Archives for September 2002

‘You see the oddsmakers – and ultimately that’s you – favor Buffalo by a field goal.’

‘In the 25 regular-season games following that loss to the Bills, Chicago has gone an incredible 13-2 in games decided by seven points of fewer. Buffalo, on the other hand, over the past 24 starts, is 4-9 in such games.’

The Tiger-Cats have announced the signing of CURTIS ALEXANDER, a 6-1, 205 pound RB, has been added to the Tiger-Cats practice roster. Alexander who played his college football at Alabama. Alexander, who goes by the nickname “Cool Curt”, was a late (injury) cut by the Buffalo Bills just prior to the start of the 2002 NFL season.

4) Bledsoe -and- Brady succeed: Arguments about which QB is better will rage on throughout the season — but who cares? Both are playing stellar football.

After three weeks, wide receiver Peerless Price leads the NFL with 352 receiving yards and his 25 receptions are tied for second most in the NFL behind New England's Troy Brown (31).

Surprising numbers?

The Bears, who have had some special teams troubles of their own, will be eyeing kickoff and punt returns as a chance to break the game loose.

The Bills, of course, gave up two kickoff returns for touchdowns in the opener three weeks ago and rate 31st in the NFL on kick coverage (30.5 average on 18 returns).

‘Knight, a lifelong Bills fan growing up in Buffalo, has attended games at The Ralph many times. But on Sunday, he’ll walk through the tunnel as a rookie linebacker for the Bears.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ home season so far has been an advertisement for the NFL Sunday Ticket.’

‘The Bledsoe show continues on Monday when he is the subject of an "NFL Presents" show that runs at 2:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on ESPN and at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.’

‘"Bledsoe has got certain skills and talents the other guys don’t," Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. "The guy’s a big-time quarterback. He’s been in the league for 10 years. He’s got a big passing arm. He’s not as mobile as the other guys, but he’s got so much more moxie and pocket presence as far as sliding around and moving and being able to sit in the pocket and make the throws. The guy’s a quality quarterback with something to prove. He’s got a chip on his shoulder and he’s playing that way-he’s playing great. I was in the division with him for a long time and I’ve never seen him play as well as he’s playing now."’

‘Despite his reputation for being injury-prone, last Sunday marked the first time since 1993, when he backed up Steve Beuerlein in Arizona, that Chandler has sat out three consecutive games.’

‘"[Bledsoe’s] a better passer, a more accurate passer, so you have to be tighter in coverage rather than worry about him running the ball,” Austin said. "He won’t hurt us if he runs, but he will hurt us with his arm. You have to play tighter coverage.”’

‘The Bears’ secondary needs help against Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe, who is considered one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL today. He has 119 consecutive passes without an interception, although he threw 2 in the season opener.’

‘Bledsoe has revived interest in the Bills since being traded from the New England Patriots after his quarterback job was given to Tom Brady. The revival will be short-lived, however, if the defense doesn’t hold up its end.’

‘Statistics suggest opportunity this week for all Bears special teams, especially return teams.’