Archives for September 8, 2008

‘Billoni said an anonymous donor from a nearby suburb presented a check for $100,000 to the drive. With the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation agreeing to match the donation, it brought the day’s total to $218,000.’

‘He said the number of arrests Sunday – when the home team romped to a 34-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks – was about average.’

‘”It was as good as could be expected in all phases of the game – offense, defense, and special teams,” said Jauron. “I can’t say enough about the preparation of our staff and of course our players just performed.”‘

‘For crying out loud, Dick. Just admit it. Winning the opener, especially in such impressive and convincing fashion, was a huge deal for a team that hasn’t come out of September with a record above .500 in this millennium, which, by the way, coincides perfectly with the Bills’ eight-year playoff drought.’

‘”It’s pretty evident he’s a force to be reckoned with,” defensive end Chris Kelsay said. “When you have a guy like that inside, it makes everyone else better.”‘

‘”They didn’t see (Denney) out there,” Moorman said. “It’s one of those things. It’s tough with everybody coming in and coming off. I know, because we’ve had it done to us in the past. It’s one of those things that probably has a higher success rate early in the season because teams haven’t worked on every scenario yet.”’

‘Coordinators Turk Schonert and Perry Fewell each served notice they will take a more aggressive approach to their play calling this season and it should be fun. Each mixed a nice blend of new wrinkles. Meanwhile, just when you think special teams guru Bobby April’s units can’t get better, they do. Overall, Dick Jauron had his team well prepared for their fast start. The Bills committed just one penalty.’

‘Parrish’s return was more about an electric returner scaring the bejeezus out of would-be tacklers than a group of kindergartners feebly chasing a hamster after someone forgot to latch the cage.’

‘What that means for McCargo’s career with the Bills remains to be seen, but it’s certainly not a positive development. Coupled with the performance of those in front of him, the Bills may not be in a rush to get McCargo on the field.’

‘”When I return a punt I just try to have fun and trust the guys in front of me and know they’re going to do a good job blocking,” Parrish said. “You’ve just got to have that swagger back there.”‘

‘With the amount of respect and praise April receives from his players, it is sometimes a wonder how his name isn’t mentioned for a head coaching vacancy each year. For those keeping track at home, Jauron’s contract expires at the end of this season.’

‘”Nothing is better than to open with season with a win and get the ball moving in the right direction,” Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay said. “We’re not really used to it around here. Hopefully that is going to change.”‘

‘Bingo. Bango. And, presto, the Bills are 1-0 and, who knows, they might be on their way to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. At least, that was the murmur among those in the sellout crowd of 71,194 who sat through an afternoon of cool rain. It was football weather of the sort that can be blocked out at the team’s alternate home up the QEW at the Rogers Centre.’

‘”I saw his presence,” Buffalo safety Donte Whitner said. “You look at a guy like that and you can see it. There were so many plays today where he was playing in their backfield. And he got two sacks. The key to every defence is to have run-stopping defensive tackles. Now, teams have to pay attention to Marcus because he’s pushing the pocket so well and playing the run so well.”‘

‘And they know that a large part of their lives, a large part of their personal history, of their identity and of what makes this place home, is tied up in the football team, tied up in the ritual of game day, tied up in the tailgating, the barbecues and the beer, tied up in the memories of great teams and not so great teams past and tied up in the hope that just maybe, on the field, the good times are coming back.’