Archives for September 1, 2003

‘“Across the board, we’re a big step ahead of last year,” Bledsoe said. “We’re ready to roll.”’

‘Initially released during training camp, Johnson was re-signed last week to fill in for injured third-stringer Travis Brown. An undrafted free agent, who established several passing records at Arizona last year, Johnson was released again on Sunday when the Bills pared their roster to the 53-player limit.’

‘The Bills have brought back five players that they cut in training camp to make up their practice squad.’

‘“Everything has been going pretty fast in the last few days,” Gary said. “It never entered my mind on Thursday that I was going to be a Lion, but that’s what the NFL is all about. You have to learn to adjust in a hurry or you will be out of the league.”’

Jerton Evans DB Virginia

Jason Johnson QB Arizona

Richard Seals OL Utah

Ken Simonton RB Oregon State

Rodney Wright WR Fresno State

‘In Buffalo’s 22-16 victory over the Lions Thursday night, Gary rushed 16 times, all in the second half, for 57 yards and a one-yard touchdown. He also fumbled twice, but both were recovered by the Bills. It’s probably not mere coincidence that Gary saw so much second-half action after Stewart went down for the Lions in the first half. Gary had carried 20 times total the previous three Bills preseason games.’

‘I’m picking a Rams-Bills Super Bowl. Regarding the Bills: New additions Jeff Posey and Takeo Spikes will make the linebackers group a premier one. Cornerback Antoine Winfield will emerge as a real star. The offense will be more balanced, by far, than any in its division. Running back Travis Henry will be reliable and great. An anonymous offensive line will hold up.’

‘"As good as drafting McGahee was for the franchise, it obviously wasn’t going to be good for Olandis’ playing time, whenever Willis comes back," said Gary’s agent, Frank Murtha. "Olandis’ goal through all this was to go somewhere to get playing time. Detroit is an ideal situation. They have an immediate need."’

‘Cancer hasn’t killed Graves. If anything, it helped spring him back to life.’

‘Olandis Gary, we hardly knew you.’

‘In the three years since then, injuries and the Broncos’ ability to turn out productive running backs have worked against him. By the time he returned to health in 2002, the Broncos had uncovered two more productive runners — Mike Anderson and then-rookie Clinton Portis — and he became expendable.’

‘"Olandis Gary is a player we brought in in the off-season and considered signing him as a free agent. He’s a veteran who has played well in the league," Mariucci said.’

‘The Lions were desperate for a running back because starter James Stewart is expected to be out for six weeks with a dislocated right shoulder.’

‘The Bills already have an emerging star in the backfield in Travis Henry, a capable backup in fourth-year player Sammy Morris, and should be activating injured rookie first-round draft choice Willis McGahee later in the season.’

‘Buffalo parted ways with defensive ends Grant Irons and Marcus Jones, quarterback Jason Johnson, running back Ken Simonton, defensive back Scott Turner and wide receiver Rodney Wright.’