Archives for September 21, 2009

‘They have come back to win after all three of the Monday Night Football disasters the past three years. That says something about the coaching. Grade: A.’

‘Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams was the unsung player of the first quarter.’

‘”You do get used to it, not that we like it,” defensive end Chris Kelsay said. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, you hear that said all the time, and it’s true. We’ve had our backs against the ropes before and we’ve bounced back. It speaks a lot about the character of this team.”‘

‘With Buffalo holding an uncomfortable 23-14 lead with 9:23 to play and unable – for a second week in a row – to shake a determined opponent, Owens did what Owens does, slipping behind Bucs’ defender Aqib Talib to haul in a perfectly thrown Trent Edwards pass deep down the right sideline. Owens never broke stride and galloped into the end zone to complete the 43-yard touchdown play.’

‘”We’ve kind of got some experience with injuries, unfortunately,” defensive end Chris Kelsay said.’

‘Credit Dick Jauron for having his team ready to play after last Monday night’s debacle in New England, not an easy task. Game plans were effective. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt going back to Owens after T.O.’s dropped bomb was critical in securing a much-needed win in home opener.’

‘3 – Career 100-yard rushing games for Fred Jackson. He has five career NFL starts.’

‘”It felt good. That’s just team defense. The guys get pressure up front and we make plays on the back end,” Whitner said. “As long as we continue to get that pressure, we’ll be able to go to guys’ first and second reads and make plays on the football.”‘

‘The sixth-year receiver is now the fifth Bills player with 300 career catches.’

‘”He can do just about anything,” Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “He is a terrific athlete. He is a slasher and very tough to get down to the ground. He is just a terrific player and a great teammate.”‘

‘Owens, who had earlier dropped a potential touchdown pass on a similar route, ran to the sideline and flexed his biceps to the crowd, which chanted, “T-O, T-O.” “I’m hoping we can do a lot more of that,” Edwards said.’

‘”Unbelievable,” receiver Lee Evans said. “He probably had 50 yards in extra effort yards. He just kept running and kept playing, and he’s never down.”‘

‘What did T.O. think of his first real game in Buffalo and his first touchdown as a Bill? You’ll have to guess, since T.O. bolted from the dressing room following up on the silent treatment he gave after the opening-week loss to New England.’

‘What would life with Owens be without the drama, anyway? Bills management appears willing to go along with his whims. Which is all well and fine so long as he continues to contribute on the field, let his talented body do the talking. In total yesterday, he had three receptions for 52 yards and the one score. He also had a glaring miss, the ball going right through his hands, on another long Edwards sideline pass. Had he caught it, Owens would likely have had smooth sailing all the way to the end zone.’