Archives for December 2002

‘Just keep this in mind: Buffalo has a good running game and an explosive passing attack. The Bills have beaten Miami twice and are coming off a win against San Diego. This isn’t a pushover. If you’re a gambling man or woman, take the Bills and that meaty 6 points they’re getting. Don’t be too surprised if Buffalo wins this one straight up. It is a dangerous team.’

With two weeks to go in the season, the NFL’s American Football Conference is as competitive as it has been in 15 years, with not one team yet qualifying for the playoffs. That scenario has not occurred since 1987.

WR Peerless Price has put up career numbers but it wasn’t enough to earn a Pro Bowl selection in an AFC that’s loaded at the position. Price has 84 catches for 1,156 yards and 9 TDs. He was disappointed, but is on the Pro Bowl alternate list. “I know how it is and I know how political this stuff gets,” he said.

‘…in 1971 the Buffalo Bills picked him 30th in the NFL draft and made him a three-year starter. Then, in a move that shocked many, White gave up pro football to return to Dayton – he had worked for the Montgomery County Juvenile Court in the offseasons – and take a $10,400 a year job as a parole officer.’

‘The Buffalo Bills, Kragthorpe’s soon to be former employer, and their talented quarterbacks were also a subject of his gratitude. He specifically mentioned Drew Bledsoe and Alex Van Pelt, among others. “Those guys are pro football players,” he described. “They taught (me) the true value of professionalism. They are my players, and I’ll miss them…but not too much.”‘

‘Price’s unhappiness was noted in the Bills locker room, as several players including quarterback Drew Bledsoe and team president Tom Donahoe stopped by to console him after practice.’

‘The Buffalo Bills will be passing off a total of $25,000 in grants to 10 area community groups and individuals during the 2002 Community Quarterback Awards Dinner Thursday night.’

‘Bledsoe became the third Bills quarterback to earn selection, behind five-time Pro Bowler Jim Kelly and Doug Flutie, who was selected once in 1998. Bledsoe finished third overall in fan balloting, receiving 733,754 votes, behind Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre (930,270 votes) and Kansas City running back Priest Holmes (747,297).’

‘The glaring difference between the two is that Bledsoe (46) has been sacked exactly twice as many times as Favre, who has taken the Pack to 11 wins as opposed to Buffalo’s seven.’

The Bills today announced that quarterback Drew Bledsoe, guard Ruben Brown and wide receiver Eric Moulds have been selected to represent the team in the 2003 Pro Bowl.

Additionally, FB Larry Centers, LB London Fletcher, RB Travis Henry, P Brian Moorman, WR Peerless Price and DL Pat Williams were named as alternates to the AFC squad.

Buffalo Bills Quarterbacks Coach Steve Kragthorpe will be introduced as The University of Tulsa's new head football coach at a news conference on Thursday, December 19.

‘Buffalo Bills assistant coach and former OSU assistant Tommy Kaiser said Kragthorpe is organized and meticulous. "And that’s what you look for in a head coach. You wear a lot of hats as a head coach and I think Steve will do that just fine."’

‘Kragthorpe plans to remain in Tulsa through Saturday to launch his head-coaching career. He will resume his quarterback coaching duties Sunday with the Bills before returning to TU to begin the full-time task of rebuilding one of the nation’s most troubled programs.’

‘Buzz 1430 [KTBZ-AM] afternoon host Jerry Ostroski, who retired from the Bills last summer, went to members of TU’s athletic administration and lobbied on behalf of Kragthorpe.’

‘"We’re extremely pleased to have Steve Kragthorpe as our football coach," said MacLeod. "Steve has the enthusiasm necessary for success in today’s competitive football environment. He has demonstrated his outstanding ability as an offensive coach on both the collegiate and professional levels. Steve brings a wealth of experience to our football program. He possesses the coaching ability, organizational skills, and the personal characteristics and qualities we were looking for in a head coach."’