Archives for September 2003

‘”When they do that,” Bledsoe said of the Dolphins’ emphasis on stopping the run, “we’ve got to throw it more effectively that we did. “But we’ve also got to get our running game going.” And soon.’

‘For the record, against the Jaguars and Dolphins combined, Buffalo’s running backs have an anemic 79 yards on 41 carries. That’s under two yards a carry, if you’re wondering.’

‘The most-likely scenario, if Henry is unavailable, would have Burns inserted into the starting lineup for the first time in his two-year career and finding another backup. It’s very unlikely the Bills would enter the game with only Burns and Gash.’

‘The Bills would never come out and say they drafted McGahee because they were concerned whether Henry can endure over the long haul. But that consideration might have been part of their reasoning, and a sound part of it at that. Henry, at 5-foot-9, 215 pounds, is on the smallish side for a feature back, especially one who relishes contact, thrives on breaking tackles, lacks the gift of breakaway speed and has had past problems retaining the ball. On his best day he’s a reminder of Thurman Thomas, but the inconsistencies also point toward Joe Cribbs or Greg Bell, backs who sizzled, but only temporarily.’

‘Buffalo’s off-season master plan of building a team capable of playing physical – running the ball and stopping the run – to ease the pressure on Bledsoe has fallen off the tracks three games in.’

‘How about arrested for impersonating an NFL lineman? You’ve got a 370-pound wall in Williams, yet you’re tossing halfback option passes near the goal line. That doesn’t say much about the faith the coaches have in him, and nobody can give a good explanation for why he doesn’t play left tackle if he’s supposedly so good.’

‘A member of the Bills’ organization will make the presentation a 9 a.m. today at Lew-Port. Johnson will receive a framed certificate signed by Bills coach Gregg Williams, president/general manager Tom Donahoe and NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, plus a special cap designating him as a winner of the award. The Bills will also donate $1,000 to the Lancers’ athletic program.’

‘The truth about these Bills is that the road to a spot in the post-season comes down to this: They must win all or most of their “easy” games — vs. the New York Jets (twice), Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys.’

‘In fact, Williams seemed to gain strength as the game went on, setting up his 1-yard touchdown run with a 21-yard gain, his longest run, with 2:39 remaining.’

‘At halftime against Buffalo, Wannstedt told Williams he was going to work backup Travis Minor into the mix. But every time Miami began a possession, there was Williams, sprinting to the huddle.’

‘The back breaker appeared to come with 2 minutes, 39 seconds remaining, when Williams turned the left corner and ran 21 yards to the Bills’ 8-yard line before being pushed out of bounds. He would eventually score on a 1-yard run with 1:52 to play, sealing Miami’s victory.’

‘The play broke down because the Bills’ offensive line was pushed deep into the backfield by Miami’s front line. Henry took the handoff and had to immediately get rid of the ball. Reed realized what happened and broke off his route, but Henry’s wobbly pass never made it to him as Surtain leaped to grab it.’

‘For the third week in a row the Bills failed to establish a viable rushing attack, and it has now become a prime concern.’

‘RT Mike Williams, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 draft, has not played particularly well. The Bills have not been able to run behind the 370-pounder like they expected to, and he was beaten cleanly for a sack by Adewale Ogunleye.’

‘Joe Burns could be a key player for the Buffalo Bills when they host Philadelphia Sunday. Not bad for a guy who ran the ball just five times last year.’