Archives for August 10, 2003

‘The interception, which came deep in Baltimore territory, was actually a take-away by Buffalo’s Nate Clements from Ravens’ Marcus Robinson, who caught the ball over the middle for an apparent first down only to collide with the Bills’ cornerback who wrestled it away.’

‘In terms of actual competition with the Bills’ headliners, the Ravens achieved a stalemate with a tie score against the starters through one quarter.’

‘The veteran receiver acquisition caught a short pass in Saturday night’s preseason opener and then got his foot twisted underneath Buffalo Bills defenders Takeo Spikes and Antwoine Winfield.’

‘The Bills’ starting defense allowed three first downs in four series of action. Besides the interception, Takeo Spikes and Co. forced two punts and allowed the Ravens to march 42 yards for a touchdown eight minutes into the game.’

‘Donahoe said the Bills continue to be in contact with the trainers in Miami who are overseeing McGahee’s daily workouts. “We’ve been speaking with the rehab people,” Donahoe said. “He’s making progress.”‘

‘Inductees were asked to limit their speeches to seven minutes and presenters to three minutes for television purposes. When the first speakers exceeded their time, both Joe D. and I (his presenter) were told to cut our speeches even shorter because the producers at ESPN were tearing their hair out trying to stay within their allotted time.’

‘The Bills defensive reserves failed in the final minute, allowing rookie quarterback Kyle Boller to drive the Ravens 59 yards in eight plays for what could have been the tying touchdown with 23 seconds to play.’

‘The Bills were 8-8 last year and should improve by at least one victory.’

‘Buffalo forced three takeaways, including interceptions by Clements and linebacker DaShon Polk, who also recovered a fumble. In addition, the Bills logged three sacks.’

‘While all eyes were on the quarterbacks, special teams proved to be the difference. Antonio Brown’s 87-yard punt return for a touchdown with 3:19 left in the broke a 13-13 tie.’

‘In the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Boller drew oohs and aahs from the crowd of 68,550 at M&T Bank Stadium, and linebacker Suggs received a cheer for one nice tackle and nothing else. Given ample opportunities to rush the passer, the sack specialist and 10th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft was a non-factor.’

‘A play or two earlier in his highly anticipated, third-quarter debut, Boller had flicked a 30-yard pass down the middle of the field. It looked effortless – and a sign of times to come the way Boller hit Ravens tight end Trent Smith for a 39-yard gain.’

‘Billick did not muster up much of a defense on how the Ravens could allow a 87-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter with the game tied at 13. “It needs to be a lot better, obviously,” Billick said of the special teams play.’

‘Redman’s best series was his second, with the Ravens beginning on the Bills 42-yard line after a defensive stand left Buffalo to punt from its 8. The drive began with two runs, and then on third down and four, Redman took advantage of superior pass protection to complete a 13-yarder to Marcus Robinson.’

‘The Ravens’ first-team offense played 17 plays against the Bills and looked sharp on their second possession of the game. Redman marched the Ravens 42 yards on seven plays for a Jamal Lewis 1-yard touchdown. On the drive Redman went 2-for-2 for 32 yards.’