Archives for November 7, 2002

A two-time All-New England tackle at Boston College, Smerlas was disappointed to slip to the second round of the 1979 NFL draft. But after hearing from Bills coach Chuck Knox, he quickly became excited about heading to Buffalo irregardless of when he was selected.

‘He ranks 23rd in the league in punt return average and 26th in kickoff return average.’

‘Ahanotu then stretches out on the homemade bed he constructed in the middle of the limo, and he sleeps just about the entire two-hour ride to the stadium, waking only to pass through customs.’

‘”The knee feels real good, I’ve practiced the last couple days. I get a little pinch every now and then but with this week and next week coming up, I’ll be ready.”‘

‘”I think it was a weak call, but that’s what happens,” McGinest said. “You gotta play with it. Gotta deal with it.”‘

‘In other situations, like in Ralph Wilson Stadium, it’s harder to explain. It’s difficult to believe the Buffalo Bills box office somehow managed to identify potential idiots from afar and handily assigned them to an area that resembles their natural habitat. But perhaps in some circumstances the Bills ticketers do have that power.’

The blowout loss to the Patriots was a letdown, but it can’t damper an exciting start to the season. No one thought of the Bills being a playoff contender coming into the season. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe passed for 2,802 yards and did a remarkable job of getting the ball to the outside receivers. Eric Moulds had 62 receptions for 853 yards and Peerless Price was right behind him with 60 receptions for 838 yards. The success on offense made Bills fans forget the problems on defense, which resurfaced against the Patriots. The schedule toughens in the second half, but Gregg Williams has a great chance to get this team to eight or nine wins, which is a big step after a 3-13 season.

Grade: B-plus.