Archives for December 2008

‘”We were kind of in the same situation last year,” Edwards said. “After we lost to the Browns, we were eliminated from the playoffs but we still had two playoff caliber-teams that we faced at the end of last season [the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles]. We fought ’til the end on those last two games last year, and we’re unfortunately faced with that situation again this year. Obviously we’d like to be going toward the playoffs. But that’s not the situation. We still have a ton of pride. We have a ton of confidence. The guys in that locker room are going to fight the next two Sundays.”‘

‘”When you put the film on you’ll recognize me.” Peters said. “When you line up in front of me you’re going to recognize me. Bottom line: That’s what matters – the coaches and players. The fan voting, they only see the bad plays. I’m pretty sure they don’t even watch the tackle position. They just see when you get beat. So that’s what matters, when the players and the coaches vote you in.”‘

‘"I don’t think he’s regressed at all," Schonert said of the third-round pick from Stanford, who practiced with the first team Wednesday and, as long as he doesn’t suffer a setback, is expected to return to his starting role for Sunday’s game against the Broncos after missing the last 2 ½ games with a groin injury. "He’s still moving forward and he’s got a bright future ahead of him."’

‘"It’s overwhelming," Peters said after practice on Wednesday. "I worked at it. This is what you play the game for – to get to Hawaii – so it’s an honor."’

Cutler shouldering load of carrying Broncos to playoffs (Denver Rocky Mountain News)

Wiegmann doesn’t expect Pro Bowl spot (Denver Rocky Mountain News)

Bills game like playoff game for Broncos’ young players (Denver Rocky Mountain News)

Repeat of 2006 not in Broncos’ realm of reality (Denver Post)

It sure beats the alternative (Denver Post)

Offensive line taking injury hits (Denver Post)

Edwards: Good to go vs. Broncos (Denver Post)

Broncos focused on clinching by winning (Colorado Springs Gazette)

Broncos’ offensive line banged up, too (Colorado Springs Gazette)

Broncos’ offensive line shaky (Longmont Times Call)

Here’s the plan: Win, and get in (Longmont Times Call)

Broncos re-sign safety Herana-Daze Jones (AP)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

Wednesday Transcripts: Cutler, Shanahansent (DenverBroncos.com)

The Pressure’s On (DenverBroncos.com)

Orange and Blue Light Special (DenverBroncos.com)

‘Trent Edwards is set to make a triumphant return to the Buffalo Bills’ starting lineup. Too bad the trumpets have gone silent.’

‘The Bills (6-8), eliminated from playoff contention last week, can play the role of the spoiler against the Broncos (8-6), who can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie. Buffalo’s 23rd-ranked offense, which will get a lift from the return of QB Trent Edwards from a groin injury, should have no problem moving the ball against Denver’s 28th-ranked defense that has missed a healthy CB Champ Bailey (groin). The Broncos yield 140.1 yards rushing per game so plenty of touches for RB Marshawn Lynch, who has averaged 98.8 yards rushing in his last five starts, is in order, particularly on the road. The real question is how well Buffalo’s No. 13 defense can hold up against Denver’s explosive No. 2 offense, averaging 385 yards and 23 points per game. Despite a myriad of injuries at running back, third-year QB Jay Cutler has enjoyed a Pro Bowl campaign. He threw for 304 yards in Denver’s 15-14 win over the Bills last season in Orchard Park. The Bills need to get pressure on him, but Denver’s offensive line is once against among the league’s best. Cutler has been sacked just 10 times and the Broncos are still averaging 4.2 yards per rush. The Bills will need a big play or two in the kicking game and should be able to exploit Denver’s weak coverage units.’

‘”What we need to do as a team is learn from week to week, from the wins and from the losses. Not get too high and not get too low. At times we might have gotten too high after those big wins earlier in the season and we might have gotten too low after some of the tough losses later in the season. We need to learn and apply that to each game.” — QB Trent Edwards, reflecting on why the Bills crashed and burned after a 5-1 start.’

‘”People are going to say what they want to say, and we deserve it,” Mitchell said. “We’re not winning. So say what you to say until we prove you different.”‘

‘Wide receiver James Hardy (knee), linebacker Teddy Lehman (groin) and fullback Corey McIntyre (personal) all did not take part in practice on Wednesday, though it is unclear what the status of each will be come Sunday when the Bills take on the Broncos.’

‘The same can’t be said for Losman, who’s been relegated to third-string behind Gibran Hamdan. Losman has no plans to re-sign with Buffalo this offseason, and the demotion comes after his fumble was returned for a decisive touchdown in a 31-27 loss to the Jets last weekend.’

‘”(Wednesday) was his first practice back and the first time he took a snap in practice in a couple of weeks,” said head coach Dick Jauron. “He moved pretty well.”‘

‘Wide receiver Lee Evans and quarterback Gibran Hamdan partnered with the American Dairy Association to speak to recent state football champions from Orchard Park, Maple Grove and Southwestern high schools about the importance of healthy eating to go along with their high levels of exercise.’

‘Broncos 38, Bills 13.’

‘Of course, the quarterback’s top blocker didn’t made life easier, as left tackle Jason Peters has also sabotaged many of this team’s hopes notwithstanding the risibly lunatic travesty that is his Pro Bowl selection. A player they were counting on to dominate has functioned as a liability, and he’s been embarrassed far more times than he’s shined in 2008. Peters didn’t show up for training camp, and hasn’t shown up this season; his fit over being owed money he hasn’t earned became a negative factor that’s again the fault not of the coach but rather of the player.’