Archives for December 21, 2004

‘After a season away from football, Buffalo’s 6-foot, 262-pound fullback is having a Pro Bowl year. Shelton is the ideal lead blocker, mixing power and leverage along with his size to help him blow up defenders at the point of attack. "As long as I’m doing my job and opening holes for the running back that’s my reward," said Shelton.’

‘If Brown does sign, the Bills will have to make room on the roster. Long snapper Jon Dorenbos would be a candidate to go on injured reserve. Brad Banta was signed last week as a long snapper due to a knee injury to Dorenbos.’

‘Brown is a two-year veteran who was released by Pittsburgh last month and spent the past three weeks on Cleveland’s practice roster. He’s appeared in only three career games, registering one carry for 2 yards, but is familiar with Bills rookie coach Mike Mularkey, the Steelers’ former offensive coordinator.’

‘Buffalo and San Francisco did, however, get into the NFL’s record book by playing in a game where for the first time, no punts were attempted by either team.’

‘Former Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy will be in Western New York this week signing copies of his new book, "Where Else Would You Rather Be." Levy’s schedule…’.

‘If the Bills had to play a game without McGahee and Henry, this is the one. The 49ers are 2-12 this season, have lost eight of their last nine games and are 1-6 at home. Their only two victories this season came against Arizona, which is 5-9. Shaud Williams and Joe Burns would take over if McGahee and Henry were unavailable.’

‘The question is whether they can play to that standard against elite opposition. You shouldn’t have to apologize for your schedule, but only one of the Bills’ eight victories (the Jets) has come against a team with a winning record.’

‘Here’s a look at the Bills’ opposition and what must happen if they are to make the playoffs…’.

‘"That was one of our worst football games," Wyche said following the Bills’ 33-17 victory over the Bengals. "We played bad (offensively). But we didn’t play very well and still won big, so that’s the good news."’

‘Along the lines of underrated players, what about punter Brian Moorman? That old sage Marv Levy said the best punter in the league will never lead the league in punting statistics. That’s certainly the case with Moorman. Oakland’s Shane Lechler annually has the best numbers, but when you think about it, who does a better job given the conditions he plays in than Moorman?’

‘A month ago, a playoff spot for the Buffalo Bills seemed as likely as western New York getting the Rose Bowl Parade.’

‘The NFL will announce its Pro Bowl selections Wednesday at 7 p.m. on ESPN and the Bills could place as many as five players on the AFC squad. If so, that would be their highest number since six went in 1998.’

‘With his team 8-2 since a 0-4 start, Mike Mularkey will garner some coach of the year votes. His team was focused for yet another must-win game, and all three of his coordinators had their moments of brilliance. Tom Clements’ flea-flicker call caught the Bengals’ off guard, surprising considering Marvin Lewis’ staff faced Mularkey and Clements twice last year when they were coaching the Steelers. Jerry Gray’s defense came up with four more takeaways, giving Buffalo 22 during their five-game win streak. April continues to squeeze everything out of his players, this time using Peters on punt rush, a huge coaching move.’

‘WR Lee Evans continued his march to make several all-rookie teams with five catches for 101 yards and his team-leading seventh touchdown. He’s the first Bills rookie to make a touchdown catch in four consecutive games and his seven touchdowns ties the rookie record set by Elbert Dubenion in 1960.’