Archives for October 17, 2003

‘Starting defensive tackle Sam Adams (sprained right ankle) also took part in Friday’s practice but saw no change from his questionable status. Linebacker Takeo Spikes was listed as probable after sitting out of practice ill.’

‘”Right now whatever can go wrong has been going wrong,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. “I’m very disappointed. We’re not playing very well. There’s a lot of reasons you can point to but none of them matter. The only thing that matters is we’re not playing well enough to win. That’s the bottom line.”‘

‘”I’ve been competing in practice and I continue to work hard,” Reese said. “When a starting opportunity presented itself I wanted to make the most of it each game and each play.”‘

‘Gash is not one to complain. His position dictates that he put team goals ahead of personal desires. He only wants to help his team win. “I’d love to be on the field more, and as a competitor, it’s frustrating when I’m not,” he said. “For whatever reason, game situations haven’t called for it.”‘

‘Williams is at best a lame duck, at worst a dead duck.’

‘During this season’s 3-3 beginning, the trend has continued. The Redskins are 2-0 in games when they attempted more runs than passes (beat the Jets and Patriots) and 1-3 when they passed more than they ran (beat the Falcons, lost to the Giants, Eagles and Buccaneers).’

‘If Eric Moulds, the Bills’ standout wide receiver, returns from a groin injury, he likely would be Bailey’s assignment for most of Sunday’s game. That would leave Bauman usually covering one of Buffalo’s less-proven wide receivers, Josh Reed or Bobby Shaw.’

‘Fiore started the first three games of the season but has been sidelined since because of discomfort in his knee, on which he underwent surgery last year. Rookie Derrick Dockery will make his fourth straight start at left guard in place of Fiore on Sunday at Buffalo, with Lennie Friedman ready to step in if Dockery falters.’

‘”He’s still in his second year in the league, so he’s not as seasoned,” Catavolos said. “But he studies as well as anybody. He understands the defense. And he’s got an outstanding competitive nature. No matter what we ask him to do, this guy’s a tireless worker.”‘

‘It would be fitting if kickoff returner Chad Morton capped a stretch of progressively better runbacks in recent weeks with a touchdown Sunday at Buffalo. As a New York Jet in last year’s opener at Buffalo, Morton became the fifth player in NFL history to return two kickoffs for scores: a 98-yarder in regulation and a 96-yarder to start overtime.’

‘His teammates have noticed Smith’s reticence. “He’s been good at hiding it,” said defensive end Renaldo Wynn. “I know he’s excited about coming back to Buffalo, but he’s been kind of low-key.”‘

‘”The guy has the body of someone half his age,” said Ted Cottrell, who was Smith’s line coach in Buffalo and now is the defensive coordinator of the New York Jets. They remains close friends.’

‘It’s not enough that John Hall has made 78 percent of his field goals, including four of six kicks from 50 yards and beyond, he’s also one of the Redskins’ more reliable players in kick coverage. And not just because of his five touchbacks. Hall also is a weapon because, unlike most kickers, he can actually tackle. It’s not often that a kicker would be rewarded for his hits, but Hall has been honored that way twice in his seven years. The second time happened in Washington’s 20-17 win over New England last month.’

‘Ladairis Jackson called him a midget and LaVar Arrington walked by, interrupting an interview, and likened him to a pint-sized ruler in a movie. Rashad Bauman doesn’t mind. He ignores their digs, even laughs at them. Besides, his height has never been an issue in his mind. This week, it’s not an issue with the Redskins, either. Not with the injuries starting to mount.’

‘Weaknesses: The Bills, like Washington, can’t pass protect. Some of that falls on Bledsoe, who holds the ball too long. At times he’ll get rattled and force passes. The line and backs have also had problems pass blocking. Buffalo ranks last in the NFL in rushing, averaging 57.5 yards a game. Henry was slowed by a rib injury earlier this season, but appears fine now. Jennings sometimes struggles with speed rushers. If Moulds can’t play, the Bills lack a consistent receiver with speed.’