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| NEWS ARCHIVES - NOVEMBER 22ND - NOVEMBER 28TH, 2004 |
PREVIOUS WEEK |
Bills Get Another Blow Out Win
A Lot More Work To Do: Mike Mularkey called the win just one win and they have a lot more work to do. They did two things different to break the road losing streak. They had the much talked about cheeseburgers on the flight out and then they took an impromptu stroll in Seattle when they arrived. They said they tried different things like the reverse, onside kicks, and the swing pass. The 30 yard touchdown run by Willis McGahee worked because Bledsoe sold the fake. The aggressive play in the second half was because they didn't want to go into a shell too early, they wanted to finish the game. The onside kick, was just taking a chance and they felt it would work because of the timing and the element of surprise. Mularkey felt the outcome of the game was decided by the third down conversions which contributed to the fast start along with coming out in the no huddle offense. He felt they succeeded with their number one priority, and that was shutting down Shaun Alexander. The turnaround of the team has been helped by not beating themselves on offense and not trying to do too much on defense.
Gameday Grades: This is back to back weeks that it is a pleasure to do our exclusive gameday grades. The Bills offense moved the ball up and down the field with three interceptions as the only blemishes. The Defense was stifling shutting the Seahawks down at every turn despite the three giveaways. Special teams came up with another big play recovering as surprise onside kick to open the second half. It all adds up to another complete victory. Gameday Grades.
Bills Blowout Seahawks: The Bills finally have a road win, and what a win it was. The blow out win was the biggest road win for the Bills since 1992. as the Bills went into Seattle and totally annihilated the Seahawks 38-9. Willis McGahee ran for four touchdowns and Drew Bledsoe threw for 275 yards and a touchdown. His three interceptions were the only blemish on this day. Complete Story.
Injury Pile Up Early: There is always one game a year where a team gets a rash of injuries. For the Bills it was today against the Seahawks. Four players got hurt in the first quarter alone including the top two running backs. The most serious injury was to Travis Henry who fractured his right fibula when catching a pass on the opening series. This injury could effectively end his season. The other big injury was to Jonas Jennings who hurt his left shoulder but did return. Nate Clements and Willis McGahee were also shaken up in the first quarter but each player returned. Josh Reed and Troy Vincent did not play. Injury Report.
Gameday Weather: Seattle is a city that gets a lot of rain but not on this day. There is 0% chance of precipitation as it will be Sunny and cool with gametime temperatures around 41°. There will be no wind either. A perfect day for football.
Saturday November 27, 2004
Losman Healthy: Coach Mularkey said that J.P. Losman is completely healthy and the injury is no longer a concern. He is expected to still be the number three QB this week however as he continues to get a better grasp of the offense. Mularkey will make an official decision on the backup QB on Sunday morning.
Hasselbeck Likely To Play: It appears that Seahawks starting QB Matt Hasselbeck will return to action this week against the Bills. He has practiced both Thursday and Friday despite a thigh injury that forced him to miss last week's game. CB Bobby Taylor has been downgraded to questionable with a knee injury. He has not practiced this week and will likely miss the Bills game.
Reed May Play; Vincent Out: Josh Reed practiced both Thursday and Friday and may return this week against Seattle. He has missed three games with a hyper extended knee. Coach Mularkey said he'll be a gametime decision. Troy Vincent has not practiced all week and has been downgraded to out for the Seahawks game. Injury Report.
Friday November 26, 2004
Vincent Makes Improvement: Troy Vincent has improved and tested his injured knee before practice yesterday by doing some running. He did not participate in drills and is still doubtful to play on Sunday. He is bringing his gear with him to Seattle but Coach Mularkey said he is unlikely to play. Josh Reed did some work on a stationary bike during part of practice yesterday and is still questionable. Injury Report.
Thursday November 25, 2004
Bledsoe Set For Homecoming: Drew Bledsoe is excited about playing in Seattle for the first time in his 12 year career this weekend. Bledsoe is from Eastern Washington and played his college ball at Washington State. He has been in Seattle only once in his career. It was his rookie year in 1993 and he did not play because he was hurt. Others with a homecoming of sorts include: Lawyer Milloy, Sam Adams, and Rian Lindell.
Wednesday November 24, 2004
Road Schedule Similar To Other Teams: Mike Mularkey held his usual media day press conference. He said Jason Peters has made an impact on special teams. He said he was eager to play. On Izell Reese being inactive, he said it was a numbers thing based on some of things they were doing scheme wise. He asked some coaches around the league, including Andy Reid, to see if he was doing anything differently scheduling wise for road games that could be effecting the way the team plays on the road. He found out he is very similar to what other teams do, but quipped, that they don't eat cheeseburgers like other teams do and he will remedy that this week. He feels the team had a chance to win three out of the four road games that they lost. He knows that the team has to protect the football and avoid sacks. He wants the team to start the game faster in all phases then they have recently. He said that the team is preparing for both Trent Dilfer and Matt Hasselbeck, since the starter is likely to be a gametime decision. He feels the team will scheme the same for both so it's not a problem. He called Lawyer Milloy a true leader on the field and brings the whole package to the team. When asked what he's thankful for, he said his family for standing by him while he is away a lot coaching football. The team will practice early tomorrow to get the players home with their families to enjoy the holiday but he will tell them to take care of themselves because they have a job to do.
Reed Practices: Josh Reed did practice today and is listed as questionable. They will see how he feels tomorrow. Troy Vincent did not practice again today and is listed as doubtful. It is tough to put him out there when he's not comfortable. Lawyer Milloy was given the day off. Injury Report.
Protecting The Football The Key: Drew Bledsoe addressed the media in his usual media day press conference today. He said what stands out the most from the Seahawks is that they do a very good job of getting on the ball carrier very quickly. They have an opportunistic defense that comes up with the ball when they have a chance too. Turning the ball over on the road has been the Bills problem and Bledsoe said he knows he has to protect the football. He said the team needs to keep the third down situations manageable by running the ball well on first and second down. The 15 penalties against the Rams is also a concern, Bledsoe knows they need to refocus this week.
Milloy Gets Award: Lawyer Milloy was named the AFC Defensive Player Of The Week winner for his effort against the Rams. Milloy had three sacks and six tackles in the win. He is the third player of the week winner from Buffalo this year. Brian Moorman and Terrence McGee have won special teams honors.
Tough Road Game Ahead: The Bills are one of two winless teams on the road and they look to change that as they head out west to take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Seattle may be without their starting QB for a second straight week as Matt Hasselbeck has been out with a quad injury. Complete Preview.
Tuesday November 23, 2004
Donahoe On Security: Tom Donahoe told the media that the Bills have a solid security plan and doesn't need to upgrade it despite what happened in Detroit on Friday night. He also answered Mike Martz criticism that the team is the only one in the league that doesn't allow security checks at the stadium. The Rams had to go to the airport for their check. Tom Donahoe said the tunnel area outside the locker rooms is too small for a check but he offered the Rams the use of the fieldhouse for the security check and they declined.
Monday November 22, 2004
Mularkey Responds To Martz: Coach Mularkey said today after watching the films he doesn't understand Mike Martz comments that the Bills cheap shot with chop blocks throughout the game with an intent to injure the Rams. On the Nate Clements hit on Torry Holt he said it was just a sound football play. He said they played sound physical football. He wasn't happy with the 15 penalties that the team had, it was the main negative in the win. They were able to overcome some penalties in the red zone and that didn't happen earlier in the season. He feels the defense played well in the first half but they have played more consistently in the second half but the first half play is winning football. He feels all three young defensive backs, Terrence McGee, Jabari Greer, and Rashad Baker, played smart football and did not give up the big play. He said he hopes Troy Vincent has improved this week but he can't forsee if he will play or not. On the special teams, he said they are all physical units and the players have a lot of heart which is a key to the success of them. He praised the play of Jason Peters as he has fit in to the units well.
Bledsoe Awarded: Drew Bledsoe has been named the Buffalo Bills 2004 Walter Payton Man Of The Year. The award is given to a player that has demonstrated a good balance between civic and professional responsibilities. He will receive $1,000 for the charity of his choice and is eligible for the league wide award that will be announced during the Super Bowl week festivities.
Martz Livid With Bills: Rams Coach Mike Martz was livid with what he called cheap shots by the Bills. Two of his cornerbacks went down with knee injuries and WR Torry Holt limped off once. Martz said the Bills players were trying to intentionally hurt his players with cut blocks. On the one play you could see Nate Clements hit Holt low and the TV analyst commented on it being a cheap shot. Martz had words after the game with defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.
Kelly Helps Bledsoe: Drew Bledsoe said a conversation he had during the week with Jim Kelly helped him put his struggles in perspective. He said it was nice to talk to someone who has been in similar situations before. After one of Mark Campbell's touchdowns, Bledsoe flipped the ball to Kelly who spent a portion of the game on the sidelines.
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