Archives for August 25, 2001

‘"I’m looking for the first group to play better; fewer errors," said offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard. "Sometimes the defense has something to say about it, but we want our guys to improve. If we’re not improving now, we’re back to the drawing board."’

‘For five unlucky players, tonight’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals will be their last as a member of the Buffalo Bills. The Bills’ 70-man roster must be trimmed to 65 by the NFL deadline Tuesday. The final cut to 53 is one week from Sunday, so players on the bubble are running out of time to make an impression.’

‘Traditionally, the third preseason game on the schedule is the one where teams play their starters at least a half, and sometimes longer. That will be the case tonight when the Buffalo Bills take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium (7:30, channel 13, 96.5 WCMF-FM). Coach Gregg Williams said the first-string offense and defense will most likely play into the early part of the third quarter before he begins to substitute.’

‘The death of a parent certainly is a good excuse, but Germany doesn’t use it. He’s deeply religious. "God has a plan for me," he said calmly.’

It looks like this is the year they find out about Rob Johnson because he’ll count $10 million against the cap next season and they either have to re-sign him or let him go. … Do I think Johnson will put them over the top? No. Do I think they have a chance for anything at all? Possibly, because I like Gregg Williams so much and think their defense will be good.