Archives for November 2009

‘”It’s tough, because we’re all good buddies in that room, and you never want to see your buddy get hurt like that,” Hangartner said. “It’s unfortunate. He’s a good football player and he brings some excitement to the team and the offensive line. Guys respect that.”‘

‘They all tell part of the story, but none came into play in Jacksonville. Jauron is gone. Edwards was on the bench, having given way to Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Owens looked as spry as he has all year.’

‘The talent on this roster is on par with the 3-13 Bills team of 2001 when you factor in the injuries. But the energetic Fewell gives them a better chance at not embarrassing themselves.’

‘Weis might not be a bad choice for Buffalo’s offensive coordinator, if he’s been humbled enough to take the job.’

‘Owens had said before the game that he was frustrated with the way the Bills have used him all season. “I’m not in the systems that I’ve been accustomed to and I think if you guys honestly assess the system that I’ve been in versus my production here, I haven’t been utilized the way I have been in years past, and I’ve said that from day one,” he said. “If you go back to San Francisco, you go back to the way I was used in Philly. Definitely you had some very knowledgeable offensive-minded coaches that really utilized my abilities. I mean you can say what you want, say I’ve slowed down, I can’t do this and I can’t do that. The very things that you say I’m not doing now, I didn’t really do them that well then. It was all about how those coaches utilized me in that offense.”‘

‘Perry Fewell almost did what no new Bills’ coach since Marv Levy in 1986 has done — win his first game. He had the Bills playing hard and aggressive, but as usual, there were some critical mistakes that cost the Bills including two penalties which wiped out touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt clearly trusted Fitzpatrick to attack down the field and it paid off with some big completions. The end of the first half was a bit muddled, though, and the Bills almost blew an opportunity to kick a field goal. Also, the call to go for two points that early in the third quarter was dubious.’

‘”That’s the second time this year we’ve been down to no backups in a game, and that’s a rough situation to be in on the offensive line,” center Geoff Hangartner said.’

‘Fewell added that Marshawn Lynch suffered a shoulder injury against the Jaguars but said the running back was feeling better Monday and would be further evaluated as the week goes along.’

‘That said, Fewell is probably not going to wind up coaching this team. This franchise is now in the midst of what appears almost certain to be a major overhaul and a candidate with more NFL head coaching experience will likely get the job. For Fewell this is a no lose situation. Making any kind of headway with this team at this point will only boost his resume and bode well for his future.’

‘However, Cowher informed the Bills that he isn’t interested in speaking to any teams about potential jobs until after the season, according to the sources, and he could have several options available to him should he opt to return to coaching in 2010. Cowher is taking this position with any potential suitors, the sources said, out of respect to his current employer, CBS, and to those coaches who are still employed by teams seeking to make a change.’

‘”He was in severe pain, and it was not a pretty sight to see,” Fewell said Monday, referring to an injury that was so gruesome CBS elected against broadcasting more than one replay of the hit. “You never want to see that as a football coach. That’s part of the game, but as a human being, you never want to see something like that happen to another person.”‘

‘If I am a Bills fan I am not too upset with what happened on Sunday in Jacksonville. My team actually entertained me. My coach actually looked like he was somewhat in control. My players, for the most part, showed they do care. And the result in the long run is a good thing because it keeps the Bills in better position for the draft. Now six more weeks of this and we can really start looking ahead to 2010.’

‘”That young man was in pain,” said Fewell. “When I walked out on the field he was in severe pain and it was not a pretty sight to see. You never want to see that as a football coach. That’s part of our game, but as a human being you never want to see something like that happen another person.”‘

‘"Brandon is a marketing guy. He is looking for sizzle and splash to sell tickets," said one league insider. "He has no clue how to build a successful football team and clearly paid no attention to the locker room that is so important when he signed Terrell Owens. At best, he should be in charge of business operations. He is not qualified to be an NFL general manager and has no business evaluating talent, even though he might pretend to act like he knows."’

‘The long touchdown, however, remained the biggest highlight. The Bills trailed 10-9 at the break, and started their first possession of the second half pinned on their own two-yard line. Ryan Fitzpatrick dropped back on a 1st-and-10 play and heaved a deep pass down the right sideline for Owens, who had a step on Jaguars corner Tyron Brackenridge. He ran under the pass, catching the ball in midstride, and escaped a shoestring tackle running to the end zone unscathed.’