Archives for August 27, 2002

"Nothing will ever be able to replace that feeling of getting into the end zone at Ralph Wilson Stadium and have all those fans, sold-out fans, cheering for you. It's very special. That feeling and others like it is why you play the game."

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Bengals defender Takeo Spikes will miss the rest of the preseason after injuring himself while attempting to injure Drew Bledsoe. In the first week of ersatz play, Spikes was attempting to lift Bledsoe for the illegal body-slam maneuver when he suddenly gasped and clutched his chest; attempting the body-slam had caused Spikes to tear a pectoral muscle. “I was trying to pick him up and dump him,” Spikes admitted to The Associated Press

Oddly, the most improved team in the AFC East could be Buffalo, yet the Bills are destined to finish last. They won only three times in ’01, ranking next-to-last in points scored and allowed.

Buffalo Bills veteran offensive lineman Jerry Ostroski announced his retirement Tuesday afternoon. "My mind and my heart still say play," Ostroski said at his press conference. "But my knee says no."

‘Given his lack of activity this summer, the retirement did not come as a surprise to Buffalo officials, who had suggested a few weeks ago Ostroski might have to accept a salary reduction to remain with the team.’

He was unable to fully recover from knee surgery, announced his retirement on Tuesday. Ostroski, who was entering his ninth season and had been the longest serving member of the Bills, had spent all of training camp on the PUP list recovering from knee surgery. After breaking his right leg in August 2001, Ostroski returned to the Bills to start seven games last season.

“My mind and my heart still say to play, but my knee says ‘No,'” said Ostroski. “This has truly been a great ride.”

He went on to play nine seasons with the Bills (1994-2001) and appeared in 106 regular season games, more than any other current Bills player. He also made 102 career starts for the Bills, including 36 at right guard, 34 at center, 29 at right tackle, and 3 at left guard.

‘Cotton took advantage of the CFL-NFL agreement to join the Bills despite still being under contract to the Stampeders. The deal between the two leagues gives NFL teams until Feb. 28 each year to sign CFL players entering the option year of the Canadian contracts. If the players don’t make an NFL squad, then they must honour the remaining year of their CFL deal.’

ESPN's John Clayton lists NFL coaches on the hot seat:

"5. Gregg Williams, Buffalo: Getting quarterback Drew Bledsoe raises the bar on the expectations for Williams, which is a little unfair. The franchise took the direction of weeding out high-paid aging players on the front seven of their defense last season, and the rebuilding process in that unit won't be complete until next year."

‘His release leaves the Bills without a proven long-snapper.’

The Bills today announced that the team has released five players, including tight end Dan O'Leary and running back Curtis Alexander.

Meeting will be at 7 PM in the Paul Maguire suites.

‘"Drew takes more chances than Peyton, but I saw Peyton last year taking some chances," Price said. "He told me he had to because he felt the (Colts) defense was going to give stuff up." The Bills might be in the same boat this year.’

‘Ostroski hasn’t participated in live drills throughout the preseason because of a knee condition, and he doesn’t appear close to doing so.’

‘Left tackle Jonas Jennings made a surprise return to practice Monday and participated in most team and individual drills. He’s hopeful he can play in the Bills’ preseason finale Thursday at Detroit.’