Archives for October 6, 2009

‘In his third year, Edwards would figure to be showing a significant upside but, instead, his decision-making and confidence are eroding. His profound failure on third down, while running a no-huddle offense, albeit slowed down, is why the Bills are last in the NFL in time of possession at under 25 1/2 minutes per game and have yet to win that stat even once this season.’

‘”I would say a little angry, a little on edge,” said Keith Ellison when asked about the mood of the team. “Nobody likes to get beat like we did Sunday so I would say we’re a little angry and that’s a good thing.”‘

‘This is the first time the Bills have given up more than 200 rushing yards in back-to-back games since 1979 (245 at San Diego and 265 against the New York Jets).’

‘I can’t remember the last time Evans broke a short pass for a big gain. He’s had three catches of 35-plus yards in his last 14 games. All were on deep throws. How do you pay a guy $9 million a year and not get him the ball on crossing patterns? Evans is the highest-paid athlete in Buffalo history, but he can’t touch Andre Reed.’

‘Going back to last season’s loss to Miami in Toronto, the Bills have gone 2 for 21 on third downs in the last two games against the Dolphins. The team ranks 30th in the NFL in third-down conversions, with a success rate of 23.4 percent.’

‘"In all three losses coach Jauron has come in and taken the blame and we as players have to be professionals and execute our game plans in all three phases," said safety George Wilson, one of the few players who performed admirably in what ranks as one of the worst defeats in the three-plus years Jauron has been on the job in Buffalo. "We have to do a better job."’

‘To me, that’s an admission that his decision to re-hire Jauron, to promote Russ Brandon, and retain the two main personnel hires of former GM Tom Donahoe – Tom Modrak and John Guy – hasn’t worked out. Perhaps now he’s willing to overhaul the entire machinery. Continuity has its merits, but it just hasn’t worked out.’

‘Lynch did finish with a team-high five catches, but Jackson’s better in that respect, too. If the team ever learns to send him in motion, Jackson would be a tough matchup on the outside for a linebacker. Or if a defense shifted, that would match Jackson on a corner and a receiver on a linebacker or safety. Either way, it’s a mismatch the Bills can take advantage of.’

‘Bills owner Ralph Wilson had less to say than Talley about his team’s 38-10 defeat. "Listen fellas, you saw the game, just like I did. There’s nothing for me to say. What can I say?"’

‘Jauron has taken the bullet in all three of Buffalo’s losses, blaming himself for the defeats. But it goes way beyond Jauron and his coaching staff and several players admitted after the game that they have to start looking in the mirror as well. It isn’t all about the coaching with this team, the players have not performed, first and foremost quarterback Trent Edwards who has put together back-to-back clunkers in losses to New Orleans and Miami where he has two TDs, five interceptions and 10 sacks.’

‘Some things were out of their control, such as the injuries. There were four defensive starters out, and the offensive line is a jumbled mess with two rookies starting at guard, and two tackles who probably have no business starting. Dick Jauron took full blame for the performance, and he deserves the bulk of it, but not all of it. His players need to start taking some responsibility. The shine may be off on offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt who had no answers for Miami’s pressure, while defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has a lot of work to do on his run defense. It was terrible and has now given up 472 yards the last two weeks.’

‘"That was the plan for this game," McKinney said of role on the defensive line. "We had practiced it in previous weeks. It was a contingency plan. I hadn’t (played defensive line) before. But I went out there and tried to make the most of it. It’s tough work. I give those guys credit."’