Archives for September 2008

‘A dominating win, particularly when combined with the naturally occurring optimism of a season opener and the sudden disappearance of a longtime nemesis, will do that for the spirits.’

‘”We’ll see,” said Stroud, when relayed Henderson’s comments on Wednesday after practice. “I’m not making any predictions. I know I’ll go out there, play well and play hard. We’re all still friends, but it comes down to business on Sunday.”‘

‘Buffalo used plenty of big special teams plays to overcome a dominating offensive display by Jacksonville two seasons ago in defeating the Jaguars 27-24 in Orchard Park. The Bills could use more of that same special teams magic in this important early road test; last week at home, special teams figured into 27 points for Buffalo in beating Seattle. In playing on the road, the Bills will want to establish their running game behind Marshawn Lynch — who sat out last season’s Jaguars game with an injury — and conversely on defense, they can’t let the duo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew run free. Each scored on long TD runs against the Bills last year. Buffalo’s defensive ends must also force containment on QB David Garrard, who can keep a lot of plays alive with his feet. Garrard, however, was sacked seven times last Sunday in a loss to Tennessee and Jacksonville is missing three starters along its interior line (Brad Meester, Vince Manuwai and Maurice Williams). The Bills have to take advantage and control both lines.’

‘The Bills unveiled a new defensive wrinkle last Sunday against Seattle called “a sugar rush.” That’s when they insert four defensive ends — Aaron Schobel, Ryan Denney, Chris Kelsay and Copeland Bryan — and let them rush from a stand-up position. For an offensive lineman, the look is awkward and creates confusion on whom to block, particularly when the Bills blitz linebackers at the snap. The whole premise is to get one or maybe two defenders unblocked with a free shot at the quarterback, like Denney had for a sack. “We had four defensive ends standing up and I was able to come through the middle,” he said. “We were able to confuse their protection.”‘

‘"There’s no question we’re better in positions this year," defensive end Aaron Schobel said. "When you have better players, you can do more. They’re experienced and just gifted. All that pays off."’

‘"I’m positive that I can execute. I had no mental errors today," Peters said after spending most of practice at left tackle with the Bills first team offense. "I’m ready for Sunday. If they decide to play me, I’m going to play and go from there."’

‘Coach Dick Jauron didn’t provide any details on the injuries or Parrish’s status for Buffalo’s game at Jacksonville on Sunday. Jauron would only say that Parrish will be re-evaluated on Thursday.’

‘Hardy and 13 other Bills rookies learned more than just a new language from Juliana, a nine-year-old patient who held court around a small table with wide receiver C.J. Hawthorne and cornerback Leodis McKelvin. The trio painted designs and logos onto ceiling tiles to be displayed in the Hospital recreation room.’

‘Stroud was a three-time All-Pro with Jacksonville, where he spent the first seven years of his career. In his Buffalo debut, he had three tackles and a half-sack, part of a five-sack day for the Bills.’

‘Bills 21, Jaguars 17.’

‘This is the second time Parrish has been awarded Special Teams Player of the Week honors in his career. The first time came back in 2006 in Week 12 against Jacksonville when he had an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown.’

‘Everything comes back to the cresting talent level. Overwhelming blockers with quality and speed instead of brainless jailbreaks is what was supposed to happen for years, and the reason it finally worked in 2008’s first games is that the Larry Trippletts and Tim Andersons of the league aren’t being counted upon to do the tracking.’

‘”I’m excited,” said Whitner, who had six tackles and a pass breakup during the Bills’ season-opening 34-10 rout of Seattle. “My packages have expanded as far as me blitzing and showing one thing and doing another. I’ll have an opportunity to roam back there, have opportunities for some interceptions and big hits and get guys lined up. I’m enjoying it.”‘

‘”I had some cobwebs that I needed to get brushed out,” Edwards said. “Being in the environment, being in The Ralph with 70,000 fans screaming in front of you, being on live television with the Seattle Seahawks lined up against you, you can’t practice that. You can’t go through it until you’re actually there.”‘

Rough week for AFC favorites (Florida Times Union)

Jags sign veteran offensive linemen (Florida Times Union)

Jacksonville police say Jaguar Collier was intended target of shooter (Florida Times Union)

Big John ready for Stroud (Florida Times Union)

Jaguars sign 2 to bolster depleted offensive line (AP)

Lead detective says Collier was targeted when shot (AP)

Jags add Brown, Slaughter (Jaguars.com)

Plans finalized for Del Rio golf (Jaguars.com)

Not a must win but real important (Jaguars.com)