Archives for October 16, 2011

‘One big difference is the Bills are forcing turnovers at a record rate, while the Giants have continued the disturbing 2010 trend of giving the ball away more than they take it.’

‘”Wilson can sign a lease tomorrow and say the franchise is committed to spending the next 10 or 20 years in Buffalo, and any new owner would be bound to that,” said Zimbalist. “But I don’t think he’d do that, because the team is worth more somewhere else.”‘

‘”He’s brought an edge,” said Gailey. “He brought great practice habits and meeting habits and on top of all that he’s talented. He’s mentally tough and he’s talented. He’s been a great boost for our defense.”‘

‘Bills 24, Giants 21.’

‘”We’re all kind of looked at the same, as afterthoughts,” said quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. “Guys are no-names and all that. But a lot of times, teams take on the personality of their coach. Chan is not going to be too fiery and he’s not going to get down when we’re losing. He knows there’s a certain amount of respect we’re trying to earn.”‘

‘Pass rush was the Bills’ major need. If a team drafts one good linebacker a year it is happy. In the last two years Buffalo appears to have drafted five of that species. Kelvin Sheppard, their third-round selection, was expected to be a banger and that is how it turned out. Danny Batten, Arthur Moats and Alex Carrington are listed as second-year players but Batten missed all of the 2010 season because of injury while Moats and Carrington didn’t see much duty until last November. They too are first-rate hitters. Moats had a superior day against Philly. Carrington can also be used as a defensive end.’

‘Today, the 4-1 Bills are in the Meadowlands to play the 3-2 New York Giants and, naturally, the Bills are underdogs once again.’

‘NBC’s Sunday Night Football flex scheduling begins Week 10 and runs through Week 16. Currently scheduled games could be booted in favor of more appealing matchups.’

‘Nevertheless the Bills’ future in New York is far too unclear. As groups like Kelly’s make overtures to Wilson, leaders like Assemblyman Joe Morelle, a senior member of the Assembly’s economic development committee and a supporter of publicly owned sports teams, must, too, do their part. New York must not lose the only NFL club that’s actually based in the state.’

‘”He’s just an outstanding leader for the Buffalo Bills. He fits the Buffalo area as far as being a blue-collar guy. He’s a perfect example of what hard work and heart will get you.”‘

‘Could it be? Can the Bills, sad sacks since 1999 when they last made the playoffs, regain their spot among the AFC’s best teams? At 4-1 going into Sunday’s game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium, they have shrugged off preseason expectations, ended a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots and beat down the Eagles last week. Talk about dream teams. Who would have dreamt this?’

‘Here comes Fred Jackson, storming out of the shadows of anonymity, no longer walking through the valley of the shadow of defeat, formerly known as Buffalo.’

‘”I don’t think I would have predicted it, but I don’t think I was ever surprised,” said John Bechdol, a former Harvard offensive lineman who played all four years with Fitzpatrick. “No one worked harder than this kid. He pulled off some crazy stuff when we were playing in college.”‘

‘Fewell wouldn’t admit to being upset owner Ralph Wilson didn’t appoint him head coach after the 2009 season and brought in former Cowboys coach Chan Gailey instead. “It’s been two years and whether I did or didn’t, I think that’s irrelevant. I’m happy to be where I am now,” he said.’

‘”It’s just a game that we have to win,” Fewell said if playing the Bills has added significance to him. “I just happen to know those guys on the other side though.”‘