 2nd straight start, says he’ll be ready for the postseason (Baltimore Sun)

Ravens wary of dangerous Bills (Baltimore Examiner)

Ogden likely to be out again (Carroll County Times)

Ravens’ Defense Is Really on the Ball (Washington Post)

Pro Bowl tackle Ogden could be sidelined vs. Bills (AP)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

Stepping In, Stepping Up (BaltimoreRavens.com)

Ravens’ Goal In Focus (BaltimoreRavens.com)

Head Coach Brian Billick (BaltimoreRavens.com)

Ravens Media Wednesday (BaltimoreRavens.com)

Buffalo Conference Call (BaltimoreRavens.com)

Game release (BaltimoreRavens.com)

‘Every scenario that had to happen for Buffalo (7-8) to have its playoff destiny in its hands on Sunday against the Ravens (12-3) came true last weekend, except for two important things: Miami failed to beat the New York Jets and the Bills failed to beat Tennessee.’

‘The Bills (7-8) want dearly to finish the season on a high note with a .500 record, but they won’t have the luxury of catching the Ravens (12-3) napping. Baltimore is highly motivated to earn at least the second seed in the AFC playoff pool and still have a shot at homefield advantage throughout the post-season.’