Archives for March 2004

‘Morris, who’s been a valuable special teams player the past three seasons in Buffalo, visited the Miami Dolphins yesterday, according to his agent, Mark Slough. Earlier, Morris met with the Cleveland Browns. Slough pointed out that two of the teams interested in his client had to face Morris a combined four times each season. “I don’t think that’s coincidence,” Slough said of the interest in Morris, a 6-foot, 220-pounder. “Obviously, they scout the division closely and know what people can do.”‘

Ricky Thomas, the Colts’ offensive quality control coach the past two seasons, was promoted recently to tight ends coach. The quality control position has been filled by former NFL tight end Pete Metzelaars. Metzelaars, 43, worked with the Colts during 2003 training camp, helping coach the team’s tight ends. He played 16 NFL seasons with four NFL teams, playing with Seattle from 1982-84, Buffalo from 1984-1994, Carolina in 1995 and Detroit from 1996-97. Metzelaars caught 383 passes in the NFL for 3,686 yards and 29 touchdowns.

The Indianapolis Colts have hired former NFL standout tight end Pete Metzelaars as offensive quality control coach, the club announced Tuesday.

‘The 5-foot-9 Macklin isn’t in Winfield’s class as a consistent cover man. However, the 25-year-old plays aggressively and has good quickness. He played his best later in the season for the Colts and had four takeaways (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries) in the playoffs. A former third-round pick, he has seven interceptions in four years. Macklin also visited Cincinnati over the weekend.’

‘Macklin is an intriguing, younger option. A third-round pick in 2000 out of Penn State, he has started 63 games, totaling 177 tackles, 37 pass breakups, and seven interceptions. In three playoff games last season, the 5-foot-9, 196-pound Macklin made 12 tackles with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions, both against Denver.’

‘During Polk’s rookie season at Buffalo, the Bills used a 3-4 defense, and Polk said he could play inside or outside. Monday marked Polk’s first free-agent visit, and he will meet with the New York Jets today. He spent part of his Texans visit having lunch with linebacker Jay Foreman, a former teammate with the Bills.’

‘Morris’ agent, Mark Slough, said Morris accepts the fact he won’t be a primary back next season, but he wants to go to a team that involves him in the offense. The 6-foot, 225-pound Morris was a three-time special teams captain for the Bills, another attraction for the Pats.’

‘Whether he’s being brought in to simply add numbers to a backfield that has only one player signed right now (Kevin Faulk) or if the Patriots see something in Morris that has not yet been tapped by the Bills is unclear. He’s a good special-teams player, serving as the Bills’ special-teams captain last season.’

‘The Bills had two players in for visits on Monday. Indianapolis free agent CB David Macklin was in town as was New Orleans free agent FB Terrelle Smith.’

‘Smith, 25, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2000 draft by the New Orleans Saints. He rushed for 150 yards on 39 carries in his four-year career with the Saints, and started 36 of the 59 games that he has appeared in. Macklin, 25, had 36 tackles and one interception for Indianapolis in 2003. The Colts selected Macklin in the third round of the 2000 draft. Macklin has also played on special teams during his career.’

‘Rarely has Villarrial been beaten, which couldn’t be said about Brown.’

‘The Minnesota Vikings canceled a visit with Bruener and the Bills could be his only option. He was due to earn $2.4 million with the Steelers.’

‘There are plenty of big-name pass rushers on the market, including ex-Bill fan favorite Marcellus Wiley, cut by San Diego, but Buffalo isn’t likely to spend any significant money in this area.’

‘Brown, the Bills’ No. 1 pick in 1995 whose career here ended in a strange twist that saw him sit out the 2003 season finale, was a favorite target of critics. They never understood how it was he kept getting elected to the Pro Bowl. See a penalty flag in the vicinity of the offensive line? The guess was No. 79 was cited for some infraction.’

‘Villarrial received the red-carpet treatment from the Bills when free agency opened at midnight Wednesday. New coach Mike Mularkey called Villarrial at 12:10 a.m., and Villarrial was at Bills headquarters by noon. He was signed by nightfall.’