Archives for September 2001

The new offer includes a 60 percent increase in salaries this year. The NFL with two plans, one of which must be implemented by Thursday. One has a slate of regular officials scheduled for the 15 games on opening week; the other has crews of replacements, augmented by NFL supervisors, ready to get to the games. I like the idea that someone had that the league should hire full time officials and have them work NFL Europe during th "off season" …

CB Carter (6-0, 183) played at Tulane and had signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie free agent…..

‘Gone from Hulsey’s mind will be his many travails: the heartache of coming out of college a year early only to go undrafted; getting cut by the Bills in 1999 after just one preseason game; laboring on the practice squad last year; being allocated to NFL Europe for the spring. Hulsey not only made the Bills’ roster this year, he will be the starting right guard against the New Orleans Saints.’

‘Holding the players together, especially through the tough times, has to come from within. By saying goodbye to most of the older stars, the Bills have passed the baton to the next generation. If they lead like their predecessors did, the rest of the team will follow.’

‘As of Tuesday afternoon, just over 1,000 tickets remained for Sunday’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

23. Bills (8-8) (last year 17)

Seems like half of the organization moved to San Diego.

"It is the home opener and you don’t know what to expect," Jennings said. "I have played before large crowds (90,000+ at Georgia) before but this is another level. I heard about the Buffalo fans and I appreciate them. I met a lot of them. I just want to go out there and try not to let them down."

‘Williams’ decision to waive Jones has been anything but a hit with his former teammates. Several have questioned the Bills’ decision to release him. Defensive end Phil Hansen, an 11-year veteran, said he was "against the organization on this."’

‘"My expectation for this year is to become a better football player," said Irvin, 29, who kicks off the season Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at home. "Around the league, I’m known as a good, average corner but I’m out to gain more respect. That’s not from a selfish standpoint but just an improvement standpoint. I want to get to another level."’

‘Offensive tackle Jon Carman, who appeared in three games with Buffalo last season, was one of four players signed to the Bills practice squad on Tuesday. Also signed were wide receiver Reggie Allen, who like Carman was one of the Bills’ final cuts last Sunday, running back David Dinkins and defensive end Kendrick Office.’

There were several surprises, considering the coach said very early that jobs would be won based on performances in the off-season. Kris Farris Faris made the team and was injured and hasn’t been much of a factor in the preseason games. Chris Watson made the team after last year’s "punt catching." Meanwhile, Jimmy Williams showed some stuff in the preseason games. Kwame Cavil seemed to be having a good camp but he was ousted in favor of draft choice Reggie Germany and Avion Black. Cavil was also a good special teams player while Black had some soft hands last season as a return specialist.

Defensive back Jimmy Williams was originally listed as a 5th addition to the practice squad, but a snag occured and his name was taken off pending further discussions.

The Buffalo Bills shouldn’t challenge for a division this season because they are a team in transition. However, behind Randy Moss, the Bills’ Eric Moulds is the second-best receiver in football. He’s big, strong, fast and acrobatic. He has great ball skills and is tough off the line.

‘Presumably, Gregg Williams has a plan. But I’m still confused by his decision to cut veteran strong safety Henry Jones.’

While some coaches use just four days to prepare for opponent, coach Gregg Williams decided to use the four months leading into this season to help prepare for Sunday’s opener against the New Orleans Saints.

With Bills a much younger team than last year’s, maintaining a positive frame of mind will be a key this season, and the first five games will be a tough test for the team. For that reason, Williams has spent as much time as possible working on the New Orleans game and the first few games of the schedule.