Archives for October 29, 2008

‘Peters is being held to an elite standard after earning his first Pro Bowl selection last season. And he drew even more attention to himself this year after Peters missed the entire offseason holding out while demanding a significant pay raise to reflect his new status as the team’s top offensive lineman. The holdout has failed strategically on several levels so far.’

‘Buffalo Bills linebackers Marcus Buggs, Blake Costanzo, Keith Ellison, defensive end Ryan Denney, kicker Rian Lindell and safety John Wendling participated in the Red Ribbon Rally October 28th, at Lorraine Elementary School #72 in Buffalo yesterday. After entering the school’s auditorium to an exciting, ear-piercing round of applause, the Bills players took the stage, and flexed their muscles against drugs by encouraging students to “Join the Drug-Free Team!”‘

‘New warm clothing and monetary donations will be collected at the Ralph Wilson Stadium gates before the 1:00 p.m. game. Those not able to donate at the game are encouraged to donate at any M&T Bank branch throughout the Buffalo and Rochester area and Empire Vision locations.’

‘Eric Jantzi, North Tonawanda High School head football coach, has been named the Buffalo Bills High School Football Coach of the Week after the eighth weekend of the 2008 high school football season.’

‘Bills 34, Jets 30.’

‘The Bills are coming off perhaps their most disheartening loss, melting down in the fourth quarter to fall 25-16 at Miami last Sunday.’

‘Reed refused to rule himself out, though he was limping noticeably after practice and wearing a protective boot. He hurt both his ankle and Achilles’ tendon in a 25-16 loss at Miami last weekend. Coach Dick Jauron said it was too early to determine whether Reed would be able to practice this week or play against the Jets.’

‘"Just the weather that’s up here makes you appreciate how important this Gift of Warmth drive is,” Greer said. “Knowing that there are people out here in need of this clothing just to survive the weather that Buffalo brings it really touches my heart.”‘

‘”If you want to lead a healthy life,” Whitner said to the gathered students, “it’s important to get out and do something every day. Our generation and the next generation has to be as healthy as they can be.” The Bills player also fielded questions from the students and spoke about how he got involved in football and why he likes to be involved in his team’s community.’

‘That sort of aggressiveness from the safety slot didn’t compensate for the fact that the Bills are coping with a plague of cornerbacks who are either broken or not helping. Ashton Youboty’s absence was nearly as prominent as McGee’s troubled performance, while Leodis McKelvin noticeably remains a rookie nonentity, contributing little and picking up a single tackle Sunday on a day where it would have been nice if he had suddenly blossomed.’

‘Whitner showed up at Winkworth’s house at 7:30 a. m., took him to school in style, addressed an assembly in the gym, then took the lead in running Winkworth’s gym class during the first period of the school day.’

‘"No better player than Lee Evans to wear my No. 83. He’s making it his own."’

‘"I’m elated," Byrd said. "It’s really great and a lot of fun to be remembered and recognized. Buffalo offers a lot of fond memories."’

‘”You can tell the excitement around town is up a little bit,” Ellison said. “Even more than before. Fans have been waiting for a winner and to bring the playoffs back and that’s been our goal all year to reach the playoffs.”‘

‘Former Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith headlined a list of first-year nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class for 2009.’