Archives for November 2013

‘Whether the game counts for more than that is doubtful. Other than a healthy payday and a chance to increase a footprint in a foothold the Bills established long ago on the sheer strength of geography, there isn’t anything remarkable about Buffalo’s Toronto series.’

It’s reality check time for the Falcons (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Falcons OT Terren Jones was tipping the scales at 380 pounds (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

3 key matchups: Worrilow breaks down Bills’ rushing attack (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Falcons’ Ryan looks to end road woes against Bills (Fox Sports South)

Rookie OT Jones hoping to make debut for Falcons (AP)

Falcons Sign WR Croom to Practice Squad (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Time Machine: Falcons Hang Tough vs. Bills in 2005 (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Wing Tips: Falcons vs. Bills (AtlantaFalcons.com)

‘”I’ll tell you this: Obviously it was a great way to start off my bye [week] Sunday, when I heard the news of this and listening to all of the nonsense relative to it,” Brandon told WGR 550. “If we had to discuss and speak to every single individual that would have interest in buying an NFL franchise, that’s all you would talk about on your show.”‘

‘The Falcons, who play their home games in a dome, “must have fixed the schedule,” Johnson joked.’

‘Bills are 1-4 in regular-season games at Toronto since opening annual series north of border in 2008.’

‘According to head coach Doug Marrone, Robey injured the ankle during a practice in the past two weeks. The coach believes there isn’t any reason for concern, however, as he expects Robey to play in their game against the Falcons.’

‘”Im just gonna take it year to year,” Wood said. “I’m not going to go up there with any ill feeling or any less excited than I am for every game. Hopefully the Bills fans will be out there supporting us this year and looking forward to a good atmosphere if we can get it.”‘

‘Activities surrounding the game include a weekend takeover of Yonge-Dundas Square in Downtown Toronto where the Bills will host an NFL Youth Football Festival featuring live music, football-themed games, sponsor tents and giveaways, and special appearances by the Buffalo Jills and NFL Hall of Famer Bills alumni Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas (4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday). In support of the NFL’s Play 60 movement, and as part of Sports Day in Canada, ParticipACTION will take part in an afternoon of football drills and skills led by experienced instructors on Saturday, November 30 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.’

‘Well when you look at it, you can say this. It’s an advantage if you weren’t playing a team that plays in a dome all the time. Domes are different, each one is different. For the quarterbacks waking up and knowing what the elements are it’s good, you’re both playing on the same field. Again, like I said before I’m not going to backtrack, I want to build this team so when we get ready to make a run in these playoffs, wherever it may be, whatever year, we’re playing a home game in January and the weather is like outside and that advantage is to us. Yes, I’m trying to create an advantage by that weather.’

‘Q: Do you regret that you can’t play in the snow in Buffalo this week? A: Do I regret that? Yeah, I hate it. I want to go out there and play in the Ralph this Sunday. (Laughs) No, I’m just kidding, but hey, I’m sure it’ll snow again on one of these Sundays, so I’m not worried about that. I’m sure it’ll be there for maybe the Dolphins game when we come back or I’m sure when we play New England they might have some snow, so I’m sure we’ll get one in.’

‘”Obviously I had a lot of responsibilities and I’d already graduated but I had a full season ahead and at Florida State you’re expected to win each and every Saturday,” he said. “Beyond that pressure you still have your mom and her health. But she helped me out a lot because she always sounded upbeat when I talked to her. She was always positive about everything. She helped me probably more than I helped her.”‘

‘Falcons 27, Bills 23.’

‘”It’s difficult, because there’s things like the injuries that you’re not accustomed to,” Johnson said. “Then there’s the new aspect of players coming and trying to build chemistry with certain players, especially when your QB is being interchanged like every other week.”‘

‘Williams and Dareus saw an uptick in their usage after defensive end Alex Carrington was lost for the season in Week Three because of injury. In the first two games of the season, neither Williams nor Dareus exceeded 80 percent of the defensive plays.’

‘Since corporations aren’t allowed to own NFL teams per league bylaws, Bon Jovi would act as the owner/face of the Bills while MLSE would build, own and operate a new NFL quality stadium in Toronto. We’re talking a $2 billion idea, so it might make more sense for the Bon Jovi group to operate the Bills regionally based out of Orchard Park. At least until the lease expires and new digs are built.’