Archives for June 2002

‘This is a make-or-break year for the former first-round draft pick, who is battling second-year pro Kendrick Office and second-round draft pick Ryan Denney for Hansen’s left end spot. If Flowers doesn’t produce, he’ll be forever labeled as a bust.’

‘The 5-foot-11, 225-pound Huntley is a big, physical back with good speed and elusiveness. He’s been hampered by hamstring injuries but has been productive when healthy.’

‘Jim Dunaway played for the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins and was married to Nonniel Dunaway for 35 years.’

By any measure, it had already been a remarkable offseason for the Bills.

Fresh from a 3-13 disaster, they had lost LB Cowart to Jets via free agency, and injury-plagued QB RJ was exposed to Houston and then waived.

But before Bills’ fans could slip into depression, Tom Donahoe delivered a

megadose of hope. He signed eight modestly priced, but decidedly valuable veterans. Second he had a solid draft. And finally they traded for a starting QB Drew Bledsoe.

Huntley likes the situation in Buffalo because of past relationships with Tom Donahoe and Kevin Gilbride while with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After his visit to Buffalo in April, Huntley was "sky high" about the possibility of playing in Western New York. He will now have that opportunity but it will likely mean the end of Bryson’s career with the team.

Empire Sports Network will provide live coverage of the Buffalo Bills uniform unveiling on Saturday, June 8 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. It will be replayed at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. ESN is available outside western New York through Direct TV (ch.626) and EchoStar (ch.432) home satellite systems.

At first glance, the Richard Huntley acquisition seems to make little sense, particularly because Buffalo is in real need of a proven under tackle and left end, and it already has two decent backup running backs in Sammy Morris and Shawn Bryson. But the more you look at it, the more it adds up. I just don’t know if it adds up more than their need at under tackle and left end.

During the Bills’ May mini-camp, their offense looked ahead of the defense. But when the June mini-camp opened Tuesday, the defense clearly had the upper hand.

‘"For the most part, Eric had no idea (of the policy) and to be honest, none of us did either," said Greg Johnson, one of Moulds’ agents. "But we’re going to find out the extent of what he can and can’t endorse and once we find out, we’ll talk with the company. We’ve had a good relationship with them and we’re just trying to make sense of it all, so it’s not something that turns into a big deal."’

‘Huntley’s acquisition possibly paves the way for a long-rumored trade of Shawn Bryson to Philadelphia for a draft pick.’

‘Huntley becomes the ninth free agent to join the Bills this offseason, and enters a packed backfield.’

Len Pasquarelli gives some thoughts on Huntley’s potential value, including his role as a third-down back, special-teams player, and possibly kick-returner. However, he does mention something about being prone to off-the-field indiscretions…

‘Huntley, 29, spent the 2001 season with Carolina and led the Panthers in rushing with 665 yards on 165 carries with two touchdowns. He also had 21 catches for 101 yards and one TD receiving.’

‘While Travis Henry is still considered the starter heading into training camp next month, Huntley is good enough to push him. Sammy Morris also figures in the mix, and Curtis Alexander is leading NFL Europe in rushing and will be fighting for a roster spot.’

‘“I’ve had a long-standing relationship with the supplement company and I’d hate to see that relationship go. But you have to abide by league policies, and I have to see what happens.”’