Archives for November 28, 2010

‘"While Bills fans can’t own the team they cheer for, there is nothing preventing fans from lending to their team," Steve Brady wrote on his Web site, www.billsbonds.com. "Or, more accurately, lending money to a new owner by purchasing bonds (called Bills Bonds). The new owner could use the proceeds from these bonds to help pay the Bills’ hefty price tag and keep the team in Buffalo."’

‘Coach Chan Gailey says, "every week in this league is the ultimate test" and he’s right, but when he said the other day regarding the Steelers that, "This is the ultimate test" you sensed a little more meaning behind the words.’

‘Any win is a good win in the NFL, but some are certainly better than others, and beating Pittsburgh would be a whole lot more impressive than defeating the Lions or Bengals. It would also mark a big stepping stone for the Bills if they can pull it off.’

‘”They present a lot of challenges not only scheme-wise and bringing more than you can block but just matchups,” Fitzpatrick said. “The guys that they have that are blitzing, that are rushing, they’ve got some of the most talented guys in the league and they create problems for everybody every year. It will be a big week for us in terms of not only recognition and identification but going out there and actually doing it and blocking the guys after we put them on the right guys.”‘

‘Steelers, 27-19.’

‘Merriman will get $1.7 million from the Bills, presuming he does not reach an injury settlement. His contract is up at the end of this season. Chronic Achilles pain often is a precursor to rupturing of the tendon. Merriman said Friday he needed to be sure he was fully healthy before playing again. The Bills obviously decided Merriman needs a lengthy period for the Achilles to heal.’

‘”It’s going to be a great challenge for us,” said quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, “to measure where we are right now as a team, as an offensive unit. You want to talk about doing it against the best, this is the best defense in the league. In order to beat them we’re going to have to score points.”‘

‘The most important thing that happened is that since the break in the schedule six weeks ago they found their leader in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and they believe in him. I’ll say it again: He’s not the second coming of Jim Kelly, but check out the starting quarterbacks in the last 44 Super Bowls and you’ll find a surprising number of Fitzes. Even more surprising is that not a few of them came out of those games with victories.’

‘Morris hired former Bills aide Alex Van Pelt to coach quarterbacks this year. Van Pelt is loving his new pupil.’

‘This is the second straight week the Bills have added a native Western New Yorker to the main roster. Fullback Jehuu Caulcrick of Clymer was activated prior to last Sunday’s game in Cincinnati, and rushed for a first down in the comeback win.’

‘Buffalo linebacker Paul Posluszny was asked if the Bills need to be more prepared to stop the run or the throw. “Definitely both,” he responded. “When you think about the traditional Pittsburgh Steelers, goal number one is always stop the run. They’re running the ball well; They’ve got a good back and a good offensive line so that’s always goal number one to stop the run. Then they have a dynamic quarterback who is throwing the ball really well too so they do both well.”‘

‘”That’s what Chan does — he makes you feel good about where you are. He accentuates the positive when most people won’t be able to find the positive.”‘

‘”He’s a Harvard guy, so he’s smart,” cornerback Ike Taylor said. “As far as fooling him, you’re not going to fool him. He might fool us.”‘

‘Cowher recommended Gailey, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator from 1996-97, for the Buffalo job prior to this season. He also recommended Gailey for the Steelers’ opening in 2007 that was created by Cowher’s resignation. Mike Tomlin got the job over Gailey, Russ Grimm, Ken Whisenhunt and Ron Rivera.’

Former Steelers assistant Gailey leading Bills (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

Head to head: Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Steelers CB Bryant McFadden (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

Game 11 matchup: Bills vs. Steelers (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

Steelers’ defensive end Keisel downgraded (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

Gailey the right man for a tough job in Buffalo (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)

Speed thrills, but it doesn’t guarantee NFL success (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)

Breaking down Steelers vs. Bills (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)

Cutting ties with Ward wouldn’t be wise move for Steelers (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)

Another injury may sideline Keisel (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)

Wallace money at receiver (Beaver County Times)

Steelers vs. Bills: Inside the Game (Beaver County Times)

Week 12: Key Matchups (Beaver County Times)

Week 12: Five questions (Beaver County Times)

Revived Bills next for Steelers (Washington Observer Reporter)

The helmet trumps the fist (Washington Observer Reporter)

Coach Tomlin on the Bills (Steelers.com)