Archives for August 2001

‘Predictions: Indianapolis (11-5); Miami (10-6); N.Y. Jets (10-6); Buffalo (9-7); New England (6-10).’

17. RJ: Ah, now we’re getting into more controversy. Obviously, he has to stay healthy and take fewer sacks. In terms of pure physical ability, Johnson has it all — size, arm strength, accuracy, athleticism. Now, he must show up for 16 games and show what he’s got.

Is the West Coast offense and a re-tooled offensive line the answers to keeping QB Rob Johnson healthy?

The players who have struggled the most in camp are the unit’s most experienced and highest paid, left tackle John Fina and left guard Ruben Brown.

The Patriots put cornerback Ray Hill on the injured reserve list along with three other players.

Hill played for the Bills in 1998 & 1990 as well as for Miami in 1997 & 1999.

#3 – Johnson. Without Flutie looking over his shoulder, he finally reaches the stardom long predicted for him.

#2 – Improved special teams. Units cost Bills at least 3 wins last year so maybe they turn the tide.

#1 – Nobody thinks they can and the Bills play the easiest schedule on paper in the NFL.

‘All in all, the Bills have looked decent in pre-season but, of course, that means little.’

What is the progress of Travis Henry in Buffalo? Who do you think will be the starting RB for the Bills?

Chris Mortensen: Travis Henry has made a real run for the starting job, but I think the Bills will start off using all 3 backs – Henry (the most potential but still inexperienced in the passing game), Sammy Morris (tough, can catch) and Shawn Bryson (speed, catches).

3 Bills. They lost some defensive firepower but still could have enough to be in the playoff hunt.

While you are listening to the Bills vs. Steelers game over the internet, make sure you join in on the conversation in the GoBills! chat room.

Join us during the most popular Bills’ chat sessions on the net! The Bills face the Steelers tonight and the room will hopping with Bills fans from around the world. Kickoff is at 7:30, so grab your seat as early as 6:30 tonight!

Consecutive offseasons of salary cap crashes, brought on by mortgaging the future to hold the Jim Kelly-Bruce Smith-Thurman Thomas Super Bowl group together as long as possible, have blown both chaff and wheat from the Buffalo roster.

Buffalo fans will spend the season squinting at the names on jerseys and inquiring, “Who dat?” Finish: 8-8.

‘The Bills will have to trim a useful player or two at all three defensive units – defensive line, linebacker and secondary – when they pare their roster from 65 to 53 players by 4 p.m. Sunday.’

"I don’t necessarily agree that the position has been minimalized, because you still need your QB to play well if you’re going to win, and that probably won’t change in this league," said Tom Donahoe. "But it doesn’t all have to be on the QB anymore. You don’t see as many offenses where, if a quarterback doesn’t have a great day, his team loses. It’s more a case sometimes of wanting your QB to give you a chance to win."

‘The officials won’t see much of Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart or Bills quarterback Rob Johnson, even though he has some problems adjusting to the quickness of Buffalo’s West Coast-style offense. Johnson still is getting familiar with the quick reads he must make and the speed with which he must release the ball. But, like the other offensive regulars, Johnson will likely play only about a quarter. Alex Van Pelt, the former Pitt quarterback, will follow.’

‘Rookie Travis Henry has had the best summer, but Sammy Morris and Shawn Bryson have shown flashes as well. Each has started one game, and tonight, Williams hopes to get all three one series each with the first-string unit before those players are lifted for the night.’