Archives for December 2008

‘For that matter, will the Bills’ coach, whomever he may be, allow the offense to play to its strength with its running game and let the combination of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson control the ball to set up the passing attack? Of course that would assume the overpaid offensive line plays tougher mentally and physically. It spoke volumes when ex-NFL personnel man Mike Lombardi observed the Buffalo line is too soft, probably from the less-than-taxing work they get in the summer at St. John Fisher, which seems less a training camp than a spa.’

‘The expectation is Jauron is going to survive because of Wilson’s strong relationship with the coach and the owner’s assessment that the team’s talent level still needs to get better. However, today’s season finale against the New England Patriots in Orchard Park could impact the decision.’

‘”To end the season with a win against them would be fantastic,” said defensive end Chris Kelsay.’

‘While it will be tough to clean out their lockers on Monday knowing the year is done, they will do so with smiles if they can pull this upset, finish at 8-8, and knock the hated Patriots out of the postseason picture.’

‘Is it a coincidence that Peters is absent with the playoffs out of reach?’

‘New England 24, Buffalo 13.’

‘The pseudo-tailgate parties were light-years removed from the atmosphere in the parking lots surrounding Ralph Wilson Stadium down in Orchard Park, N.Y. Tickets were priced sky-high and more than a few seats remained empty for the game. There were suggestions that Toronto football fans were being treated like rubes. Several Bills expressed their disappointment in the fans’ seeming indifference or outright support for the Dolphins.’

‘The Patriots have owned the Bills recently in part because quarterback J.P. Losman just didn’t have a chance against them. Trent Edwards is a different animal.’

‘Under Massachusetts native Dick Jauron, it seems like the Bills have been on the verge of making some noise, but fall short. About the only thing Buffalo is playing for is the chance to say the team went .500 this season.’

Patriots: Berth will be difficult (Boston Globe)

It’s OK, go ahead and root for Jets (Boston Globe)

Seymour won’t suit up (Boston Globe)

Spoiling for a fight (Boston Globe)

High marks in chemistry (Boston Globe)

As usual, Bill Belichick & Co. heat up as December winds howl (Boston Herald)

Patriots great 8 in 2008 (Boston Herald)

Five things to watch in the Patriots/ Bills game (Boston Herald)

Patriots in game of chance (Boston Herald)

Richard Seymour ruled out (Boston Herald)

Changes loom for Patriots, but Tom Brady will keep team near top (Boston Herald)

Patriots 2009 Crystal Ball (Boston Herald)

Pats Playlist: Junior Seau (Boston Herald)

Former Patriot, Walpole coach accused of sex assault surrenders (Boston Herald)

As always, Pats care only about next game (Providence Journal)

Jordan’s got one special ring (Providence Journal)

After facing the Bills, the Patriots will owe their fate to the “kindness” of others (Providence Journal)

Patriots-Bills Analysis (Providence Journal)

Former Patriots linebacker Jim Cheyunski feels a connection to his former team (Brockton Enterprise)

Win and wait for Pats (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

Pats out to take care of business (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Jackson has paid his dues (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

It’s a must-win and must-wait day ahead for the New England Patriots (Springfield Republican)

New York Jets, just for one day, we’re rooting for you (Springfield Republican)

These Patriots Haven’t Given Up (Hartford Courant)

‘Brady Benchmark’ still looms for Cassel (New Bedford Standard Times)

Pats take on desperate Bills in must-win game (Manchester Union Leader)

‘Patriots 23, Bills 13.’

‘The Bills put rookie receiver James Hardy on injured reserve Saturday, a day before closing their season hosting New England.’

‘Filling the vacant roster spot is practice squad running back Bruce Hall. Hall was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Mississippi and has been on the practice squad all season.’

‘”I’ve said this all season long, that when it comes to third down situations, he’s one of the best in the league in terms of getting open, recognizing zone and man coverage,” quarterback Trent Edwards said. “The hardest thing in this league as a receiver is to be able to recognize where the zone is and where the man coverage is and get open for your quarterback. He plays that position like a quarterback almost, and my comfort level with him is extremely high.”‘