Archives for November 27, 2008

‘The foundation of my professional career started in Buffalo, and it was an excellent opportunity for me. It might have been one of the best things that happened to me in my career, in terms of starting off with a great organization with a lot of tradition. The fans there were very supportive and the atmosphere is like a collegiate atmosphere. They’re die-hard fans when it comes to football. So, like I said, I’m looking forward to going back and playing them.’

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‘Coach Dick Jauron said Ellison was feeling better, which was good news for an already depleted linebacking corps that could be without top reserve Teddy Lehman, who missed a second straight day of practice with a hamstring injury.’

‘Edwards’ big day also needs a healthy dose of perspective. He read the defense more efficiently, spread his throws around to seven different receivers and made bold choices when necessary, particularly on the two touchdown runs. He did not absorb a sack, throw an interception, or lose a fumble against a defense that came in ranked second in the NFL in takeaways.’

‘Hill’s Midwest roots also might give him an advantage in bad weather games over his Los Gatos-raised counterpart, Trent Edwards. The former Stanford quarterback recalled a particularly rainy game in Corvallis, Ore., in 2003, but he said he mostly escaped adverse conditions playing in the Pacific-10 Conference.’

‘”We have no choice,” said Lee Evans. “I think this is really the time where you have to take advantage of all the opportunities that you are given. I think our (offensive) line really knows that.”‘

‘”We’ve matched him up on the top guys and he’s responded well,” Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. “He had a poor performance against Miami [on Oct. 26] but he’s come back strong after that. I thought he was outstanding in New England. He was outstanding against Cleveland. He had another strong game this week.”‘

‘Ellison played against Kansas City but has been bothered by a sore ankle. His potential backup, Teddy Lehman, also did not practice due to a sore hamstring. So the Bills may wind up flexing Bryan Scott to linebacker for at least part of the game if Ellison can’t play.’

‘By the end of the 1962 season, it appeared the Raiders would either relocate, probably to New Orleans, or close down operations. Instead Wayne Valley, the managing partner, convinced his board of directors to give it another year, mainly because the team had received a $400,000 infusion of cash from Ralph Wilson, owner of the Bills, in exchange for 25 percent of the team. Wilson later said, “I knew it was against the constitution, but the league would have folded. I did it for the sake of the league.”‘

‘"I have a lot to be thankful for," said safety George Wilson, who at the end of 2005 was a going-nowhere-on-the-practice-squad wide receiver, but in 2008 is a reliable and valuable member of the Bills’ defensive secondary.’

‘”The media’s been tough on us out here,” Edwards said. “You just have to play through it.”‘

‘Still, at least one person saw the talent: Walsh. In the days leading up to the 2007 draft, he recommended Edwards to anyone who would listen. Walsh found a willing audience in old friend Marv Levy, then the Bills’ general manager. Buffalo took Edwards with the 92nd overall pick.’

‘The 49ers inquired about a possible trade for Clements at the 2006 trade deadline. However, the Bills did not give the 49ers permission to speak with his agent about a contract extension.’

‘”I know it’ll be a rain-sleet-snow mix,” he said. “You have to prepare for all three.”‘

Ex-Stanford QB’s star rising with Bills, may shine against 49ers (San Francisco Chronicle)

49ers’ Davis gets a ‘bone’ for his blocking (San Francisco Chronicle)

QB from Los Gatos leads Bills against 49ers (San Jose Mercury News)

49ers tight end says he can catch as well as block (San Jose Mercury News)

Clements has already forgotten Dallas (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

Equipment staff preparing for anything in Buffalo (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

49ers ready for Buffalo elements (Sacramento Bee)

Niners CB Clements returns to Buffalo roots (AP)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

Slippery when Wet (49ers.com)

Singletary’s Notebook: Nov. 26 (49ers.com)

Brunner’s Blog: Second Visits (49ers.com)

Breaking Down Buffalo (49ers.com)