Archives for September 25, 1988

‘It’s likely, however, Smith will be in the game when Buffalo goes into its dime pass coverage with six defensive backs in the game. He also will appear on some special teams.’

‘The statistics may be deceiving, however. Three pretty good offenses have taken shots at coach Chuck Noll’s Steeler defense. Pittsburgh’s first three opponents have been Washington (first in the league in pass offense and second in total offense), Cincinnati (second in pass offense and fifth in total offense) and Dallas (fifth in pass offense and sixth in total offense).’

‘”Things started to pick up for Fred halfway through last year when he became more familiar with the system (defensive coordinator Walt Corey implemented before last season) and the adjustments we were making,” says Ted Cottrell, the Bills’ defensive line coach. “It’s really allowed him to turn himself loose now.”‘

‘Bills win, 21-16.’

‘”I was half asleep when I heard the news about the trade,” said J.T. Smith, the veteran Cardinals wide receiver (and no relation to Leonard). “We’re supposed to be building for the future, and then we trade a guy who is all-pro for a backup.”‘

‘”Because I’m a Bills fan, I’m hoping for good weather,” Kennedy answered. “But, of course, it is true that inclement weather helps the restaurants around here on game days. On the good days the fans stay in the parking lot enjoying tailgate parties for hours after the game. That means that some of the people who usually come here after the game don’t come over until later. So what used to be a four-hour post-game crowd is now a two-hour post-game crowd.”‘