Archives for August 2008

‘The Bills have announced that the Bills-Lions game this Thursday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is sold out and will be televised locally. The game will air live Thursday, August 28 at 6:30 pm on WKBW-TV in Buffalo, WHAM-TV in Rochester, City TV in Toronto, WTVH-TV in Syracuse and WSEE-TV in Erie.’

‘There’s no quarterback debate, as the staff likes Trent Edwards’ style and attitude; they not only took part in drafting the second-year Stanford grad but have also obviously been pleased with his upside and demonstrated flashes of proficiency. And a good preseason showing shouldn’t provoke radical change, anyway, as the studious Dick Jauron isn’t the type to make an impulse decision in a blowing-rent-money-on-Mega-Millions-tickets manner. He’s going to stick with the sensible course he’s laid out instead of potentially gambling it away.’

‘”We weren’t perfect on every play but we were able to bounce back,” Losman said. “The line did a very good job of protecting all during the first half. They had their hands full with the Colts’ defensive line, because they had their star back in Dwight Freeney.”‘

‘He’s never evolved into anything more than a possession receiver, and an inconsistent one at that. But he pulled in 51 passes last year, the second most of his career, and his experience is vital to a productive passing game while rookie James Hardy acclimates to the NFL.’

‘So Indiana taxpayers footed 87 percent of the $720 million cost to build Lucas Oil Stadium. Elsewhere in the league, it’s a different story.’

‘Both the Bills and the Bulls set their home openers last fall. Warde Manuel, UB’s athletics director, said he secured the date first, but only by a few weeks. And the Bills have long held their final preseason date on the Thursday before Labor Day, according to Russ Brandon, the team’s chief operating officer.’

Little goes right for Colts in first game in new stadium (Indianapolis Star)

Defensive stars return for Colts (Indianapolis Star)

Colts fans captivated by open house (Indianapolis Star)

Housewarming party starts early at new stadium (Indianapolis Star)

Photo gallery (Indianapolis Star)

Colts’ new home is breathtaking (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)

Lucas Oil Stadium is open for business (Fort Wayne News Sentinel)

Opening jitters: Colts struggle in fist game at Lucas Oil Stadium (Terre Haute Tribune Star)

Colts fans, welcome to the great outdoors (Terre Haute Tribune Star)

‘The Luke’ is sweet, but fans seem distracted (Muncie Star Press)

Disappointing finish (Colts.com)

Back to work (Colts.com)

Dramatic unveiling (Colts.com)

Photo gallery (Colts.com)

‘Buffalo allowed just nine first downs, held the ball for more than 42 minutes and ran nearly twice as many plays (71 to 39) as the Colts, who dropped to 3-15 in preseason games since Sept. 2004.’

‘The Colts had nine total first downs compared to Buffalo’s 18.’

‘”Langston had a bad bruise,” said head coach Dick Jauron. “We took him in for x-rays and the x-rays were negative so we’re optimistic.”‘

‘”We weren’t perfect on every play but we were able to bounce back,” said Losman. “The team showed signs of success even when things are not perfect. We were still able to put together long drives like we did and that’s a good thing to see.”‘

‘He’s been picking the brain of Lee Evans, the Bills’ speedy veteran receiver. He’s even gone to the players in the secondary, like new best friend Donte Whitner, to find out how to beat coverages. “I came in with the mind frame that you have to learn from people who have been at this level,” Hardy said.’

‘”They have a very effective offense,” said Bills coach Dick Jauron. “They’re very comfortable in their scheme, they’ve run it for a long time, and they put a lot of pressure on you. They put themselves in the right play. . . . It’ll be a good test for our defense in terms of movement and disguise [by the Bills before the snap].”‘

‘That is why J. P.’s good attitude, despite the heartache of losing his job and having to wait a year for his next opportunity to rebuild his career, is so important for the Bills.’

‘Safety Bob Sanders, the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, sat out all of training camp due to offseason shoulder surgery. But he returned to practice this week and is scheduled to start. Defensive end Dwight Freeney, who missed the final eight games of last season after having surgery on his left foot, also is back after missing all of the team’s training camp practices. Both may exit the game earlier than the rest of the Colts’ starters.’