Two Bills Drive

The first surprise speaker was Coy Wire. He talked about the foundation and its raffle and what he would like to do with the charity work and special teams. How important they are to the game. He also mentioned that he was a RB the first two years in college so he was asked “Since we are having so much trouble running the ball and with the injuries – have you asked the coaching staff to let you try running the ball?” He smiled and got a gleem in his eyes “I’d love the have my hands on the ball” but of course he doesn’t think it will happen.

The second speaker was our magical long snapper and his rope tricks. He is so great up beat and friendly.

Our third speaker was the author of Relentless and Relentless II. He has a new book out and it is $15 available at the fieldhouse at the Booster booth which is by the Alumni booth (down left hand side) he will autograph it for you there and it deals with the old AFL.

‘With Corey Dillon doubtful to play against the Bills on Sunday because of a nagging groin injury, the Bengals will turn to backups Brandon Bennett and Johnson for assistance.’

‘The Bengals released fullback Chris Edmonds, the preseason starter, from the 53-man roster. They also cut former UC star Ray Jackson from the practice squad. The Bengals signed former Washington Redskins tailback Kenny Watson to a two-year contract to take Edmonds’ spot on the active roster.’

‘Bengals rookie wide receiver Kelley Washington desperately wants to contribute. While understanding the Bengals’ pecking order – “Chad (Johnson) is the number one, Peter (Warrick) is the number two” – Washington would like to see more plays called his way. So much so that a week ago he asked offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and wide receivers coach Alex Wood if he could see more action.’

‘Tuesday, the judge could have arrested Wright for violating his order. Instead, the judge decided to let Rodney Wright remain in an alcohol treatment program and didn’t arrest him.’

‘Today, the ESL Animal Scramble showed off a “one of a kind”…life-sized fiberglass buffalo, autographed by all the members of the Buffalo Bills. The only way you can own it is by going to the animal scramble auction Friday.’

‘Henry had a brisk workout Monday and coach Gregg Williams said the plan is to have his starting running back return to the fold this week. Henry should be ready to play when Buffalo hosts Cincinnati this Sunday.’

Bills CB Nate Clements has played quite well since the halfway point of the 2002 season, and we hear there are several reasons for it. First, Clements believes he benefited from a tough offseason, during which he lost 15 pounds and came into training camp in the absolute best shape of his career. During training camp, Bills observers say he worked hard on his footwork and seemingly has improved it nicely. Clements has three interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown) and 15 tackles thus far in ’03 and has been a nice complement to fellow CB Antoine Winfield, who is known more for his run support than his coverage capabilities. We hear that he may not come across as such all the time, but Clements is a film-study fanatic and loves to pick apart his performances to make himself better.

‘"I am a minister for the Lord. I’m currently a bishop at the Covenant Ministry International in Little Rock, Arkansas. I really enjoy being around the word of God. It’s like when you first get into the league, everything is real new and once you get into it, you really enjoy all the benefits and all the surroundings and the atmosphere. The same thing is found spiritually. When you get saved, you really don’t know what the word of God says, and the benefits of the word of God, and who you are, and your purpose here on earth. Once you dig deeper into the things of God and the bible and find out who you are and your purpose here on earth, its invaluable. I’ve been on fire ever since. It’s just been an amazing ride, it really has."’

We’re getting close to expunging from our memory any allusions made after the first two games of this campaign that relate to statements suggesting the Buffalo Bills are much improved versus the run. In the past two games, both defeats, the Bills defense has surrendered 343 rushing yards.

‘The Bills must win both games … period. A split is unacceptable and getting swept will turn up the volume on the calls for head coach Gregg Williams’ job.’

Tonight (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM in Paul McGuire Suites at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Scheduled guests include the kicking team – punter, kicker and the long snapper. Come and meet them. Jon might get to do a little magic.

‘"He had a real good workout today," Williams said after team meetings Monday. "He has worked so hard. He was really dejected that he didn’t get a chance to play. I’d hope that he would be able to get right back into practice and get started for this week. That’s our plan anyway."’

‘This season, only Washington (44), Oakland (43) and San Diego (38) have been flagged more than the Bills (37), who also have the sixth-most penalty yards with 342.’

‘What disappointed me most about the Bills loss on Sunday to the Eagles was that Philadelphia came in and played a more desperate game. Even Head Coach Gregg Williams acknowledged that his team didn’t wake up until the fourth quarter. I find that disturbing.’