Archives for August 19, 2001

‘Deposed Eagles football operations chief Tom Modrak still hasn’t heard from his successor, Andy Reid. Even last night, Modrak, now the director of football operations for the Buffalo Bills, was unable to get an audience with Reid before their preseason game at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘The offense, with Donovan McNabb and Duce Staley playing the entire first quarter, was shut out by the Bills in the delayed preseason opener. The first unit played four series and never crossed midfield in an uneventful 6-3 loss at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘Bills starting center Billy Conaty, a graduate of Camden Catholic High School, got to run out on the field through a gauntlet of teammates since the offense was introduced to start the game. However, the game ended for Conaty with him leaving the field through the same tunnel midway through the second quarter with a right shoulder injury.’

‘The Bills’ subsequent offensive success came as the result of a difference in coaching philosophies. Reid, who was committed to looking at his younger players, pulled his starters at the end of the first quarter. Buffalo rookie coach Gregg Williams, who was previously Tennessee’s defensive coordinator, extended his starters longer, perhaps because the Bills were playing their second preseason game.’

‘Although Modrak has been with the Bills since June 5, he still lives in Cherry Hill with his wife, Sandy, and spends a lot of time during the summer in Ocean City. And he has no plans to move. He is scheduled to attend most of Buffalo’s home games, but will otherwise spend most of the week on the road scouting the top college players.’

‘Gregg Williams’ first preseason victory as Buffalo Bills rookie head coach was a costly one.’

‘After Buffalo’s 6-3 win, coach Gregg Williams said Ostroski will be reevaluated on Sunday to determine how long he’ll be sidelined.’

‘Alex Van Pelt was impressive in place of injured quarterback Rob Johnson as the Buffalo Bills recorded a 6-3 exhibition victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in a battle of otherwise struggling offenses.’

ESN is reporting that OG Jerry Ostroski is out until November with a broken tibia (shin bone). Corey Hulsey replaced Ostroski after he left the game.

‘Guard Jerry Ostroski injured his right knee while making a block on Buffalo’s second offensive play of the game, center Bill Conaty injured his right shoulder, and Travis Henry suffered a groin injury in the first half.’