Archives for June 14, 2003

‘"He taught me the integrity of just being a good man," Spikes says. "There are so many traits he had. I feel like I’m shortchanging him if I just say one. That’s how much respect I have for him."’

Hardly a done deal yet, but the Buffalo Bills and two-year veteran punter Brian Moorman have nudged closer to a possible contract extension agreement. Moorman is one of the top young punters in the NFL, having averaged 36.9 yards net in his career, and the Bills would like to secure his tenure with the franchise for the long-term. Moorman is likely to sacrifice his free agency year if he signs a new deal but he seems to prefer to stay in Buffalo and the two sides would like to have something completed before the start of training camp next month…..And if the restricted market is going to heat up, fueled by the Redskins’ ardor this year, some teams have considered protecting themselves by seeking longer-term deals on rookie contracts. The Buffalo Bills have already said they might attempt to negotiate four-year contracts with some of their later-round draft choices.

‘"The speed. The players are a whole lot smaller (in college) and the game is a lot faster (in the NFL). That’s the only difference for me."’

‘"We have got the ability to beat anybody in the league. The thing that is inspiring to me is to see the collective attitude that this team has right now. We are a fairly young team with some veterans mixed in. Across the board everybody is hungry, has bought into what we are doing, and is enthusiastic about what we are doing. We are working hard, practicing hard and practicing well, so even more than the talented people we have brought in, the attitude that this team has is what gives me hope."’

I want to win a Super Bowl. Pretty cut and dry. Personally, I’d like to play in the Pro Bowl, and I’d like to be considered for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. That’s one of my biggest goals right there. But like they say, it’s all about the ring.

”’We have the players to be a playoff team, and that’s what we expect,” he said. ”Anything less than a good solid playoff berth will be a great disappointment.”’