Archives for October 16, 2003

‘”Sure it is,” answered Williams when asked if it was embarrassing for a team that was touted as an early AFC contender to now be the most unproductive team in the league.’

‘Another starter, defensive tackle Jermaine Haley, said he is considering undergoing surgery on his injured thumb. The procedure would sideline him three to four weeks, he said. The Redskins also will be without cornerback Fred Smoot, who has a fractured sternum, and almost certainly will be without tailback Trung Canidate for Sunday’s game at Buffalo. But with a bye week after the Bills game, club officials hope both will be able to play Nov. 2 at Dallas.’

‘Redskins officials have received league approval to stop Sunday’s game for a brief ceremony if Bruce Smith breaks Reggie White’s NFL career sacks record. The veteran defensive end needs two sacks to break the record.’

‘Through six games, Ramsey remains the NFL’s most sacked passer (21 times). And he has been hit on countless other occasions and had his left (non-throwing) shoulder sprained twice.’

‘Guard Randy Thomas, defensive end Bruce Smith and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter sat out practice yesterday. All three veterans routinely have been taking days off to rest nagging injuries. The absence of Thomas and Fiore on the offensive line left the Redskins with a first-team guard duo of rookie Derrick Dockery and seldom-used Lennie Friedman. Spurrier said Friedman likely will see some playing time Sunday.’

‘Against Buffalo on Sunday that could mean more of a pass-rushing role. Which is just fine with Arrington, who has 2 1/2 sacks after getting 11 1/2 a year ago. Last year, he lined up often as a left end, much to his chagrin. This year he’s done that only a couple times.’

‘”It’s going to be nice to see them,” Smith said Wednesday. “I never had an opportunity to see the fans and say goodbye, so it will be nice to go back.”‘

‘If Moulds can go, Bailey is likely to cover him for the majority of the snaps. That would likely leave Bauman matched up with the 6-foot-1 Bobby Shaw–who has 26 catches for 342 yards and two touchdowns this season–or 5-10 wideout Josh Reed.’

‘Redskins long snapper Ethan Albright played five seasons in Buffalo and doesn’t expect to hear a sound when he returns there for the first time since leaving after the 2000 season. “They didn’t know I was there when I was there,” Albright said, laughing. “That means I did my job.”‘

‘Moulds, whose status is improving, didn’t practice all last week and missed last Sunday’s 30-3 loss to the New York Jets. He could return to practice this week.’

‘”No, I have complete confidence in myself. When presented an opportunity to make a play I know that I can make it. As an offense we have to improve. The biggest area is our third down conversions. That’s not allowing us to sustain drives. Whatever the reason, we have to get it straightened out. We had some reasonable down and distance and we need to be able to convert those. No question.”‘

‘”Our personnel is what it is right now. Our roster is set and we play multiple packages. Guys are on the field a bunch with exception of our offensive line, it’s pretty much stays static throughout the course of a ballgame. In the special teams, the offense, and the defense everyone that dresses plays. Those guys are getting on the field in whatever packages we have. We have to make sure that our basics are being handled. We have to mark sure we are executing within the structure and the call and not trying to get too much too fast. Some guys are pressing a little bit and it’s my job to make sure they are not pressing too much. Just do what the design says and everything else is gravy. We’ll get back on base.”‘

‘On whether the Buffalo game is a “Must-Win”: “It would certainly help us to get this game and be in decent shape within our division. We’re in second place within our division. We’re not the only team struggling out there. But this is a crucial game for us.”‘

‘Q: Emotionally, how will it feel going back to Buffalo: A: “Certainly it will be an extra feeling and it’ll be an emotional experience. And I’m looking forward to it. Again, I can’t let that sidetrack me or this team. It’ll be a phenomenal experience. I think Darryl Talley’s jersey is being retired on Sunday and he’s being put on the Wall of Fame. It’ll be wonderful for him and a historic day. But once again, my mindset is going to be on playing well. And after the ballgame is over, I’ll have all the time in the world to visit with all of my friends that I’ve known for years in Buffalo.”‘