‘Four words of advice for Erik Flowers: Don’t buy a house.’
BillsBeat - November 28, 2001
Now it's going to be a kicking merry-go-round
‘It’s imperative that Williams finds someone dependable because in the National Parity League, games more often than not are decided by a touchdown or less.’
Tom Donahoe Weekly Chat
Q: How has Alex performed in his first two starts?
"He’s been exceptional in the game’s he’s played. He’s managed the offense very efficiently, he’s shown ability to spread the ball around to a multitude of receivers, the reads that he’s made in the offense have for the most part been the correct one.
"We were able this week to get our running game going, which we’ve been inconsistent with this year, but that will only help Alex in the passing game if we can continue to run the football. We’ve been very pleased with his progress to date, and we want to see him making strides, just like we want to see our team continue to make strides over the last six weeks."
Chargers bring in Christie for audition
‘If Christie signs, he’ll be the fifth former Bills player to follow Butler, Buffalo’s GM from 1993 until last December, to San Diego.’
Bills sign K Shayne Graham
‘As a collegian, Graham kicked at Virginia Tech and set the Big East Conference record with 371 points. He was a four-time all conference player, an honor shared in the Big East only by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.’
BillsBeat - November 27, 2001
Niners rookie RB Barlow doubtful vs. Bills
Rookie RB Kevan Barlow’s dislocated shoulder could keep him out of the 49ers game against Buffalo on Sunday night. Barlow is listed as doubtful for the game after injuring his shoulder in the 49ers’ 40-21 win over Indianapolis. An MRI exam on the joint revealed no new damage on Monday, but coach Steve Mariucci said Barlow probably won’t be ready.
ESPN Special team player of the week
Bills (not good). Kicker Jake Arians missed a PAT, and rookie cornerback/kick returner Nate Clements fumbled a kickoff that set up the game-winning touchdown for the Dolphins.
Eric Moulds named one of ESPN's Prime Time Players
Despite coming out on the losing end of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, Moulds makes the list. Moulds had six receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns in the Bills’ 34-27 loss to Miami.
Moulds, Van Pelt and Henry all make top 10 in Stats Leaders
Eric Moulds was the top WR this week with 6 receptions for 196 yards including 2 TDs against Miami. Van Pelt was #3 QB with 21 of 34 with 309 yards and 3 TD with 1 interception. Travis Henry rounded out the top 10 RBs with 97 yards on 19 attempts.
Pinch kicker in wings
‘Chargers director of pro personnel A.J. Smith, who knew Christie from their days together in Buffalo, kept in contact with Christie while he rehabilitated in case the team needed help.’
Source: Bolts will turn to Christie
‘Neither Chargers coach Mike Riley nor general manager John Butler would confirm that Christie is headed to San Diego. Gil Scott, Christie’s agent, said, "It’s a possibility, but nothing is confirmed."’
Bills sign Graham as kicker
‘Graham had been released by the Seattle Seahawks before the start of the season. He kicked at Virginia Tech and is the Big East’s career scoring leader.’
Bills sign Shayne Graham
Graham, 23, will wear jersey #17 with the Bills. He replaces kicker Jake Arians, whom the team released yesterday.
Arians waived, Graham the likely replacement
Special teams captain, Sammy Morris, “I had no idea until our special teams meeting and Danny (Smith) kind of mentioned it. It’s kind of sad, but that’s how the league is.”
Williams said they’ll have their decision made by Monday evening and will go with a face that’s familiar to them, “We’ll go with some of the people we brought in here and worked out, that we had chance to take a look at first-hand.” It appears the leading candidate is another first year player, Shayne Graham. While the Bills could not confirm Graham as their next kicker Monday night he’s was due in Buffalo Monday evening. He’s expected to sign Tuesday.
Morris inadvertently gave a hint that it wouldn’t be a veteran kicker like Al Del Greco or Doug Brien when he spoke to the media Monday afternoon, “There’s not much we can do now as far as Jake getting cut. We have to welcome in the new guy and help him feel comfortable around our bunch of guys, and he’s never been in the league before. It’s up to us to make him feel comfortable.”
Bills can't keep a good thing going
‘The Buffalo Bills spent the first nine games of the season attempting, usually in vain, to take a lead. On Sunday, they showed they can’t protect one, either. The Miami Dolphins, who didn’t score a single point at home against the New York Jets last week, put up 24 in the fourth quarter, including 17 in the final 4:09. Jay Fiedler’s 32-yard touchdown strike to Chris Chambers, the duo’s second score of that decisive stretch run, capped Miami’s 34-27 win. “I usually consider myself calm, cool and collected, but it was hard at the end for me,” said Buffalo defensive end Phil Hansen. “I’ve seen a lot in 11 years, and this is a new low.” The Bills yielded scores on Miami’s final four possessions, failed to pick up a first down when they could have run out the clock and set up the winning touchdown with Nate Clements’ fumbled kickoff return. Still clinging to an emaciated chance at forcing overtime with the clock running out, they couldn’t even spike the ball before it reached double-zero.’