Archives for October 2002

Ten years ago, Ron Wolf pulled off one of the best trades in NFL history — acquiring Brett Favre for the Green Bay Packers for a first-round draft choice. Meanwhile, everybody says "there are no more big trades in the NFL anymore." Well, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins certainly would not agree with that theory. Trades that these clubs engineered this year are paying handsome dividends.

‘This Sunday, the game will come down to how well the Texans offense performs against a Bills defense that can stop no one.’

Drew Bledsoe will be one of the contributors to first installment.

NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott announced today the debut of TiVo’s first Public Service Advertainment campaign, which features a video showcase and website effort named "Champions for Charity" that seeks to raise funds for the worthy causes supported by some of the biggest stars in the NFL.

‘”It’s been tough because I never know how much I’m going to play from week to week,” said Newman, who made 189 tackles and 11 1/2 sacks the last two years. “Obviously, having just nine tackles is not good. But I can’t control the decisions of the coaching staff. I just have to take advantage of the snaps I do get and maximize those opportunities to the best of my ability.”‘

‘"It’s one of those things where it’s going to take time to heal, so we’re kind of playing it by ear," Moore said after practice Thursday. "The willingness to play is certainly there. The question is whether I can go out, physically do my job and be able to help the team rather than be a liability."’

‘There have been 5,145 pass attempts through the first five weeks of the NFL season and 167 have been intercepted. But none by Buffalo. Zero. Zip. Nada.’

‘"They have good receivers and a great quarterback," Wright said. "They are passing the ball and putting points on the board. It’s going to be a challenge for us as a secondary to come out and go against a good offense and contain them."’

‘"I’m not surprised at what Drew’s done," Palmer said. "After last season, I heard people saying `Drew’s through,’ but I knew they were going to be in for a shock. I knew how hungry he was. I knew what a sense of purpose he had about this season. I mean, we’re talking about a talented, Hall of Fame quarterback who’s been to the Super Bowl."’

‘"Eric Moulds and Peerless Price are playing as well as any tandem (of receivers) in the league right now," Bledsoe said. "I’ve been kind of energized by the move, to be honest. After being in one place for so long and then kind of having the job yanked away from me, it kind of gave me new appreciation for what it means to play in this league, and the opportunity I have to do that."’

‘The linebackers and backs are anteing up $100 each heading into this weekend’s game at Houston. Whoever gets the first interception collects the pot.’

With a broken left hand, Moore can’t snap for punts. We have seen problems with long snapping going back to last season, but Moore and punter Brian Moorman seemed to be working together well before the injury.

Chris Palmer was New England's quarterbacks coach during Bledsoe's breakout season of 1996. Bledsoe led the Patriots to the Super Bowl that year while throwing for 4,087 yards and 27 touchdowns.

‘With all of the former Lone Star State and Houston Oilers coaches and players populating the roster, you would think the Erie Canal was a football pipeline extending 2,000 miles south.’

"Their defensive scheme presents some real problems from a pass protection standpoint. Trying to figure out who is blitzing and where they are coming from and how they are doing things- their defense looks really good. We have a challenge ahead of us."

‘Capers helped popularize the "zone blitz," which has been one of the most significant tactical developments in football in the past decade.’