Archives for December 2002

‘Q: In scouting the Patriots, in a lot of games this year, Antowain Smith has not been a big factor, yet every time he plays you guys, he’s a major factor. How do you approach that? GW: Obviously, he’s a focal point and, as we want to be able to establish each week, that you have to make sure you’re able to play the running game strong and he’s done a very good job in improving himself in the pass game and they’re doing a good job of utilizing him and we need to make sure we take the necessary steps to make sure that we can minimize the gains when he’s in the ballgame.’

‘Price’s first five seasons in Buffalo were under general manager John Butler, who became the Chargers GM in January 2001. Butler has signed several ex-Bills the last two seasons, including defensive end Marcellus Wiley and quarterback Doug Flutie, the backup to Drew Brees.’

”’On a personal level, I feel bad for” Bruschi, said Drew Bledsoe, anticipating his first game in Foxboro since his offseason trade. ”But on a professional level, I’d be really happy to see him standing over there in street clothes because he is very tough to play against.”’

”’We can’t worry about winning one for The Gipper,” guard Ruben Brown said Wednesday. ”We’ve got to win one for the Bills.”’

‘To make room for Seals, the Bills released receiver Rodney Wright from their practice squad.’

With his 5th 100-yard game of the season (21st of his career), the former 1st Round Draft pick by the Bills also went over 1,000 receiving yards for the season to give him his third career 1,000-yard campaign. In addition, he extended his franchise-record streak of games with a catch to 77 games.

Now is your chance to ask the two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver a question!

Orchard Park, NY – The Bills today announced that the team has added defensive tackle Richard Seals to it practice squad. Seals (6-3, 305) was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2000 Draft out of Utah. After being released by the Jets at the end of the preseason he then spent part of the 2000 season on Jacksonville’s practice squad. To make room for Seals…

‘So while Belichick will obviously be preparing for Bledsoe as a key Bills weapon, that is not the story of the game. Patriots and Bills matchups are always exciting affairs, and with both teams still clinging to playoff hopes the real story will unfold between the first and last whistle. Bledsoe Bowl II talk makes for enjoyable fodder, but a competitive matchup is even better.’

‘Left end Kendrick Office is questionable for the Patriots game with a sprained wrist. He’s the only Bill on the injury list. The unfortunate part is that Office was just getting comfortable, having battled a number of injuries since early training camp.’

‘"There’s no question when you put something new in, you have to make sure the players A) have to be able to adjust to it, and B) that they’re physically capable of being able to do what you want them to do. A lot of times you get into practice and find it’s going to be either harder than you thought or easier than you thought. You listen to the players’ feedback."’

‘On the other hand, Williams seems to be prepared to ride his 46 mutant all the way to the unemployment line.’

The Bills went 11-5 during Brammer’s first season and won their division for the first time since 1966. It was also the first time in six years that they were in the playoffs. Some of Buffalo’s fans were ‘Talkin’ Proud’ and supporting the team Sunday afternoons at Rich Stadium and early Monday mornings at the airport.

Despite the fact he lives in Illinois, Beebe has made several trips back to Buffalo since his playing days. He quickly adds that coming back to visit isn't always easy; he finds it difficult to just sit back and watch.

Kendrick Office (wrist), questionable.

The Bills & Patriots will be meeting for the 85th time ever in the regular season. The Patriots hold a 44-39-1 overall series lead. The 39 wins against NE mark the second-highest total by the Bills against any team (NY Jets – 47). Six of the last nine games have been decided by 4 points or fewer (5 of 8 by three points) and four of the last six meetings have gone into OT.