Archives for January 2011

‘Mark Brunell threw two touchdown passes in relief of a resting Mark Sanchez, Joe McKnight ran for a career-high 158 yards and the Jets’ defense was dominant in a playoff tuneup, a 38-7 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.’

‘Buffalo wide receivers Donald Jones (head) and David Nelson (ribs) were also inactive, as were defensive tackle Kellen Heard, tight end Mike Caussin, defensive end John McCargo and offensive linemen Ed Wang and Colin Brown.’

‘Brian Brohm was 10-of-23 for 106 yards and was intercepted three times for the Bills (4-12), who extended their franchise-worst record to 11 straight seasons without a playoff berth.’

‘Brian Brohm will make his second career start. He has yet to throw a pass this season and last year appeared in two games, throwing for 146 yards while completing 17-of-29 passes with a pair of interceptions.’

‘The Bills’ last-ranked rush defense was true to form today. Joe McKnight had 32 carries for 158 yards and his backup John Conner carried 8 times for 44 yards and a touchdown. Also contributing was WR/QB Brad Smith with five carries and 60 yards. Even backup quarterback Kellen Clemens pitched in with a 10 yard touchdown scamper.’

‘Well, if we had any lingering Brohmians out there, they surely got their answer today.’

‘We’ve seen the Bills take the Ravens and Steelers right to the limit this year, but getting out gained 388 to 162 and outscored 38-7 by any team’s back ups is unacceptable.’

Still deciding your playoff allegiance like me? There are 25 former Buffalo Bills or Bulls involved in the postseason (not counting coaches). Here are the familiar names that may help guide your decision to root… or not to root.

‘Can the Bills do something about their o-line with the #3 pick? Based on everything I’ve seen and heard, there simply are no dominant offensive tackles rated anywhere near that high, and besides, it’s pretty obvious the Bills need some – make that one – impact player on defense. THAT could happen at #3.’

‘The Bills didn’t try very hard to win this game and it was obvious by their play on the field. Normally you would be disgusted by a run for the bus effort against a divisional foe’s reserves. The fact is that the loss helps them a lot more than a meaningless win would do. They will now have a higher draft pick by at least a few slots than they would have if they won the game. They need all the help they could get through the draft since the last two weeks burst the bubble that this team was further along in the rebuilding process.’

‘Chan Gailey lost his team on this day. Offensively they did nothing.’

‘The Bills had six turnovers and never threatened in a 38-7 loss to New York to finish the season at 4-12.’

‘"Every week," coach Chan Gailey replied when asked if players are playing for their jobs. "All of us, everybody, that’s the way it is in our business. What have you done for me lately?"’