Archives for October 23, 2002

There was a time not too long ago when NFL players looked to spend their entire playing career with the team that drafted them. That’s what Pete Metzelaars hoped would happen in Seattle. But after three seasons with the Seahawks, the tight end was traded to Buffalo in 1985.

Buffalobills.com visitors selected Bills cornerback Nate Clements as the Tops Game Ball of the Week winner for his performance against the Miami Dolphins. He tied the franchise record with three interceptions and finished just one shy of the NFL mark.

‘Not only has it done a good job of protecting rookie quarterback Joey Harrington when he sets to pass, but the run blocking has improved. Last Sunday, the offensive line keyed a 172-yard rushing effort by running back James Stewart during a 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.’

‘Millen called one of the Detroit Lions a devout coward last week, but failed to name names. For going about things this way, Millen is the real cowardly Lion.’

Winfield (Doubtful), Driver, Moore, Williams all questionable. The Lions list nine players.

Bills cornerback Nate Clements has been selected as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in last week’s win at Miami.

‘Jenkins’ number was called a lot last Sunday in Miami. With Wire struggling, Jenkins got the majority of the defensive snaps at strong safety. He was in on just three tackles, but played a key role in holding Dolphins running back Ricky Williams to 97 rushing yards.’

‘The film won’t air until Dec. 15 on cable’s TNT so you’ll have to wait for a full review. For now, let’s just say that, after a slow start typical of the Bills offense these days, it is an entertaining film that works as a comedy, a football movie and as a romance. And star Gil Bellows, who came for the premiere, may be as likable a performer as Drew Bledsoe.’

‘While Millen’s comments had no effect on Sunday’s game and have been largely forgotten by the players, there is still a lingering uneasiness with the coaching staff. By all accounts, Mornhinweg was white-hot mad at Millen over the weekend, first for saying anything in the first place and, second, for leaving town and making Mornhinweg clean up his mess.’

‘Cornerback Marcus Floyd, released by the New York Jets last month, was signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad on Tuesday.’

‘”The big thing for this team is that we’ve gotten better each week … we’ve seen continuous improvement across the board. Our offensive line loses a player like Mike Williams (first round draft choice) and Marcus (Price) comes in (at right tackle) and we just keep rolling.”‘

‘What this means, as I see it, is that while no one should get too carried away with expectations, it is becoming clear most of us underestimated what Drew Bledsoe would mean to this team. If he stays healthy, and other key people don’t go down for extended periods of time, there’s no reason this team can’t continue to surprise us. It’s far from a one man effort, but that sure is where this all starts.’