Archives for August 29, 2003

The Bills announced that the team has released the following five players:

Jerton Evans, S

Marcus Floyd, CB

Mike Houghton, OL

Charles Johnson, WR

Brady McDonnell, TE

”’Good punt returners have to make that first move,” said Bills head coach Gregg Williams. ”He also has the ability to outrun everyone.”’

‘"We’re thrilled to start the 2003 football season with the Buffalo Bills and can’t imagine a more ideal partner to grow our business in western New York," said Michael Matney, Market Unit General Manager for The Pepsi Bottling Group. "We’re looking forward to working with the Bills organization on exciting programs for fans, retail promotions with the team throughout the region and a variety of initiatives to benefit the Buffalo community."’

‘Bryson had six carries for 10 yards and an 8-yard reception in the first half before Mariucci removed him – again very likely for precautionary reasons as much as any other.’

‘Playing it as safe as possible while still fielding a team, Lions coach Steve Mariucci started Jimmy Wyrick and rookie Blue Adams at the corners Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills.’

‘The partnership features category exclusivity for all Pepsi-Cola products. PBG will also collaborate with the Bills on various retail promotions, branding initiatives, fan entertainment events and community outreach projects.’

‘Brown’s play further muddled the roster situation at wide receiver, where most teams keep just five players. The Bills kept six last year but have eight legitimate candidates this year.’

‘The job of every player fighting for a roster spot is to make it hard for the coaching staff to cut him. Brown has done just that.’

‘No offense, but here’s hoping he doesn’t start eight games this year.’

‘Starting for the injured Travis Henry, Burns gained 33 yards on nine carries. He also had a couple of big hits on special teams.’

The New England Patriots released six players, including Corbin Lacina, who started all 16 games at left guard last season for Minnesota. Lacina, 32, started 79 of his 121 NFL games with Minnesota, Carolina and Buffalo during his 10 seasons. The Vikings led the NFL in rushing last season.

‘While Brown hasn’t done much as a receiver, and the Bills do have third receiver Bobby Shaw slotted to be their prime punt returner – he ranked fourth in the AFC last season playing for Jacksonville – Brown has certainly made a strong case to make the team.’

‘Frankly, one could argue that the Bills have not faced a more significant opening game ever.’

‘Instead, the Bills coaching staff used last night’s game to evaluate players on the bubble before final cuts to bring the roster down to 53 players are made on Sunday. To that end, Antonio Brown may have made the strongest case when he outsprinted the Lions defence on a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, his second of the pre-season. With moves like that, it may be difficult to keep the former Winnipeg Blue Bomber out of the lineup in nine days when the Bills open the season against the New England Patriots.’

‘The Bills scored in the first quarter on Antonio Brown’s 75-yard punt return touchdown and on Alex Van Pelt’s 34-yard touchdown pass to Josh Reed. The Bills rallied for the game-winning, one-yard touchdown run by Olandis Gary with 12:01 left to play.’