Archives for August 2004

‘"The news is better than we expected," Bills general manager Tom Donahoe said. "Travis has a sprain of the knee. His anterior cruciate ligament is fine. It’s a four to six week injury, but it could be sooner or a little longer."’

In the meantime, the Bills on Monday added journeyman Shane Matthews, who was with Cincinnati in 2003, but did not appear in a single game. The 10-year veteran certainly meets the requirement of being able to get into camp with the Bills, quickly assimilate the offense, and serve as a stopgap of sorts.

‘New England 13-3; Jets 9-7; Buffalo 7-9; Miami 4-12.’

‘You might have thought an astute football mind like Donahoe would have signed a veteran quarterback this spring or summer at bargain-basement rates. Ol’ Whitey clearly knew better, though, sticking with an unproven rookie and a relative veteran proven to not be very good. Hey, Tom: Kordell Stewart awaits your call.’

‘So what does Donahoe do? Zolman has to stay on the active roster for the immediate future … at least until the Bills’ new QB – whoever it might be – gets comfortable. Until then, does Buffalo keep four QBs on the active roster to prevent Losman from wasting the year? What a decision … and it’s still only preseason.’

‘"I think Kevin and Terrence are doing a good job," said Defensive Coordinator Jerry Gray. Nickel corner is one of the harder positions because you’ve got to read the quarterback, you’ve got to read the line and you’ve got to make tackles. Each guy is qualified to play the spot so that’s going to be a healthy competition also. All in all our team will be better because we will be getting the maximum amount of ability out of these guys. Everyone has to raise their game to play on this defense."’

Buffalo saw its bad luck at quarterback continue, as backup QB Travis Brown was carted off the field following a hit to his left knee. The Bills had already lost rookie QB J.P. Losman with a broken leg Tuesday. On top of that, Bills S Lawyer Milloy broke his right forearm Saturday night and will undergo surgery. The Bills didn’t know how much time he’d miss.

‘The experienced free-agent quarterbacks on the open market include Chad Hutchinson, Jamie Martin, Shane Matthews, Akili Smith, Neil O’Donnell, Chris Redman, Scott Covington, Ray Lucas and Mike Quinn.’

‘”Believe it or not I have a great peace over me right now,” Brown said in the locker room at the RCA Dome after the Bills’ 30-17 loss. “Is this what I wanted to have happen? Absolutely not. But understanding what I went through last year and being gone most of the year, I understand there’s a reason things happen.” ‘

‘”We’re going to take a step back and evaluate what we have to do there (at quarterback),” coach Mike Mularkey said. “Obviously, we have to do something. We’ll see what’s available. It will be addressed.”‘

‘The New England Patriots appear to have widened the gap over the rest of the AFC East. My original theory was that the Bills would clearly be the second-best team in the division and have a decent shot at a playoff berth. But now I’m wondering if they can match last year’s 6-10.’

‘If new coach Mike Mularkey’s vision of a ball-control offense comes to fruition and the defense remains strong, the Bills could be one of the NFL’s surprise teams and make a run at a playoff berth. But given the unstable nature of the offensive line, a .500 season appears to be a more realistic goal.’

‘Coach Mike Mularkey should have the results of the MRI on Monday after practice, the Bills said.’

‘Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed will present a program titled "Giving Your Best" at noon Sept. 10 in the Physical Education Complex at Jamestown Community College.’

‘Offensively, the starting unit for the Bills again could not get into the endzone for the third consecutive preseason game. The Bills, as a team, fumbled seven times, losing three. Bills quarterbacks also threw two interceptions and were sacked three times.’