Two Bills Drive

‘Despite being voted the Big East Conference’s best kicker for four years straight, setting the conference record with 371 points, and also playing under the spotlight of a national championship contender with Virginia Tech, Shayne Graham had to work hard over the past two years to keep his dream of being an NFL kicker alive.’

"I guess with any sport, you get in a situation to perform in order to earn your keep, and this is an opportunity. I can’t promise anything will go well or badly, all I can do is prepare the way I prepare for a game, perform at the best of my ability and I’m confident in myself, and that’s what you have to be in order to be in a game situation."

"We’ve been honest every week with respect to this is a great opportunity, and our guys like playing in the national game, and we’ve been playing physical. Our offensive and defensive lines right now are as healthy as we’ve been in training camp, we’ve played very physical the last couple of weeks, and we’ve got to out and do that again. That’s the mark of being a pro is playing hard and physical each week, and then hopefully gain some experience with some of the younger guys, and play smarter each week."

This artice talks about some of the up and coming rookies throughout the league. We all know Travis Henry is good, but here are some stats that validate that assumption.

Henry turned in one of his best performances of the season in Buffalo’s loss to Miami. The second-round pick from Tennessee has quietly moved into third place on the list of rookie rushing leaders, behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Anthony Thomas.

Yes, we have looked at the Bills’ record, so don’t suggest that we ought to be fitted for a straitjacket. Eleven of the 12 choices are still on the active roster or injured reserve, and this group, which is starting to produce modest results, will represent the foundation for the future. The top 3 choices have combined for 14 starts, and corner Nate Clements is going to be a "shut down" defender. Buffalo is taking its lumps now, for sure, but the Class of ’01 will contribute to improved play over the final 1½ months of this season. The Bills got quality and quantity.

‘Coach Gregg Williams, however, is also eager to play a game where plenty of television cameras will be in use. That’s because he’s 1 of 7 on instant-replay challenges this season, a .143 batting average he feels likely would be better had Buffalo not played in mostly regional telecasts that provide limited camera angles for replay analysis.’

‘In between working as a substitute school teacher, selling cars, and running his own sportswear embroidery business, Shayne Graham has managed to keep alive his dream of becoming a National Football League place-kicker.’

‘Of the NFL’s three teams with fewer than two victories, the Bills have by far the best combined ranking in total offense and total defense.’

‘League rules dictate that the Texans must spend 38 percent (approximately $30 million) of their salary cap money on the expansion draft, but general manager Charley Casserly reportedly won’t be selecting a high-priced, sack-prone veteran quarterback (i.e. Johnson, or Chris Chandler if they were made available) because he knows they’d be sitting ducks behind a porous offensive line.’

‘Christie, cut by Buffalo in early October because of a groin injury, will handle field goal attempts and PATs, while struggling Wade Richey will do kickoffs and maybe long field goal attempts.’

‘Terms were not disclosed, but ESPN reported the deal to be at one year for $477,000.’

‘"I’m real pleased that Alex has given us a chance offensively right now to be in these ballgames," Williams said. "He’s given us some life."’

‘To make ends meet, Shayne Graham spent the past two years working odd jobs — including a stint as a substitute teacher — while pursuing his dream to become an NFL kicker.’

"This really has been an impressive second-round group," said Buffalo general manager Tom Donahoe who, in addition to Henry, got suddenly emerging defensive end Aaron Schobel in the second round. "That round is producing a lot of good players."

Yes, we have looked at the Bills’ record, so don’t suggest that we ought to be fitted for a straitjacket. Eleven of the 12 choices are still on the active roster or injured reserve and this group, which is starting to produce modest results, will represent the foundation for the future. The top three choices have combined for 14 starts and corner Nate Clements is going to be a "shut down" defender. Buffalo is taking its lumps now, for sure, but the Class of ’01 will contribute to improved play over the final 1 ½ months of this season. The Bills got quality and quantity.