Archives for December 2009

‘Given the state of the Bills’ roster, depleted by 18 players on injured reserve, and the fact the Colts are expected to rest most of their key players at some point after clinching home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, this game hinges on who has the better backups.’

‘DT Marcus Stroud on playing hard Sunday despite the fact the Bills will miss the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season: “I don’t know about other guys, but me, I’m a fighter and a competitor. If you watch me play, that’s what I do. I fight to the end no matter what the situation.”‘

‘"If he wants to go somewhere and play at their price, he’s got a chance at getting a job," one personnel evaluator from an NFC team said. "Given that he hasn’t been too disruptive this year — at least (no) public disruptions — somebody may try to sign him. He does take care of himself. You can’t take that away from him. But (the situation for Owens) is going to be the same as it was (before the 2009 season). You had one taker. And now he’s a year older. And if you’re Buffalo, I think you’ve got to try to develop some younger guys to see what you have because you’re going to get as much production from somebody younger that has a chance to grow."’

‘”I felt good,” said Fitzpatrick after Wednesday’s practice. “The last two days my ankle has really responded well to treatment and just working through it during practice, there’s still pain there obviously, but it felt good and hopefully it’ll continue to feel good throughout the week.”‘

‘”I just feel bad because I’m a competitor and I came here to help this team to the playoffs,” Owens said. “It’s been frustrating. There have been times I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. But, you know, that wouldn’t be the right thing to do.”‘

‘Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson says he’s been fined $5,000 by the NFL for painting “D3” under his eyes rather than using a standard strip of eye black during last weekend’s game at Atlanta.’

‘While Fitzpatrick was on the field Wednesday, eight other Bills sat out, including starting defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and starting left tackle Jonathan Scott.’

‘”This year has been all over the place,” said Evans. “At different times it’s been another opportunity for somebody to step up and show what they’ve got. That’s pretty much what we’ve been looking at, but we come out preparing to win no matter who is back there.”‘

‘Byrd becomes the first rookie defensive back in team history and third overall since 1970 to be selected to the Pro Bowl, joining running backs Joe Cribbs (1970) and Greg Bell (1984). He is the first Bills defensive back to be selected since Nate Clements (2004).’

‘The Bills could end up in Toronto, San Antonio or Los Angeles, but probably not before a legal battle or two and heavy dose of political intervention. It’s bound to be a mess beyond the Buffalo Sabres bankruptcy situation. Why would a Mike Shanahan or a Bill Cowher subject himself to that when they have the luxury of waiting for an offer that affords stability?’

‘”Every single day I put my best foot forward,” he said. “I know what I’m capable of doing and I’ve done a good job in Indianapolis so far.”‘

‘Byrd is tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions despite being placed on season-ending injured reserve last week because of a groin injury. Byrd is scheduled to have surgery this week, which will likely force him to miss the game at Miami next month.’

‘Byrd is the first Bills rookie to be voted to the Pro Bowl since 1984 when rookie running back Greg Bell was named to the AFC roster after an 1,100-yard rushing season, which included seven touchdowns. He’s the first rookie defensive back in team history to earn such an honor.’

‘It was said that the pro game never slowed down enough for Brohm. He lost his confidence. He blamed the media. This past summer Brohm was relegated to the Packers’ practice squad. That’s where the Buffalo Bills found him.’

‘I think after this game, it is safe to say Perry Fewell will not be coaching this team next year. The Bills were so thoroughly outplayed and out coached, that a full house cleaning at One Bills Drive should start after the season finale.’