Archives for September 22, 2002

‘”I’m always happy. Anytime you see me I’ve usually always got a smile on my face.”‘

‘”This is the toughest team we’ve played in a long while,” Bills coach Gregg Williams said. “Mike Shanahan teams play with a toughness. They do a great job of controlling the line of scrimmage.”‘

‘Unfortunately for Buffalo, it has given up exactly as many points as it’s scored – 76 – and that ranks behind only winless Detroit (80) in league generosity.’

‘But most significantly, through early this season, Hollis has the best percentage among active kickers from 50 yards and beyond (13-of-18).’

‘And if there was any doubt about the esteem in which players held him, Abramoski is the only trainer in the history of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to present an individual for induction.’

‘You see, his parents, Russ and Lydia, make the drive here from East Syracuse for four or five games a season … and upon arrival at Ralph Wilson Stadium, they sit in pretty good seats. And all because their little boy, the vice president, has grown up to be a player. Yes, a player. With a big desk in a big-windowed office of a big-time sports franchise.’

‘When the Broncos kick off today’s game against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver will be going against the most potent offense it has faced this season. More potent than St. Louis’. More potent than San Francisco’s. More potent than the Broncos could have imagined when the NFL released its 2002 schedule back in April.’

‘It’s the hottest trend in the NFL right now. It was born out of a defenses’ need to slow prolific passing teams. At its most basic, it works like this…’.

‘Brian Griese was booed during his home opener. The Denver Broncos were leading at the time and eventually beat defending NFC champion St. Louis. Drew Bledsoe was cheered during and after his Buffalo debut, even though the Bills blew it in overtime to the rival New York Jets.’

The Broncos have the NFL's No. 1 run defense, allowing an average of just 51.5 yards after two games. Making matters worse, the Broncos accomplished this against the 49ers and Rams, two teams that ranked second and fifth, respectively, in the NFL last season in yards rushing per game.