Archives for September 2002

6) Kent Hull, Buffalo — Underrated and unappreciated, his line calls and heady blocking adjustments were a big factor in the success of the run-and-gun offense.

The Bills have no injuries to report. The Bears list eight players.

Power Poll Ratings from major sources.

ESPN (19) Only player with more passing attempts than Drew Bledsoe (129) is Tom Brady (132).

ESPN Chris Mortensen (15)

CBS (20) A nice effort at Denver. The schedule has not been kind to this young team.

TSN Pompei (20)

TSN War Room (19) Exciting Bills offense finally sees a Denver defense that know how to stop them

CNN/SI Dr Z (13) Drew Bledsoe was supposed to be immobile, but I like the way he operates against a rush. And the way he makes the right decisions in a hurry. I know, I keep writing good things about him every week, but I sure am in his corner.

CNN/SI Peter King (12) They’ll be in the playoff chase, seriously, in December.

An undrafted free agent in 1971, the University of Maryland star was contacted by several NFL teams, but chose to try his luck with the Bills because Hawkins, who had been on his college coaching staff, was now the linebackers coach in Buffalo.

‘"It’s frustrating, but I’m not concerned about it," Henry said. "Sometimes, those things happen. You just have to put it out of your mind and move on. I still have confidence in my ability and I think the team still believes in me, too."’

Chicago hasn’t allowed a tight end touchdown in 12 straight games. So, obviously, Riemersma is totally off limits in this game. If he finishes with two catches it will be the sign of a remarkable performance worthy of praise, song, and a movie adaptation.

The Buffalo Bills, Choice One Communications and 84 Lumber announce the building of their Habitat for Humanity Home in Buffalo. The three companies joined forces in 2000 to build their first home at 33 Grey Street. The partnership with Habitat for Humanity has continued and this season the third Bills home will be built and proudly owned by Shaneen Bowden and family.

‘If Buffalo can sweep those games – and that’s not out of the question – it would be 4-2 and set up for the meat of its schedule. The suggestion of such a win streak isn’t absurd, due to the play of quarterback Drew Bledsoe.’

There's a common piece of advice that parents give to their kids, and teachers give to their students: Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

That wisdom doesn't work so well in football.

‘On Monday, Bills linebackers Keith Newman and Eddie Robinson faced the possibility that they combined for just one tackle Sunday in a 28-23 loss to the Denver Broncos.’

‘Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe has thrown for 1,017 yards and six touchdowns; New England’s Tom Brady has 973 yards passing and nine TDs. Both are on pace to break Dan Marino’s record of 5,084 passing yards in a season.’

‘The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos game on Sept. 22 drew a record TV audience in the Western New York market since meters have been used to measure viewing habits.’

‘Said Broncos defensive end Trevor Pryce: “Buffalo caught up to us a little bit, but I think it might have been more Drew Bledsoe than so much the Bills.” Indeed, the Bills have given up 104 points. Only the Jets and Lions have allowed more. But neither of those teams has Bledsoe.’ requires registration

‘The Bills, who have yet to make an interception, are confident that if they keep pressure on the quarterback, turnovers will happen. They forced none against Denver. The Broncos, meanwhile, turned a Travis Henry fumble into a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. That underscored the importance of takeaways.’

‘I like Travis Henry. He’s tough and talented but he’s yet to find a level of consistency anywhere near that of the best ball carriers in the NFL and I’m not sure it’s all his fault. One reason might be the way he’s used. Buffalo has a big offensive line and linemen love to run block. But in these last two games, Buffalo has run the ball just 28 times and passed it 90. Teams pass when they’re behind in the fourth quarter, which the Bills were, but they didn’t bother to establish a running tone early.’