Archives for November 2001

The emergence of rookie RB Travis Henry has resulted in diminished roles for Shawn Bryson and Sammy Morris, the team’s top two RBs last year. Henry leads the team with 565 yards in 168 carries; Morris and Bryson have only 73 rushing yards in 17 carries between them. Still, the team values Bryson and Morris because of their versatility. Both are good runners and receivers, and they are key members of the special teams. The Bills have been trying to incorporate them into the offense more in recent weeks. …

For all the talk about QB Johnson’s future, the next several weeks will be an audition for his backup, Alex Van Pelt. Van Pelt will be a free agent after this season, and a strong finish would increase his bargaining power for a new deal. Even if the team decides to keep Johnson beyond this year, it would like to have Van Pelt back. He knows the WCO, and his teammates believe in him. …

From Chris Mortensen:

For the Bills, how’s this for a stat: Alex Van Pelt has now thrown $90,000 worth of TD passes, thanks to injuries suffered by RJ this season. Van Pelt has an incentive clause in his contract that pays him $10,000 per TD pass (he has now thrown nine). Yes, I think if Van Pelt keeps this up, he just might be the Bills’ QBfor a while. Maybe a longer while than I ever believed.

‘The way Tillman is playing, Carpenter may struggle to get his job back.’

‘Four words of advice for Erik Flowers: Don’t buy a house.’

‘It’s imperative that Williams finds someone dependable because in the National Parity League, games more often than not are decided by a touchdown or less.’

Q: How has Alex performed in his first two starts?

"He’s been exceptional in the game’s he’s played. He’s managed the offense very efficiently, he’s shown ability to spread the ball around to a multitude of receivers, the reads that he’s made in the offense have for the most part been the correct one.

"We were able this week to get our running game going, which we’ve been inconsistent with this year, but that will only help Alex in the passing game if we can continue to run the football. We’ve been very pleased with his progress to date, and we want to see him making strides, just like we want to see our team continue to make strides over the last six weeks."

‘If Christie signs, he’ll be the fifth former Bills player to follow Butler, Buffalo’s GM from 1993 until last December, to San Diego.’

‘As a collegian, Graham kicked at Virginia Tech and set the Big East Conference record with 371 points. He was a four-time all conference player, an honor shared in the Big East only by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.’

Rookie RB Kevan Barlow’s dislocated shoulder could keep him out of the 49ers game against Buffalo on Sunday night. Barlow is listed as doubtful for the game after injuring his shoulder in the 49ers’ 40-21 win over Indianapolis. An MRI exam on the joint revealed no new damage on Monday, but coach Steve Mariucci said Barlow probably won’t be ready.

Bills (not good). Kicker Jake Arians missed a PAT, and rookie cornerback/kick returner Nate Clements fumbled a kickoff that set up the game-winning touchdown for the Dolphins.

Despite coming out on the losing end of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, Moulds makes the list. Moulds had six receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns in the Bills’ 34-27 loss to Miami.

Eric Moulds was the top WR this week with 6 receptions for 196 yards including 2 TDs against Miami. Van Pelt was #3 QB with 21 of 34 with 309 yards and 3 TD with 1 interception. Travis Henry rounded out the top 10 RBs with 97 yards on 19 attempts.

‘Chargers director of pro personnel A.J. Smith, who knew Christie from their days together in Buffalo, kept in contact with Christie while he rehabilitated in case the team needed help.’

‘Neither Chargers coach Mike Riley nor general manager John Butler would confirm that Christie is headed to San Diego. Gil Scott, Christie’s agent, said, "It’s a possibility, but nothing is confirmed."’

‘Graham had been released by the Seattle Seahawks before the start of the season. He kicked at Virginia Tech and is the Big East’s career scoring leader.’