Archives for April 15, 2005

‘Overall the schedule appears favorable for Buffalo with four of their first eight opponents finishing with losing records in 2004. A quick start is essential. Weeks seven through 12 appears to be the toughest stretch of the slate which is why Buffalo will need those early wins to create some room for error late coming down the stretch, especially since they finish up on the road the last two weeks of the season.’

‘Head Coach Dennis Green told Arizona media earlier this week the trade “still had a heartbeat.” But, in an exclusive interview with azcardinals.com, Green talked about the 2005 Draft being the year of the running back and corner back, and in fact, most mock drafts from football analysts have three running backs rated in their top ten: Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams and Cedric Benson. Henry has only one year remaining on his contract, so the Cards could opt to use that first pick on a running back who they could then lock up for several years instead of worrying about negotiating a contract extension with Henry, something Green already said he would not be willing to do prior to the start of the season.’

‘Buffalo’s home games will be Aug. 20 against Green Bay, in what could be Packers quarterback Brett Favre’s final visit to Orchard Park, and Sept. 2 against Detroit.’

‘When the team hosts Green Bay, tickets for kids 14 & under can be purchased at a reduced cost of $8.00 for the general public and $6.00 for all season ticket holders with an extra point value card. As part of “Kids Day,” the Packers game will feature face-painting, games for the kids as well as a special collector’s item gate giveaway for all fans 14 and under. Following the game there will be a spectacular fireworks display. Last year, the “Kids Day” attendance of 71,549 ranked second on the Bills all-time preseason attendance list.’

‘But unlike last year when the Bills had a Marv Levy dream schedule at home – he felt every NFL game should start at 1 p.m. Sunday – Buffalo’s slate at “The Ralph” this season has only six such starts.’

‘Bucs General Manager Bruce Allen told a Tampa radio station Thursday that he called the Bills on Wednesday to inform them he wants to pursue trade discussions on Henry.’

‘With any luck, the final game will be as meaningful as last year’s finale here. We’re halfway between the ’04 finale and the start of training camp. The schedule is out, and the season can’t be far behind. You can almost smell it.’

‘General manager Bruce Allen said he contacted the Bills on Wednesday about the possibility of acquiring running back Travis Henry, who has one year left on his contract but wants out of Buffalo. “I spoke to the Bills,” Allen said Thursday, careful not to elaborate.’

‘FOXSports.com has learned that the Eagles have held talks with the Bills regarding a potential trade for RB Travis Henry. The Bills have phoned the Birds on more than one occasion and Philly appears to be interested. One of the obstacles for any team trying to trade for Henry, however, is his desire for a lucrative contract.’