Archives for April 2005

‘”I was always one of the littlest guys around,” Tasker said, “and that’s one reason why dads bring their sons up to me and say, ‘See, son, you don’t have to be a giant to play in the NFL.’ Or they say, ‘If he can play, you can.'”

‘Meanwhile, Bills fans will have the chance to ask their NFL Draft questions to team President and General Manager Tom Donahoe through a text messaging chat held by Verizon Wireless this week. The chat will run from noon to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and is open to subscribers of any cell phone carrier.’

‘It is the first time in Bills history since MNF began that the team hasn’t made the schedule after a winning season.’

‘The Buccaneers are without a starting-caliber running back and are exploring ways to obtain Henry so they can concentrate on selecting one of the top receivers in the draft. Coach Jon Gruden is also interested in moving up to take either Utah quarterback Alex Smith or Cal’s Aaron Rodgers.’

‘The Eagles are considering a deal for Henry because they feel they may need to protect themselves against the possibility that Brian Westbrook will depart after this season.’

‘It seems possible the Eagles’ interest in Henry, 26, is designed as a shot across the bow of restricted free-agent running back Brian Westbrook. Yesterday’s league deadline passed apparently without Westbrook receiving an offer sheet from another team, meaning he now must sign with the Eagles to play this season.’

‘NFL sources speculate the Bills are trying to stir up interest in Henry, who supposedly is on the wish list of the Arizona Cardinals.’

‘Overall the schedule appears favorable for Buffalo with four of their first eight opponents finishing with losing records in 2004. A quick start is essential. Weeks seven through 12 appears to be the toughest stretch of the slate which is why Buffalo will need those early wins to create some room for error late coming down the stretch, especially since they finish up on the road the last two weeks of the season.’

‘Head Coach Dennis Green told Arizona media earlier this week the trade “still had a heartbeat.” But, in an exclusive interview with azcardinals.com, Green talked about the 2005 Draft being the year of the running back and corner back, and in fact, most mock drafts from football analysts have three running backs rated in their top ten: Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams and Cedric Benson. Henry has only one year remaining on his contract, so the Cards could opt to use that first pick on a running back who they could then lock up for several years instead of worrying about negotiating a contract extension with Henry, something Green already said he would not be willing to do prior to the start of the season.’

‘Buffalo’s home games will be Aug. 20 against Green Bay, in what could be Packers quarterback Brett Favre’s final visit to Orchard Park, and Sept. 2 against Detroit.’

‘When the team hosts Green Bay, tickets for kids 14 & under can be purchased at a reduced cost of $8.00 for the general public and $6.00 for all season ticket holders with an extra point value card. As part of “Kids Day,” the Packers game will feature face-painting, games for the kids as well as a special collector’s item gate giveaway for all fans 14 and under. Following the game there will be a spectacular fireworks display. Last year, the “Kids Day” attendance of 71,549 ranked second on the Bills all-time preseason attendance list.’

‘But unlike last year when the Bills had a Marv Levy dream schedule at home – he felt every NFL game should start at 1 p.m. Sunday – Buffalo’s slate at “The Ralph” this season has only six such starts.’

‘Bucs General Manager Bruce Allen told a Tampa radio station Thursday that he called the Bills on Wednesday to inform them he wants to pursue trade discussions on Henry.’

‘With any luck, the final game will be as meaningful as last year’s finale here. We’re halfway between the ’04 finale and the start of training camp. The schedule is out, and the season can’t be far behind. You can almost smell it.’

‘General manager Bruce Allen said he contacted the Bills on Wednesday about the possibility of acquiring running back Travis Henry, who has one year left on his contract but wants out of Buffalo. “I spoke to the Bills,” Allen said Thursday, careful not to elaborate.’