Archives for December 8, 2004

‘Clements, 51, has connections to two of Notre Dame’s most successful coaches. He played under Ara Parseghian, leading the 1973 team to a national championship, and was an assistant under Lou Holtz from 1992-95. ”He has a good football mind, he’s a good, solid person, and he’s a Notre Dame alum,” Holtz told The Associated Press on Wednesday.’

‘While the team did not release the full extent of the injury, Campbell hurt his knee while blocking for running back Willis McGahee late in the first quarter of Sunday’s 42-32 victory over the Miami Dolphins.’

‘Jeff Garcia’s right shoulder isn’t the only thing strained for Cleveland’s quarterback. His relationship with the Browns doesn’t appear to be much better.’

‘McGahee, though, has provided a hammer for the offense, a workhorse back who can set a game’s tempo and keep opposition defenses honest. The former University of Miami star, now back to full strength following his lengthy rehabilitation from the catastrophic knee injury he sustained on the final carry of his college career, clearly experienced a longer breaking-in period than most. Over the last seven games, though, McGahee has been breaking down defenses.’

‘Rookie Tim Euhus will move into the starting role for the Bills. He caught four passes for 32 yards with a touchdown in the 42-32 win over the Dolphins, and this season has 11 catches for 98 yards with a pair of scores.’

‘Trafford spent time on the Bills practice squad last season before he was released prior to this season. He has spent the majority of this year on the Eagles practice squad.’

‘Quarterback Carson Palmer of Cincinnati, cornerback Drayton Florence of San Diego and kick returner/cornerback Terrence McGee of Buffalo were named AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for the 13th week of the 2004 season.’

‘"The ball was being thrown to my brother on a ‘Big Dig’ route and I just ran down and jumped in front of it and caught the ball. I started to run down the field and as he started to close on me, Dwight Drane came up and hit my brother square in the face and knocked the snot out of him. I just ran the rest of the 60 yards."’

‘The Bills assigned tight end Rodney Trafford to fill in Campbell’s spot on the roster. Trafford was on Buffalo’s practice squad last year, but was released before the start of this season.’

Jonas Jennings was basically playing with one good arm against one of the league’s best pass rushers in Jason Taylor. Taylor was held without a sack in both games against the Bills this season.

‘Coordinator Bobby April may be assistant coach of the year.’

‘For a backup offensive lineman, silence is a sign of production.’

‘A panel conducting the search for a new coach met Tuesday afternoon and apparently agreed to include Clements among the top candidates to take over the Fighting Irish.’

‘Republicans might try to recruit former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly to run for Congress in two years, according to the buzz in Western New York political circles.’

‘The Bills, meanwhile, have already tied an NFL mark with five returns for touchdowns in a season. Nate Clements and Jonathan Smith have returned punts for touchdowns. The other teams with five were the 1951 Giants (four punts, one kickoff), 1952 Steelers (three punts, two kickoffs), and 1959 Cardinals (five punts).’