Archives for March 28, 2004

‘”You could see by body language, the way they play the game, the way they carry themselves, the way they approach their teammates, you have a pretty good feel who those leaders are already,” Mularkey said. “I’m finding other things out being out here that there are some guys who lead by example. And there are some guys on offense that are standing up a lot better than I thought they would.”‘

‘The best-case scenario is this: The offensive line protects Drew Bledsoe much, much better under new line coach Jim McNally, the draft brings a speed receiver to take the multiple pass coverage off Eric Moulds, Bledsoe uses running back Willis McGahee as a frequent receiver, Josh Reed returns to the slot, where he is more effective, and the running game is so good it creates greater opportunities for the pass. Bledsoe plays as brilliantly as he did in his first half season as a Bill.’

‘It’s hard to imagine the Bills giving up future picks to move up from No. 13. So what needs to happen for the Bills to get Roethlisberger? 1. San Diego trades down and then, stunningly, passes up a quarterback. 2. Oakland and Arizona pass on QBs. 3. No other team (such as San Francisco at No. 16) works a trade into the top 10 to take a QB. (Washington needs extra picks and is a trade-down candidate at No. 5.)’

‘New York Jets All-Pro running back Curtis Martin shared his faith with about 800 people who attended the third annual Athletes in Action awards breakfast Saturday in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. He was surrounded by an all-star cast of athletes that included former Buffalo Bills quarterback Frank Reich, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and television sports analyst Boomer Esiason, and former Bills wide receiver Andre Reed.’