Archives for September 2011

‘The Bills contract with Fisher expired after 12 years in August. The Bills had expressed concern over a new track and field complex at the school that limited the team to practicing at Growney Stadium and just one grass field instead of two. The Bills said that wasn’t ideal.’

‘Yes, it’s still very early. The Bills have many flaws and injuries, and bad bounces can change fortunes in a hurry. But I really believe the corner has been turned. I think this bandwagon is bound for the playoffs, not the junk yard.’

‘”Coach (George) Edwards and the staff do a great job of putting us in a position to make a play,” said Wilson. “We started on the Bengals on Monday. Even though we had a pretty good win over the weekend, we didn’t sit and bask in the glory. You don’t win respect in this league by winning three ballgames, and you certainly don’t win championships by winning three games.”‘

‘Bills 21, Bengals 17.’

‘So how does it feel to be both a woman and so wrong about football? I guess those two go hand in hand.’

‘Buffalo has beaten the Bengals 10 straight games … not exactly the 15 in a row the Pats owned over the Bills, until the streak was terminated last weekend … but impressive nonetheless.’

‘”It’s a combination of Fitz and our offensive staff being closer in tune with what we’re trying to get done,” Gailey said. “Knowing what we can do on offense, knowing what our capabilities are from our players, and our offensive line is protecting so much better. It allows Fitz to stand back there and see what he needs to see. And he’s got a better feel for the game than he had last year. I just think we’re better overall.”‘

‘Then the real games began, and they’ve looked terrific. The Bills lead the NFL with 113 points. They’re fourth in rushing, 11th in passing. The linemen have committed just four penalties. They have one false start, remarkable for such a fast-paced attack. Fitz has been sacked just once.’

‘Benson was arrested over the summer in Texas and charged with assaulting a former roommate. The NFL suspended him for three games for violating its personal conduct policy, and the sanction was supposed to start this week. But Benson appealed the suspension, which is being considered. Benson told reporters Wednesday he will be playing this week.’

‘”I don’t think any of us are surprised by it, but I know it surprised a lot of people,” said quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. “Going out and scoring 35-40 points a game is not going to happen every week, but that being said, we think we’ve got enough talent and we’ve got the system in place and enough experience to where we can go out there and score on anybody.”‘

‘I’ve grown up around the games, whether on astro-turf or ice, and they are a part of who I am, even if I don’t know a goal from a touchdown. To be from Buffalo is to be a part of the Bills and Sabres, no matter how the season goes. Right now, we’re having a winning beginning, with both football and hockey. So, lets go, Buffalo! This year could be the one.’

Cedric Benson’s focus on football (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Where is NFLPA support for Benson? (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Geathers could return against Bills (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Bengals RB Benson waits for suspension decision (AP)

Bengals getting production from rotating defensive line (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy And Personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Bengals last beat Bills 23 years ago (The Sports Xchange)

Zimmer wants more from No. 3 D; Rey not fined yet; Whit salutes Fitz (Bengals.com)

Wednesday transcripts (Bengals.com)

Update: Benson ready for Bills and other tests; Geathers, Fanene limited (Bengals.com)

Bengals try to Buffalo Fitzpatrick (Bengals.com)

‘”When you haven’t been to the playoffs for 11 years and you still sell out, that’s something,” Kelly says, as he opens the RV’s door, leading a visitor inside. “These fans are nuts. They are so starving for a winner and to have the old feeling back.”‘

‘Veteran linebacker Chris Kelsay(notes) is among numerous players crediting the coach for the sudden transformation in seeing how the Bills have gone from hoping to win, to expecting to win. Kelsay says the team’s confidence has “blossomed” in getting off to a 3-0 start. Gailey says the players deserve the credit.’

‘”It feels good to be 3-0,” said Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is tied for second in the league with nine touchdown passes. “That being said, we’re three games into the season and there’s still a lot of games to be played and a lot of work. The goal is to get better every week and we need to continue to do that.”‘