Archives for August 19, 2000

‘Bills coach Wade Phillips is continuing to evaluate rookies before the first roster cuts next week. But his main priority is giving most of the playing time to those he expects will contribute during the regular season. "I plan on playing a good group," he said. "It may not be the starters all the time, but guys who are good enough to play in a (regular-season) game. (Center) Billy Conaty can play. He showed that to us last year. He may play some for Jerry (Ostroski), and then Jerry may come back in. I’d like to have our best players out there for a good while."’

‘…given the nature of the Rams’ high-scoring offense, even with Warner on the sidelines most of the night, the Buffalo secondary will be in for a major test when the Rams and Bills meet at the Trans World Dome in the third preseason game for each team. "We’re looking forward to it, and I know after the game they played the other night they’re going to be a little bit fired up on their end," said Bills defensive backs coach Bill Bradley, referring to the 30-3 pasting the Rams suffered at the hands of the Tennessee Titans. "It’s going to be a challenge. They throw the ball deep a lot, and it’s a contrast to what we just faced (against Detroit). This is a real key game for some of the young guys."’

‘Look for the Rams to turn up the intensity level Saturday night against Buffalo. But will they pull a Tennessee, and summon Michael Buffer, skydivers and fireworks for preseason game No. 3? Absolutely not.’

‘Here are five key areas to watch Saturday night when the Rams play Buffalo at the Trans World Dome…’

‘Earlier in the week, Martz had indicated that Warner might not play because of soreness in his throwing shoulder. But after Thursday’s workout, Martz said, "He’ll probably get at least a quarter of work, maybe a little bit more. If he’s going to play at all, he needs to practice."’

‘In terms of dynasties, the Buffalo Bills may never get proper accolades for their string of success in the 1990s. The franchise compiled a mark of 103-57 and earned eight playoff berths in the process. It also earned four straight invitations to the Super Bowl, something still not matched in NFL annals. But that was then. This is now. The 2000 Bills will bear little resemblance to the recent editions of the team, as 15 veterans were either released and/or left via free agency. That includes the aging trio of running back Thurman Thomas, wide receiver Andre Reed and defensive end Bruce Smith, as well as starting defensive backs Thomas Smith and Kurt Schulz from the league’s stingiest defense in 1999.’

‘The NFL MVP, held out of practice two days this week, is scheduled to play the first half of Saturday night’s exhibition game against Buffalo. He could use some work after throwing only six passes in limited action in the first two games. "I was real concerned about the arm,” coach Mike Martz said Friday. "Provided things are fine, he may go a half."’

‘Buffalo (1-1), which finished 1999 atop the league in pass defense and tied with Tampa Bay for fewest touchdowns allowed (23), will have its hands full in containing the high-flying Rams. St. Louis (1-1) scored 525 points last season and averaged 272.1 yards per game through the air. Rams quarterback Kurt Warner sliced up plenty of defenses, going to weapons such as Isaac Bruce, Tory Holt and Marshall Faulk out of the backfield. "It’s great to go against a great passing offense," said Bills head coach Wade Phillips. "All their stats are unbelievable as far as last year … and, of course, that’s why they won the world championship."’