Archives for September 2010

‘"I’ve got to get an X-ray tomorrow, see what it looks like. It think it’ll be all right," Jackson said. "Then we’ll mold whatever it is I’ll be wearing. We’ll see how it goes. … They have an idea what they want to do [with the pad]. Hopefully I’m comfortable with it. They said it won’t be too bulky."’

‘"We know that a lot of the criticism on offense is going to be over us," Wood said. "It is a motivator, and it was for us last year when we didn’t perform all that well. It can’t just be a motivator, you actually have to go out there and bring it."’

‘Prediction: 5-11.’

‘"The only way I could be more of a football guy is live longer, because that’s all I’ve ever done," Nix said.’

‘You don’t dig this deep a hole and pull yourself out overnight. That was Donahoe’s mistake, trying to rebuild the public’s faith before he rebuilt the roster. You need to be honest. Bills management needs to be honest and admit they need to bottom out before starting the road back to a genuine contender.’

‘But at some point, the new regime at One Bills Drive has to decide if Edwards is the franchise guy. It’s likely that they’re looking to next year’s draft, which is rich in quarterbacks. Edwards doesn’t stand a chance if the team doesn’t win. He’s essentially in the same spot J.P. Losman was a few years ago.’

‘Four of their first six games are against playoff teams from last year, and the defenses of those playoff teams ranked first, second, third and 11th in the NFL. The Buffalo offense could get off to a rough start. Overall the Bills’ schedule ranks 16th in the NFL, based on last year’s records.’

‘The early returns on Gailey are good. His offensive background appears to be paying off, especially in Edwards’ resurgence, and his chippy response to heckling fans at a training camp practice showed he has the sort of spark Jauron never showed. It remains to be seen whether a dynamic personality and an impressive playbook are enough to turn around the fortunes of a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999. On top of that, Gailey and new general manager Buddy Nix will on some level be forced to deal with the continued uncertainty of the franchise’s future and the public relations fallout from the team’s decision to play a series of "home" games in Toronto. The mere fact that Gailey was the choice to replace Jauron suggests a recognition that the Bills were a better product during the era of Jim Kelly and the K-Gun attack, which gives the team at least a chance to restore faith among its fans.’

Chemistry test awaits Miami Dolphins in opener (Miami Herald)

Business as usual for Miami Dolphins’ Parcells, Ireland (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins hope to fill leadership void with four new captains (south Florida Sun Sentinel)

Bill Parcells remains on the scene, even after stepping aside (south Florida Sun Sentinel)

Miami Dolphins LT Jake Long returns to practice (south Florida Sun Sentinel)

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (south Florida Sun Sentinel)

Measure Bill Parcells by what the Dolphins do this season, not by turnaround of ’08 (Palm Beach Post)

Jake Long returns to practice for Miami Dolphins; team signs kick returner (Palm Beach Post)

Cameron Wake blossoms in Miami (Toronto Globe and Mail)

Marshall gives young Henne inviting target (AP)

Sparano: ‘Business as usual’ for Dolphins (AP)

Jake Long returns to Dolphins practice (AP)

Dolphins sign Clifton Smith (The Sports Network)

Henne Primed For First Opening Day Start; Injury Update; Other Notes (MiamiDolphins.com)

Dolphins Sign Clifton Smith; Waive Joe Reitz (MiamiDolphins.com)

Miami Dolphins Announce Launch Of Online Photo Store (MiamiDolphins.com)

Countdown To Kickoff: Dolphins At Bills (MiamiDolphins.com)

‘While Miami is looking for an improved defensive effort in 2010, the Bills are hoping first-year defensive coordinator George Edwards – the Dolphins linebackers coach the last five seasons – can help the team transition from a Tampa-2-style defense to the 3-4. Buffalo, though, has struggled implementing the system, with the starters allowing 617 yards, 34 first downs and 56 points in the first halves of the first three preseason games.’

‘Bills 31, Dolphins 27.’

‘But it’s a new system, with a new coordinator and a new head coach. I think the Bills might surprise a few people. The first month is key. We start out with the Dolphins, then head to Green Bay, and then face the Patriots and the Jets. The first month is gonna dictate how our season’s gonna be going. It’s very important to start strong.’

‘Throw all of this into the Simon prediction machine(which consistently breaks down) and out comes 6-10.’

‘Bills 23 Dolphins 20.’

‘Color me one of the folks who think it’s ridiculous to assume the Bills will finish 0-6 in the division. There are simply too many questions around the AFC East to believe it’s a certainty the Bills lose Week One and never leave the basement. Are Mark Sanchez and Chad Henne for real? Do the Patriots have anyone in the secondary? Obviously, they have less pressing questions than Buffalo, but let’s break down the division’s best by position.’