Archives for November 2011

‘Mostly, however, I find myself defiant in the face of Chan Gailey’s flawed game plan, which played into the “Saint Revis Theory.” Yes, he is a gifted cornerback, perhaps the greatest in the league, but if you’re afraid to let your $10 million quarterback and soon-to-be rich wide receiver take a shot at him until the second half, you aren’t just betraying your identity, you’re sabotaging the notion that you’re building one at all.’

‘The Jets had the ball 37:52 and the Bills had it for only 22:08.’

‘Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled against the Jets defensive scheme. He missed an open Roosevelt wide on a third down pass in the second quarter and then threw two late interceptions before halftime. He finished 15 of 31 for 191 yards and one touchdown but most of those yards were in garbage time. Grade F: Worst effort of the season.’

‘The marquee matchup was the Bills offense against the Jets defense in a key AFC East clash at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday. That battle was clearly won by the visitors as New York’s defense forced three turnovers and kept one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses in neutral in a convincing and pivotal 27-11 victory.’

‘One hundred soldiers from the 53rd Troop Command and 42nd Infantry Division will reaffirm their oaths to New York and to the United States during a ceremony led by Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey. Swezey is commander of the 53rd Troop Command.’

‘Researchers there found that Gilchrist had a severe case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neuro-degenerative disease known to cause cognitive decline and behavioral abnormalities. Gilchrist’s disease was in Stage IV, the most advanced category, said Dr. Robert Stern, co-director of the center and professor of neurology and neurosurgery at BU.’

‘"They’ve given us plenty of problems the past few years," Fitzpatrick said. "They’re going to be in your face. They think their guys are better than yours and play man-to-man on the outside a lot."’

‘Bills 21, Jets 20.’

‘This is the biggest game of the week in the NFL. The football world is watching closely, eager to find out if the Bills are for real, and whether Rex Ryan’s Super Bowl promise is about to evaporate into thin air.’

‘For the last two seasons the Eastern Division of the AFC has been all about the New England Patriots and the Jets. Today we may find out if there is room for a third.’

‘”You’re getting the butterflies before these games,” Wood said. “When you come out the crowd is going nuts and it’s a good feeling. It’s fun having the city behind you and it’s fun winning games. Obviously we are a long way from where we want to be, but being able to look forward to hopefully getting another win, hopefully staying at the top of division, this is what you play football for.”‘

‘Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo) – His IQ no longer is the only impressive number in his NFL portfolio. He’s 155 for 229 (.677) for 1,739 yards, with 14 TD passes, 7 INTs, 8 sacks and a 97.8 passer rating. He has led the Bills to two victories after trailing by 18 points. He’s played his best in the fourth quarter (108.5 rating and .706 completion percentage). He deserves some credit for the startling improvement of the offensive line. Fair mobility. Lacks a cannon arm.’

‘Biggest game at The Ralph since 2004? You definitely could make that argument.’

‘”I used to be a Leafs and Rangers fan, Rangers because my dad (Buddy) was coaching in New York,” Ryan said. “But if I had my druthers, it’s definitely the Leafs for me.”‘

‘”We respect the Buffalo Bills,” Ryan said during a phone interview with the Toronto Sun. “But this is about us. This is about the New York Jets taking care of our business.”‘