Archives for December 3, 2009

‘What also is true is that Wilson has no succession plan for the Bills. He is 91 years old. As much as he seems to defy time, he will not live forever. He has no plans to will his team to a member of his family. Word is, when he goes, the estate, by law, will auction the team to the highest bidder. In other words: The man who fought against moving franchises is basically leaving his own up for grabs.’

‘”This is nothing against Toronto or the CFL – I’m a big CFL fan – but this is where I’m at right now,” said Mace, the Buffalo Bills’ defensive lineman, whom the Argos acquired the rights to in the controversial trading away of Arland Bruce. “Im just trying to make the best of the opportunity I’ve got now.”‘

‘”If you see him on the sideline [in tonight’s game] you’ll see a guy that’s getting everybody fired up and running up and down the sideline. I think probably the biggest thing is the energy he brings.”‘

‘But perhaps the list that says the most is of the starting quarterbacks since Kelly, all of whom at least temporarily inspired belief among the faithful, all of whom were eventually found wanting: Todd Collins (Marv Levy’s hand-picked choice as Kelly’s successor); Doug Flutie (at least fun while it lasted); Rob Johnson; Drew Bledsoe (remember that 31-0 win over New England to open the 2003 season?); J.P. Losman (last seen leading the Las Vegas Locomotives to the first UFL championship); Edwards (who seems to have become a lost soul).’

‘”When I was at Harvard, if you had told me that I would be the quarterback of the Bills, I’d probably find myself a little surprised,” said the former economics student from the famed Cambridge, Mass., school. “It’s not really known as a football powerhouse.”‘

‘"You certainly have to get the crowd into it and give them something to cheer about," said receiver Lee Evans. "Come out with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, make plays, get them on your side and hopefully carry that momentum into the fourth quarter."’

‘Bills, 19-16.’

‘"That’s just the nature of the business," Owens said. "When you’re a big-time star like Tiger, those things kind of make headlines. I’m sure he’s going to handle it and try to keep it in-house as much as possible."’

‘"Yes, it’s been an adventure," Hangartner said. "I have never been on a team that’s had this many injuries on the offensive line. It’s the first time, and hopefully it’s the last."’

‘"This is a real physical league, obviously, and this will be a physical game as the Dolphins game was on Sunday," Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said. "We’ve been banged up all year, so it’s going to be tough. The good thing is [the Jets] played on Sunday as well, so it’s not like one team has an advantage over the other team. But it’s a good test for us just to go out there and gut one out."’

‘”For my business it hurts, and the hurt could be a sideswipe or a big hit depending on which team the Bills play in Canada,” said David Hart, the president of Hart Hotels, which has six hotels in western New York. “Once you get an overnight accommodation, you trigger a whole bunch of other spending.”‘

Buffalo Businesses Pay the Price When the Bills Go to Toronto (New York Times)

In Toronto, Jets look to get on a roll (New York Post)

Playoffs or not, strong finish a must for Jets (New York Post)

Revis out to cancel T.O. show (New York Post)

Running back Thomas Jones gives his all to New York Jets on and off the field (New York Daily News)

Rex Ryan, rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez on roller coaster ride in first season with New York Jets (New York Daily News)

Win over Bills would keep Jets in wild-card hunt (New York Newsday)

Edwards needs to show Jets he’s worth long-term deal (New York Newsday)

Nuts and bolts about Jets vs. Bills (New York Newsday)

A chance for redemption against Buffalo Bills (Newark Star Ledger)

NY Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez eager for another shot at Buffalo Bills (Newark Star Ledger)

NY Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis named AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Newark Star Ledger)

Rex believes in Revis (Bergen Record)

Inside look at Jets vs. Bills (Bergen Record)

Jets CBs Lowery, Strickland out against Bills (AP)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

TE Matt Mulligan Signed from Practice Squad (NewYorkJets.com)

D-Line’s Been Stout Since Jenkins Went Down (NewYorkJets.com)

‘Byrd, tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions, has been playing through a groin injury for most of the season but could sit with the team’s quick turnaround from Sunday’s win over Miami.’

‘”But again, I’m sure if we were to play more games here and get all the fans involved and if Canadians knew more about American football then I’m sure they would come out and support it. But this is a stepping stone and a starting point for us.”‘

‘”Nothing,” said Revis, when informed of the T.O. marketing blitz happening in Toronto. “T.O.’s going to be T.O., and Darrelle Revis is going to be Darrell Revis, just got to go out there and compete.”‘