Archives for December 7, 2008

‘”It’s definitely ironic that my (NFL regular-season debut) would come in Canada,” Mace said. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”‘

‘LB Joey Porter: One of biggest smack talkers in league but backs it up … Is among NFL leaders in sacks with 14.5 and will be looking to add to total against often-sacked J.P. Losman … Recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles against Bills in Week 8.’

‘Budweiser Bills Tailgate Party (noon-4 p.m. at the corner of Wellington St. and Blue Jays Way).’

‘In Buffalo, the moment you park your car, usually on someone’s lawn for $15, inhibitions disappear. Wallflowers become wildflowers, swaying their bottoms and chest-bumping strangers to the tune of the Bills’ “SHOUT!” song. In Toronto, that unabashed revelry was replaced with large pockets of reserve. Here, the message was: “Down in front! I paid $375 for this seat and I will not stand up.”‘

‘”I’m kind of speechless,” said Mace, a 6-foot-3, 294-pound tackle from the University of Wyoming. “I can’t think of a more perfect situation, coming home to play in Canada.”‘

‘Hype and hope aside, this is, after all, no more or no less than a professional football game, one in a series. Of late, the Bills have delivered much less than their own fans want or deserve. Discerning Torontonians are more than capable, having had plenty of practice, of identifying a poor on-field product when they see one. Of applauding a good one, too.’

‘”I think it’s terrible,” said former Bills safety Mark Kelso, now their radio broadcaster, during an interview on WQAM (560-AM). “You guys won’t have to deal with the elements in the dome. I was wondering how many times Bill Parcells called [Commissioner] Roger Goodell to have the game moved to Toronto.”‘

‘”That weather worked against the Marino-led teams,” said Steve Tasker, a special teams star on Buffalo’s four Super Bowl teams who now works as a CBS analyst. “They threw a lot and it’s tough to have that kind of offense in those conditions.”‘

Miami Dolphins continue to exceed expectations (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins’ secondary coming on strong (Miami Herald)

Breaking down the game: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (Miami Herald)

Toronto game has plenty in Buffalo hot about Dolphins missing cold (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Winningest coach in NFL history votes for Toronto (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins: Who has the edge (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Moving Dolphins game to Toronto takes cold-field advantage from Bills (Palm Beach Post)

‘”They want to expand their reach a little bit. A dying town like Buffalo and a thriving town like Toronto … it’s kind of an interesting situation.”‘

‘Miami wins 20-14.’

‘J.P. Losman makes his ‘triumphant’ return to the starting lineup against a vastly improved Miami Dolphins squad. Yet again, the Bills will be up against the 3-4 defensive scheme that has given them a great amount of trouble throughout the year. Buffalo has lost five straight games to opponents that feature a three-man front. With three of the Bills final four opponents utilizing this scheme, the Bills need to find a fix against the Dolphins if they have any hopes of returning back to the playoff discussion.’

‘The roof of the Rogers Centre and the neighboring CN Tower have been lit up at night in Bills’ red and blue. And numerous curious fans — including Bills chief operating officer Russ Brandon — have sneaked peaks inside the stadium through the windows of a hotel restaurant overlooking the stadium field. “This is going to be exciting,” Brandon said shortly after he checked into the hotel and saw the outlines of the Bills logo sketched in at the 50-yard line.’

‘"It’s been a long, long road. I’m still a young guy but for my liking it seems like it’s been forever. It’s definitely very important to me."’