Archives for October 2002

‘If you’re a Dolphins fan who believes in signs, omens and precursors, Jay Fiedler’s injury shouldn’t worry you.’

‘Fiedler is expected to be out at least the next four weeks, which would cover Sunday’s game against Buffalo followed by a bye week and road games against Green Bay and the New York Jets. Beating Green Bay at Lambeau Field is a tough task for any team, whether Fiedler is healthy or not. But the Dolphins should be able to beat the Bills and Jets, which would leave them at 7-2 by the time Fiedler gets back.’

‘Gadsden rejoined the team after being examined by a Dallas doctor but didn’t practice. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Buffalo.’

‘Miami faces a daunting test Sunday against Bledsoe, a familiar AFC East rival wearing a new uniform. ”I don’t understand why New England traded him to Buffalo,” Taylor said. ”It was kind of a stupid move on their part. Now we’re stuck playing against him again. He’s playing unbelievable. He has brought so much to that team. They’re a completely different team than they were last year.”’

‘”They’re scoring 32 points a game,” Thomas said incredulously. “Bringing Bledsoe into the picture makes them much more scary.”‘

‘The news release said knee problems that resulted from an injury suffered 10 years ago when Bentley played for the National Football League’s Cincinnati Bengals as a cause for his resignation. The injury now prevents Bentley from standing on his leg for extended periods of time. Bentley also played for the Buffalo Bills.’

The Bills and Dolphins have played at least twice every season since 1966, with Miami holding a 47-28-1 overall series lead (46-25-1 in the reg. season). The Bills last victory in Miami was in 1999 (23-18).

The rivalry wasn't the same there (in New England) as it is here. I've learned very quickly how different it is with the Bills. It wasn't quite like that there, it was simply a big week because the Dolphins had been pretty tough and in particularly on defense. We knew it was going to be a tough week and that we would have our hands full.

‘"They’re right where they need to be," he said. "They know how to come through adversity. They know how to stick together. They know how to play the entire game. That’s what you look for."’

‘"He’s got his life in order and he’s having some success down here. So when all those personal things are better it usually translates to positive stuff on the football field. He’s been fantastic as far as his work ethic and everything he’s doing here."’

‘Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas wanted to tackle his TV set last April when he learned that the New England Patriots had traded quarterback Drew Bledsoe to the Buffalo Bills. Instead of watching one of the NFL’s great passers leave the AFC East Division, Thomas saw Bledsoe set up shop with one of Miami’s fiercest rivals. “When they made that move with New England, it was like ‘Go to Cincinnati man, don’t stay in the division,’ ” Thomas recalled on Wednesday. “That was ridiculous.”‘

‘Though coach Gregg Williams said “you never rule anybody out,” it seems highly unlikely that Williams will recover in time to play. Gregg Williams termed Mike Williams’ injury as “a significant strain.”‘

‘And if the Bills (3-3) are to have continued success through the air – in particular this Sunday against the dreaded divisional rival Dolphins (5-1) in Miami – Buffalo would be well served with another big game from their top back.’

‘While the Bills probably lag well behind the Dolphins in overall talent, they may be catching their rivals at a ripe moment. Miami’s 24-22 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday night was huge, but also punishing.’

‘Gadsden is in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. If Gadsden, 31, has surgery now, he would likely be healthy by the time free agency opens in March. If he puts off surgery, he won’t be healthy until the end of April, at the earliest, assuming a four-month recovery. That would significantly reduce his chances of getting a decent contract with any team.’