Archives for August 25, 2000

‘The Eagles finished their four-game preseason with a 16-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills in a battle of second- and third-teamers at the Vet last night. The Eagles managed only four David Akers field goals and were kept out of the end zone by the Bills’ scrubs.’

‘Both teams were set on getaway mode, clearly more interested in killing three-plus hours and getting on to the regular season than in playing football against each other.’

‘About the most intriguing development at the Eagles’ preseason yawn against the visiting Buffalo Bills last night occurred hours before the first snap. A banner was unfurled in a corner once strictly reserved for cynicism and despair. "Big Red Has Restored Competence," it read, and, heralds should note, no one howled. Followers of the Bills might have had trouble with the cryptic message, but surely no fan of the feel-good Eagles could have.’

‘Special teams tasted like a delicacy for the Eagles in the first half of last night’s game against the Buffalo Bills at Veterans Stadium. That was not the case, however, in the fourth quarter.’

‘As expected, Bills coach Wade Phillips didn’t play many of his starters. Quarterback Rob Johnson and star wide receiver Eric Moulds remained on the sideline, as did starting tight end Jay Riemersma. Running back Antowain Smith, who is coming off an injury, saw limited action. Defensive end Marcellus Wiley, the man who made Bruce Smith expendable, also played more because he was coming off an injury.’

‘So the 50,000 or so who stewed in a sticky Veterans Stadium last night saw a lot of Alex Van Pelt, who played a lot as you’d expect Alex Van Halen to play. Football, not the drums.’

‘On the Eagles first play from scrimmage, Antoine Winfield went deep. Donovan McNabb danced in the pocket, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet like the prime Muhammad Ali shadow-boxing. The pass was a 55-yard frozen rope. You could have hung Ed Wade’s bad trades on it. Antoine Winfield made a pretty diving catch. For the Buffalo Bills, that is.’

‘Rossum’s dive at Christie resulted in only a bruised knee for the kicker.’

‘"Hopefully, I showed the coach I can play when given the opportunity and help the team out," said [Sammy] Morris, who also had one catch for 30 yards. "And it hopefully gives the coaches the confidence to give me more opportunities in the future."’

‘Rookie Sammy Morris made a strong case at securing a roster spot as the Buffalo Bills earned a 16-12 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the exhibition finale for both teams.’