Archives for July 2005

‘The Tennessee Titans have reached agreement in principle on a trade to acquire disgruntled Buffalo Bills tailback Travis Henry and, barring unexpected complications, the deal will be announced early next week.’

‘Acquiring Henry would be a slap in the face of Brown, only a third-year player. We believe Henry would have every chance to win the starting job. His hard-nosed running style fits Jeff Fisher’s ideal for a running back. Henry has a lot more Eddie George in him than Brown, who is explosive but struggles in short-yardage. Coach Fisher may desire a running back who is more consistent.’

‘Questions remain on the stability of Taylor’s knee. If he’s not fully recovered by Opening Day, Henry would start.’

‘”Things have heated up because apparently other teams are in it and it changes things,” Reese said. “You don’t want to be left standing at the altar if it starts heating up and you decide you want to make a move. You don’t want to miss it because you haven’t been in touch.”‘

‘Meanwhile, the Jaguars remain close to acquiring Henry from the Buffalo Bills after working out most of the details for a contract extension with the veteran running back, Henry’s agent said. With an extension all but done, the biggest roadblock to a deal remains compensation to the Bills. Buffalo is seeking at least a third-round pick, but the Jaguars have not yet agreed on that. Tennessee also remains in the mix for Henry but doesn’t have nearly as much room under the salary cap for the contract extension Henry is demanding.’

‘That’s why Matthews remains a viable force in pro football, the valuable veteran on the sideline, as the Buffalo Bills turn to second-year quarterback J.P. Losman this fall. The 35-year-old Matthews understands his role and knows it can change in an instant. “If you’re not the starter, you’re not going to get many reps in practice,” Matthews said. “You have to be ready at the drop of a hat.”‘

‘Tomorrow’s demand is expected to be heavy, so the team suggests the most convenient way to buy single-game tickets is via either of the two web sites. The hook with season tickets, obviously, is not only guaranteed tickets for every game, but also a discounted price. Individual game tickets range from $35-$53 while season tickets average from $25-$43.’

‘Because of his stellar rookie campaign, defenses are now aware of what Evans can do. For that reason, veteran wideout Eric Moulds has told the young receiver to be prepared because opposing teams will be trying that much harder to stop him. "I told him [recently], ‘The second year is your hardest year, because you proved that you can play,’ " Moulds said. "Now they’re going to start game-planning for him. I think that he’s approaching it like, " ‘I want to get better and be a 1,000-yard receiver,’ and I just hope that he’ll come out, play well and work hard."’

‘Del Rio said trading for Henry should not be viewed as a reflection on the team’s feelings about backup running backs LaBrandon Toefield, Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala and rookie Alvin Pearman. “We like all of our guys,” Del Rio said. “We think LaBrandon Toefield can be a very good player. The thing that makes Henry attractive is he’s proved he can do it.”‘

‘Despite reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are close to acquiring Travis Henry, the Tennessee Titans have made the more attractive trade proposal to the Buffalo Bills and are the front-runner in the chase for the disgruntled tailback.’

‘”The thing that makes Henry attractive is he’s proved he can do it. Any time you have a chance to add somebody at a modest price, you have to look at it,” Del Rio said.’

‘But with the help of Hunter’s Hope – founded in 1997 by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, after their son was diagnosed with Krabbe – children like Laura have a second chance. “It was a world of difference compared with our first time,” said Carol Cross, Laura’s mother. “When Joshua was born, there was no Hunter’s Hope Web site. The hospital just told us to take him home and make him comfortable.”‘

‘The Jacksonville Jaguars web site says the club is closer to getting the Bills Travis Henry.’

‘”The fact that we have an opportunity to acquire a running back of this kind of talent is something we have to look at, so we’re looking at it. This may or may not happen, but we’re protecting our interests and any time we think we can acquire somebody who can help us we’re going to do that. It looks like it’s coming to a head in the next few days or week,” Del Rio said.’

‘Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said Thursday in a statement released by the team that a deal for Henry, a Pro Bowl selection in 2003, could be completed “in the next few days or week.”‘