Archives for October 24, 2001

‘"I enjoyed all my time in Buffalo," he says. "When I went up there as a rookie, being from the South, I didn’t know what to expect. I found out they were the nicest folks and gave us the best support that any team could ask for and they have proven that every year."’

In terms of attention, FB Larry Centers didn’t live up to his surname in his first regular-season month with the Buffalo Bills. Other storylines — the development of new HC Williams, the indoctrination of QB Rob Johnson into the West Coast offense, the ceaseless injuries that turned the locker room into a hospital ward — received air time as the team stumbled to an 0-4 start.

‘"It’s crazy to me that everyone keeps win-loss records for quarterbacks," Johnson said. "That’s part of the business, but I’m not facing him and he’s not facing me. I know people are going to look at it that way, but I’m not treating it like that."’

"It's certainly not called Buffalo Bills West for nothing," tight end Jay Riemersma said. "They went out and got some veteran leadership and it's paying off. I guarantee one thing: John Holecek will be holding me. He's the only guy I know who'd pick a fight in a non-padded practice on a Friday. It's going to be interesting."

‘Williams is a defensive coach by trade, but it’s hard to work miracles with names like Jay Foreman, Pat Williams, Raion Hill, Keith Newman and Keion Carpenter dotting your lineup.’

Jack In Syracuse, TBD’s resident Blue Coat, took pictures of the Buffalo Bills Sports Challenge help at Jim Kelly Club.

The Jills cheerleaders as well as players including Alex Van Pelt, Rob Johnson, Jake Arians, Jay Riemersma, Bill Conaty, Jonas Jennings, and Jon Carman attended the event.

‘And, contrary to what many in Buffalo would try and have you believe, it’s not all Rob Johnson’s fault. The quarterback who isn’t Doug Flutie has been only so-so, but he hasn’t had much help from a young offensive line or a defense that ranks in the bottom third of the league.’

‘"It stuns you at first because you can feel it," said the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Conaty. "It’s bad pain while it’s out and it hurts a lot. Once it slides back in it’s like the biggest relief in the world, it feels great."’

‘"The Bills bring us together," said Sarama, who works in telecommunications in Bethlehem, Pa. "We have relationships that have formed across the United States, a really strong community of friends that has grown throughout the years. "That’s what keeps me going, I can watch the games without all the hassle of updating the site (with game stories and news) every day," Sarama said.’

‘Some abbreviations and symbols you’ll find on the message boards…’

"It’s a start. We can play a lot better, it was not by any stretch of the imagination a perfect game. There are many areas to improve, and we have to look at it critically, we have to try to build on it as we’re going to do this Sunday when we go to San Diego."

8. I think Buffalo’s Travis Henry always looks like one of those stubborn buffaloes on the Discovery Channel that fight off four or five cheetahs before they finally get dragged down. Last week against the Jaguars, he had 57 carries for 65 yards even though he was hit three yards behind the line by four defenders on every carry. High comedy. His career might not last until November at this rate.

A big road victory against the Jaguars will do a lot for this team.

‘"Overall, it was a great experience," said Flutie of playing in Buffalo. "The fans were very supportive and it was a fun atmosphere to play football in. The fans really cared and packed the house all the time."’