Archives for December 2006

‘”What instrument would you like to play? ” Tackle Jason Peters, “Probably the saxophone. I used to want to play it in high school and never learned how to.”‘

‘As good as Spikes was before his Achilles’ tendon tear in September 2005, the two-time Pro Bowler has understandably shown clear signs of regression in his return. Last Sunday, though, Spikes had his best performance of the season, tallying nine total tackles and one pass defensed.’

Loss to Jags could hurt playoff hunt (New York Daily News)

Fans not quite bowled over (New York Daily News)

Signed, sealed (New York Daily News)

Mangini Jets into awkward race (New York Post)

Recipe for deception always in the mix (Newsday)

Jets’ Smith getting some real work (White Plains Journal News)

Jets make playoff push (Newark Star Ledger)

Jets confidential (Newark Star Ledger)

Almost perfect, for a half (Bergen Record)

Jets ahead (Bergen Record)

Jets streaking towards postseason (The Sports Network)

Bills-eye Rematch (NewYorkJets.com)

Jets’ Journey Reaches Final Quarter (NewYorkJets.com)

1:00 PM Start for Jets and Vikings (NewYorkJets.com)

‘Head coach Dick Jauron has his work cut out for him this week, which is becoming a similar theme for this beleaguered franchise.’

‘Bottom line, if the Bills go 2-2 down the stretch to finish 7-9, they would exceed, or at least equal most expectations … especially if they play tough in any losses. In any case, this is a team that’s decidedly better than the one Mike Mularkey abandoned after last season and that’s a start.’

‘Green Bay released Manning in September, before the start of this season.’

‘"I’m just excited about the opportunity and looking forward to it," Manning said.’

‘"He’s got the fans into it," said fellow defensive lineman Eric Powell. "He’s got his own little fan club behind the bench."’

‘The Bills announced there are still about 7,000 tickets available for the Dolphins game.’

‘The time change is projected to at least triple the television viewing audience. “With the Bills winning two of their last three games — all decided by a field goal — and the Dolphins earning victories in four of their last five games, the move to the 4:05 PM ET start will enable many more fans across the country to see these two teams on the rise. It’s a much bigger showcase for Buffalo and Miami,” said Howard Katz, NFL Senior VP of Broadcasting.’

‘”It’s tough for him and it’s tough for us,” said Jauron, who indicated that Crowell is not expected to have surgery. Jauron added that Crowell will likely be placed on the injured reserve list later this week.’

‘Here’s a closer look at some of Tomlinson’s best runs on Sunday…’

‘Ellison, who started four games earlier in the year when Takeo Spikes was out with a hamstring injury, was activated for Sunday’s game. He likely would replace Crowell, but Jauron left his options open. Crowell is also the Bills’ “nickel” linebacker on passing downs. Spikes filled that role against the Chargers after Crowell went out and had one pass breakup to go with nine tackles.’

‘The only way you can win with defense like that is to win the takeaway battle. The Bills were plus-7 in the four games prior to Sunday’s loss to San Diego, when they were minus-2. But playoff-caliber teams impose their will. They run the ball. They stop the run. The Chargers won the ground war, 197 yards to 63.’

‘San Diego beat the host Buffalo Bills by only 24-21 on Sunday, but that doesn’t alter my opinion that the Chargers are the NFL’s best team and the most likely winner of Super Bowl XLI.’