Archives for September 28, 2002

After three weeks, wide receiver Peerless Price leads the NFL with 352 receiving yards and his 25 receptions are tied for second most in the NFL behind New England's Troy Brown (31).

Surprising numbers?

The Bears, who have had some special teams troubles of their own, will be eyeing kickoff and punt returns as a chance to break the game loose.

The Bills, of course, gave up two kickoff returns for touchdowns in the opener three weeks ago and rate 31st in the NFL on kick coverage (30.5 average on 18 returns).

‘Knight, a lifelong Bills fan growing up in Buffalo, has attended games at The Ralph many times. But on Sunday, he’ll walk through the tunnel as a rookie linebacker for the Bears.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ home season so far has been an advertisement for the NFL Sunday Ticket.’

‘The Bledsoe show continues on Monday when he is the subject of an "NFL Presents" show that runs at 2:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on ESPN and at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.’

‘"Bledsoe has got certain skills and talents the other guys don’t," Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. "The guy’s a big-time quarterback. He’s been in the league for 10 years. He’s got a big passing arm. He’s not as mobile as the other guys, but he’s got so much more moxie and pocket presence as far as sliding around and moving and being able to sit in the pocket and make the throws. The guy’s a quality quarterback with something to prove. He’s got a chip on his shoulder and he’s playing that way-he’s playing great. I was in the division with him for a long time and I’ve never seen him play as well as he’s playing now."’

‘Despite his reputation for being injury-prone, last Sunday marked the first time since 1993, when he backed up Steve Beuerlein in Arizona, that Chandler has sat out three consecutive games.’

‘"[Bledsoe’s] a better passer, a more accurate passer, so you have to be tighter in coverage rather than worry about him running the ball,” Austin said. "He won’t hurt us if he runs, but he will hurt us with his arm. You have to play tighter coverage.”’

‘The Bears’ secondary needs help against Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe, who is considered one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL today. He has 119 consecutive passes without an interception, although he threw 2 in the season opener.’

‘Bledsoe has revived interest in the Bills since being traded from the New England Patriots after his quarterback job was given to Tom Brady. The revival will be short-lived, however, if the defense doesn’t hold up its end.’

‘Statistics suggest opportunity this week for all Bears special teams, especially return teams.’

‘While not a superstar, Thomas did rush for 1,183 yards as a rookie, and he’s coming off a 111-yard performance in last week’s loss against a stout New Orleans defense.’

‘During the roughly two-hour drive to Ralph Wilson Stadium, Ahanotu grabs some more sleep, works the cellular phone and gets himself ready for the football assignment ahead. On the way home, he does more of the same while trying to forget about the game that has become his profession. In that sense, he believes the time and the $5,000-a-month or so he pays Cameron to chauffeur him is well spent.’

‘He has emerged as the Bills’ defensive quarterback, calling the plays in the huddle and barking at teammates he believes are letting up. He did some of his best yapping last week about his former teammates.’