Archives for May 2004

‘"My calf was just going to take about two weeks to heal and we only had two weeks left in the season," Reese said. "That’s why I was placed on Injured Reserve. If I had another week in the season I would have been able to come back."’

‘Buffalo, looking for some affordable fullback help signed Shelton to a two-year deal on Jan. 28, and he has since recommitted himself to the game. With Sammy Morris signing in Miami, and Sam Gash’s departure to New Orleans, his signing is all the more important.’

‘Noted for his catching ability and presenting a big target with a 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame, Euhus is expected to compete for a backup spot next season behind returning starter Mark Campbell.’

‘He will tailor its complicated play-calling to his high school players by using a numbers system advocated by Marv Levy, Beebe’s head coach in Buffalo.’

‘Euhus was All-Pac 10 this season thanks to 49 catches for 645 yards and seven scores. In his career, Euhus grabbed 98 balls for 1,346 yards and nine TD’s.’

‘Euhus is the first of the Bills six draft picks to sign with the team.’

‘Euhus’ agent William Heck said his client was pleased with how easily negotiations went, wrapping the deal up within a day.’

‘Q: What was the most important aspect to your success as a player for the Bills?

JR: Being surrounded and having great coaches and great teammates always. Through high school, college and with the Buffalo Bills. I was always surrounded with good people.’

‘Tight end Mark Campbell, who picked up No. 83 after Dave Moore left this offseason and wore it during the team’s first two mini-camps, will switch back to No. 84, the number he wore during the 2003 season.’

‘"You just had to go out there and do your job," Brooks said. "Steve Tasker got a chance to play and show everyone how good of a wide receiver he was. Everyone always looked at Steve as a special teams guy, but we saw Steve every day in practice and Steve was a great receiver. He went out there and played well. The guys stepped in and did their jobs. That’s what you have to do if you’re backing-up or you’re the third or a fourth receiver or whatever. When your time is called, just be ready. That’s what I was trying to do, not try to do more than what I can, just stay within myself and do my job. Give credit to the coaches for putting me in the right situations at the right times for my ability."’

‘"I have faith that God is in control, that has always helped me through whatever happens," Chandler said. "I want to be a Buffalo Bill. I have a great coaching staff ahead of me, directly being under Sam Wyche who is a great offensive coach and quarterback coach."’

BRUCE SMITH, defensive end – 19 seasons

Buffalo Bills (1985-99), Washington Redskins (2000-2003)

Career in a nutshell: Though some critics moaned that Smith stuck around too long with his eye solely on the all-time NFL sack record, no one can argue the fact that he was one of the best defensive ends of the last quarter century. Last season, he finally passed Reggie White for the all-time record and Smith is the only player with 200 career sacks. Under coach Marv Levy, Smith was a cornerstone of the fabled Bills teams that reached an unprecedented four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s.

Getting after the passer is what San Diego needs Otis Leverette to do and Buffalo expects the same from Ryan Denney in Buffalo.

Blake would give Buffalo a fairly safe middle option, should starter Drew Bledsoe continue to struggle or go down with an injury, and first-round pick J.P. Losman prove to be at least a year away, as everyone expects.

“Starring for the Buffalo Bills, Bennett was named NFL Rookie of the Year. He played in five Super Bowls, appeared in five Pro Bowls and was named second team on the NFL All-Decade Team.”