August 31, 2004

Matthews Gets Chance With Banged-Up Bills

Quarterback Shane Matthews is getting another chance at proving he can play in the NFL, and he credits his advancing age for the latest opportunity.

After spending most of last season as a backup in Cincinnati, the 11-year veteran will play behind Buffalo's Drew Bledsoe. The Bills signed Matthews Monday to fill in for Travis Brown, who will miss 4-6 weeks with a sprained left knee.

Bills cut Antonio Brown, 10 others

The Buffalo Bills today waived 11 players, including Antonio Brown, last year's primary kick returner and backup receiver.

Brown returned two punts for touchdowns in the 2003 preseason, but averaged only 4.4 yards per punt return during the season, the worst average in Bills' history by a primary return man. The Bills ranked 31st out of 32 NFL teams at the end of the season.

Brown was slightly better on kickoff returns, averaging 21.8 yards per return, but never popped the big plays that were expected from the fastest Bill.

Bills sign Matthews as backup to Bledsoe

Down to just two healthy quarterbacks following injuries to Travis Brown and J.P. Losman, the Buffalo Bills signed veteran Shane Matthews on Monday. Matthews, who was released by the Cincinnati Bengals last winter, visited with the Bills, observed practice and attended a quarterback meeting. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Matthews signing seems to commit the Bills to keeping at least four quarterbacks. Most NFL teams carry no more than three in the regular season. In addition to starter Drew Bledsoe and free-agent signee Greg Zolman, the Bills also have Brown and Losman on the active roster.

Around the Northwest

An ownership group headed by former Seahawks player Sam Adams has filed an application with the National Indoor Football League for an expansion franchise in Everett starting in 2005, league officials said yesterday in a news release. Adams plays defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.

Trafford thrilled by chance with Bills

Rod Trafford said playing football at the University of South Carolina for legendary coach Lou Holtz was a rich experience. How rich? "People pay $20,000 a pop to hear Lou Holtz speak and I got to hear his speeches for free for three years," said Trafford, a free agent tight end for the Buffalo Bills. Trafford would love a similar experience with Mike Mularkey, who is attempting to turn around a 6-10 Bills team in his first season as an NFL head coach.

Bills sign QB Matthews

The news was far more encouraging on Travis Brown's left knee injury Monday than the Bills originally expected as an MRI exam revealed only a sprain of the medial collateral ligament. Still, Buffalo's second-string quarterback — who went down in the third quarter of Saturday's 30-17 preseason loss to Indianapolis — will miss at least 4-6 weeks, so general manager Tom Donahoe had no choice but to go out and sign a veteran to back up starter Drew Bledsoe.

Bills sign Matthews to replace injured backup QB

Shane Matthews signed with the Buffalo Bills on Monday, bolstering the team's banged-up quarterback corps.

Matthews, an 11-year veteran, is expected to immediately take over as Drew Bledsoe's backup, filling in for Travis Brown, who will miss 4-6 weeks with a sprained left knee. The signing came after Matthews attended the team's practice and sat in on offensive meetings earlier in the day.

August 30, 2004

Bills Receive Some “Good” Injury News

Team President and General Manager Tom Donahoe told the media Monday afternoon that the injury to backup quarterback Travis Brown will not sideline him for the season, as initially feared. Instead, Brown will likely be sidelined four to six weeks while recovering from a left knee sprain of his medial collateral ligament (MCL). "The news is better than we anticipated," said Donahoe. "Travis has a sprain of the knee. His anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is fine. It's a four to six week injury but it could be sooner or it could be a little bit longer."

ESPN reports Bills ink QB Shane Matthews

ESPN has reported that the Buffalo Bills have added journeyman QB Shane Matthews, who was with Cincinnati in 2003, but did not appear in a single game. The 10-year veteran certainly meets the requirement of being able to get into camp with the Bills, quickly assimilate the offense, and serve as a stopgap of sorts.

Matthews, 34, had played with Chicago (1993-2001) and Washington (2002) before signing a one-year contract with the Bengals last summer. The former University of Florida star has appeared in 29 games and started 22 of them, and has completed 490 of 836 passes for 4,712 yards, with 30 touchdown passes and 24 interceptions.

He twice started seven games in a season, with Chicago in 1999 and Washington in '02, but never has attempted more than 275 passes in a season. The Bills hope Bledsoe continues his durability streak: He has started 32 straight contests since being traded to Buffalo in 2002.

Bills now face big decisions on QB, safety

When the Buffalo Bills look back at the game that changed their 2004 season, it might just turn out to be the third — with apologies to the NFL — exhibition.
What happened on Saturday night at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis could well impact the whole campaign.
And not the 30-17 loss.
Even the horrific performance by the special teams is fixable ... and quickly, given how well those units played the first two preseason games.

Cornerback Thomas Known for Big Plays

Throughout his football career, cornerback Kevin Thomas has had a knack for getting his hands on the football. Saturday night in Indianapolis,

Thomas showed his play-making ability when he intercepted a Peyton Manning pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown to pull the Bills within 13-10 with just over six minutes left in the first half.

"I read the screen and I was just waiting for that back to flair," said Thomas.

"Once I saw him flair out I just kind of maneuvered my way through the linemen and luckily he didn't catch it.

Bills QB Brown out with sprained knee

Travis Brown, Buffalo's backup quarterback, sprained a ligament in his left knee and will miss between four and six weeks.

Bills president Tom Donahoe said he's relieved Brown's injury is not as severe as initially feared, adding the team has begun seeking to sign a veteran replacement to serve as Drew Bledsoe's backup to start the season.

New Bills Looking Awfully Familiar

At least no one got killed, maimed or permanently disfigured. As far as we know. That's about it for the positives to take away from the Buffalo Bills' visit to Indianapolis on Saturday night for their third exhibition game of the summer. The final score, 30-17 in favor of the Colts, doesn't begin to reflect what happened on the field. Coaches love to preach that all three aspects of a team -- offense, defense and special teams -- provide equal impact. The Bills brought that cliche to life Saturday, showing glaring flaws in all three areas. But we'll get to those later.

Injury a sprained MCL, not a torn ACL

Teetering on the brink of potential disaster at the backup quarterback spot, the Buffalo Bills got some relatively good news Monday, as an MRI exam indicated Travis Brown did not tear the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee, as originally feared.

	Travis Brown Quarterback Buffalo Bills Profile
	2003 SEASON STATISTICS Att Comp PaTD RuTD Int Rat 18 14 0 0 1 80.6

Instead, the injury, suffered in Saturday night's preseason loss at Indianapolis, is to the medial collateral ligament. The sprain probably will sideline Brown, the top backup to starter Drew Bledsoe, for four to six weeks. While that still leaves Buffalo scrambling for a veteran backup, a situation likely to be addressed sometime Monday, the news is far less dire than anticipated.

Bledsoe wants Brown involved

For the second year in a row, Travis Brown saw his football season come crashing down in the third preseason game. Last year the Bills backup quarterback suffered a fractured finger in a game against St. Louis on Aug. 23. He was out of action until being re-signed by the Bills on Dec. 3 for the final four games of the season. Saturday in Indianapolis his luck was even worse. He suffered a serious knee injury and probably is out for the year. "Believe it or not I have a great peace over me right now," Brown said in the locker room at the RCA Dome after the Bills' 30-17 loss. "Is this what I wanted to have happen? Absolutely not. But understanding what I went through last year and being gone most of the year, I understand there's a reason things happen."

Bills go shopping for a backup quarterback

The Buffalo Bills will have a new backup quarterback who is unfamiliar with the team along with a new starting strong safety who is very familiar with his teammates. Those were the two new worries facing the Bills in the wake of Saturday's 30-17 preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts. They were stacked on the biggest recurring worry for the team - the state of the offensive line. The knee injury to No. 2 quarterback Travis Brown put the Buffalo front office in search mode Sunday. Brown is expected to be out a significant period of time, probably for the season, as a result of the serious injury suffered to his left knee in Indianapolis. With rookie J.P. Losman out for what probably will be the first half of the season, the Bills will be holding their breath that starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe stays healthy.

Bills Team Report

PLUS FACTORS: Few teams have as many established names on defense. OLB Takeo Spikes, CB Troy Vincent and T Sam Adams have been Pro Bowl selections, and MLB London Fletcher, CB Nate Clements, T Pat Williams and RE Aaron Schobel rank among the best at their positions. With all that talent, this unit should be as stout as last year's, which ranked second in the NFL in fewest yards allowed.

Bills: Injuries emerge as an issue

It turns out quarterback J.P. Losman was just the tip of the injury iceberg for the Buffalo Bills.

Just days after losing their first-round draft pick to a broken leg in practice, the Bills were slammed into the turnbuckle when young veteran backup Travis Brown (knee) and starting strong safety Lawyer Milloy (broken arm) went down with serious injuries in Saturday's dismal 30-17 preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

These Bills look like another 6-10 team

I spent all of Sunday trying to think of positives to take out of Saturday night's 30-17 Buffalo Bills' exhibition loss to the host Indianapolis Colts. It wasn't easy.

When a running back (Willis McGahee) carries 16 times for an average of 3.6 yards per carry, catches one pass for 9 yards, fumbles once and misconnects on a flea-flicker pitch to his quarterback — and is chosen the team's "Player of the Game" by the TV broadcasting team — you know things are bad.

Colts 30, Bills 17

Mike Doss is ready for the regular season.

The Indianapolis safety, also playing on special teams, set up a Colts field goal with a recovery of a Buffalo punt, blocked another punt that was recovered for a touchdown and intercepted a pass that set up another TD in a 30-17 preseason victory over the Bills on Saturday night.

While Peyton Manning's offense again looked sluggish, Doss and the rest of the special teams and defense were dominant.

Injured in Indy

The Buffalo Bills entered their third preseason game of the year with something to prove. They left with more questions then they entered the game with.

The biggest question is who will back up QB Drew Bledsoe. As the Bills back up QB Travis Brown suffered a serious leg injury in the third quarter. This comes only days after third string and rookie QB was carted off the practice field with a broken leg. Aside from Bledsoe the Bills only healthy QB in camp was Greg Zolman. Zolman played okay as a replacment for Brown in that he did guide the Bills to a TD drive and finished the night with 80 yards after completing 6 of 10 passes but was also intercepted and it's doubtful he'd be a guy the team want to rely on as a second string QB being he entered training camp as 4th on the depth chart.

Bills’ First Team O Unable to Penetrate End Zone

All eyes were on the Bills’ offense on Saturday night vs. the Colts in the RCA Dome as they added three more points to their paltry tally of offensive points amassed through approximately five quarters of play this preseason. That tally has grown to nine points or approximately two points per quarter, a full point below the 11 points-per-game, or four quarters, that the team managed to eke out offensively over the last 14 games of last season. There is some good news for Bills fans however. 

I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico. Actually not, but had I have changed it, the phone call doing so may have qualified as one of the candidates for offensive play-of-the-game. 

August 29, 2004

Bills' Brown to have MRI on injured left knee

Buffalo Bills backup quarterback Travis Brown was scheduled to have an MRI done on his left knee Sunday, a day after he was hurt during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Brown, the projected backup to Drew Bledsoe, was carted off the field late in the third quarter after taking a hit in his knee. It was the second major blow to the Bills' quarterback corps in the past week. In Tuesday's practice, first-round draft pick J.P. Losman broke his left leg.

Bills Safety Milloy Breaks Forearm

Buffalo Bills safety Lawyer Milloy suffered a broken right forearm in Saturday's exhibition game versus the Indianapolis Colts. He is out indefinitely.

Milloy sustained the injury when he hit Colts receiver Brandon Stokley in the third quarter of Saturday's 30-17 loss. Milloy is scheduled to undergo surgery on Sunday.

Take it from James, McGahee needs time

Edgerrin James will not be surprised if it's well into the season before Willis McGahee gets back to 100 percent.

The Indianapolis Colts' star back knows what it's like to return from major knee surgery. James suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the 2001 season.

He returned to the field 10 months after surgery and had a decent season. But it wasn't a vintage James year. James had gained 1,553 and 1,709 yards and averaged 4.3 yards a carry his first two years. In 2002 he came back to gain 989 with a 3.6-yard average. Last season James gained 1,259 with a 4.1-yard average.

Bills bumble in loss

Special teams mistakes and shaky pass protection marred the Buffalo Bills' preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts Saturday night.

Then came the bad news.

Backup quarterback Travis Brown went down with what appeared to be a left knee injury late in the third quarter. The injury appeared serious, as his knee buckled as he was hit on a pass play by Colts defensive end Durrand Roundtree. Brown had to be taken off the field on a cart.

Andre Reed to present public talk at college

 JAMESTOWN - Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed will present a program titled "Giving Your Best" at noon Sept. 10 in the Physical Education Complex at Jamestown Community College.

Sponsored by JCC and the college program committee of the JCC Faculty Student Association, the presentation is free and open to the public.

Reed was one of the key members of the Buffalo Bills during their glory years in the early '90s and was a component in the Bills' unprecedented run of playing in four straight Super Bowls.

Bills are hit hard in loss to Colts

Special-teams problems that doomed their effort against the Indianapolis Colts quickly became an afterthought for the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night after losing backup quarterback Travis Brown and starting strong safety Lawyer Milloy to serious injuries.

Four days after losing first-round pick J.P. Losman to a broken leg in practice, Brown was lost to a left knee injury late in the third quarter of the Bills’ 30-17 loss at the RCA Dome. Earlier in the quarter, Milloy broke his right forearm when tackling Colts’ receiver Brandon Stokley and forcing a fumble that the Bills recovered.

Breakdown for Bills a Jones flashback

Exactly when did Bobby April become the second coming of Ronnie Jones? Two weeks from today, when the Buffalo Bills open their regular season at the soldout “Ralph” against Jacksonville, nobody will remember what happened last night in Indianapolis. But today, the Bills’ 30-17 preseason loss to the Colts at the RCA Dome is fresh in the memory. And so is the instrument of their demise.

Indianapolis 30, Buffalo 17

The Indianapolis Colts posted a win, but it is yet another loss for the Buffalo Bills that is the focus of attention. Less than a week after losing promising rookie quarterback J.P. Losman to a broken leg, the Bills saw backup signal-caller Travis Brown carted off on a stretcher in their 30-17 loss to the Colts. Losman is sidelined indefinitely and an initial prognosis on Brown was not disclosed.

Bills have their own troubles

The Miami Dolphins, as we all know, have been decimated over the last couple of months by a string of injuries and Ricky Williams' retirement. Now it's the Buffalo Bills' turn to take some hits. Running back Travis Henry suffered bruised ribs a week ago and sat out last night's game against the Colts, leaving the still-recuperating Willis McGahee to handle the expanded running chores in the Bills' new pound-it-out offense.

Manning out of sync, but Colts still beat Bills

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Colts didn’t need Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James or Marvin Harrison to be at their best Saturday night. Special teams made sure of it.

Night belongs to special teams

After giving up punt returns of 44 yards to San Diego and 59 yards and a touchdown to the New York Jets in the first two preseason games, Indianapolis Colts special teams put their foot down Saturday night at the RCA Dome. The Colts' kicking teams scored one touchdown and set up two field goals to help beat Buffalo 30-17. "We weren't trying to make a statement," said Cory Bird, who had three of the Colts' first four special teams tackles.

Bills Lose Milloy, Backup QB to Injuries

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Buffalo lost starting safety Lawyer Milloy and backup quarterback Travis Brown with injuries during Saturday night's 30-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Milloy broke his right forearm when he jarred the ball loose from Colts receiver Brandon Stokley in the third quarter. He is scheduled for surgery Sunday. "I think my hand got caught in the turf," Milloy said. "I couldn't feel anything in my fingers. I just sat there and held my arm."

Colts Beat Bills, 30-17

INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts wanted to win, and because it was the third preseason game, they particularly wanted to play well. The Colts got the victory. The second part? Head Coach Tony Dungy wasn’t as sure. The Colts’ starters, in likely their most extensive preseason action, played deep into the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills Saturday night. The first-team offense moved well at times, the first-team defense played effectively and the special teams made two game-turning plays. The result was a 30-17 victory in front of an announced crowd of 56,356 at the RCA Dome. “I try to make it a point not to be disappointed with wins, because wins are hard to come by in this league,” Dungy said. “So, we are happy about that. I thought we got some things done. “But the disappointing part was not being as sharp as we needed to be.”

Bills Banged Up After Loss to Colts

The Buffalo Bills injuries just keep piling up as the preseason progresses. Just days after losing reserve quarterback J.P. Losman with a broken leg, three more players went down in Saturday's game against the Colts. Cornerback Troy Vincent left early in the game with an apparent pinched nerve. His jaw was X-rayed by doctors but the results came back negative. It was later determined to not be a pinched nerve and Vincent is not expected to miss any action saying he plans to be back at practice on Monday.

Rhodes shows he's ready- Colts 30, Buffalo 17

The Indianapolis Colts' third dress rehearsal for the regular season coincided with the first preseason appearance for running back Dominic Rhodes. Each was a success. The Colts defeated the Buffalo Bills 30-17 Saturday night in the RCA Dome while Rhodes showed he's ready to provide reliable backup work for running back Edgerrin James.

August 28, 2004

Colts stampede past Bills 30-17

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 28, 2004) -- Mike Doss, Dominic Rhodes and Mike Vanderjagt had special plans Saturday night.

Doss recovered a fumbled punt return and blocked another punt that went for a touchdown, Rhodes returned a kickoff 84 yards to set up another score and Vanderjagt kicked three field goals to send the Colts' past Buffalo 30-17.

The victory was hardly by design.

McGahee appeared tentative at first, gaining just 8 yards on six carries in the first quarter. Then he warmed up, finishing with 16 carries for 57 yards, although he also botched a flea-flicker with a bad pitch back to Drew Bledsoe.

Making matters worse was that Buffalo's projected backup quarterback, Travis Brown, left on a golf cart after taking a hit to his left knee. It was the second major injury to a Bills quarterback this week. First-round pick J.P. Losman broke his left leg in practice Tuesday.

Bills beaten by Colts, 30-17, lose QB Travis Brown

The Buffalo Bills lose 30-17 in a mistake filled game at Indianapolis against the Colts. Special teams miscues led to 2 touchdowns as the Colts jumped out early to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. Backup QB Travis Brown was carted off the field in the 3rd quarter with an apparent serious leg injury. He is the second of the Bills' four quarterbacks to be lost in the span of 5 days. 1st Round selection JP Losman was lost for half the season with a fractured fibula. This leaves just NFLE backup Greg Zolman as the only healthy backup on the roster. More on the game and the extent of Brown's leg injury to come......

Bills backup QB carted off with knee injury

Buffalo lost backup quarterback Travis Brown late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a left knee injury. Brown was directing his second series when Colts defensive tackle Durrand Roundtree rushed in and hit him around the knee. Brown slapped the ground, then rolled over and stayed down for several minutes before trainers helped him onto a golf cart. Starter Drew Bledsoe walked onto the field and gave Brown a hug before Brown was carted off the field.

Defense doubles up against top QBs

If tonight's game were the regular season, it would be the second half of a wicked two-week "doubleheader" for the Buffalo Bills. Instead, it shapes up as a valuable tune-up for the regular-season opener in 15 days.

"We're going up against the NFL player of the year for the second week in a row, so this is a good test," said Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.

Evans, Reed each looking to start

The battle for the starting wide receiver job opposite Eric Moulds looks like it will go down to the wire of preseason - if not longer. Josh Reed and Lee Evans are still splitting time with the first unit heading into tonight's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Evans, the Bills' first-round pick, has showed excellent hands and speed, as advertised. Reed has responded to the challenge for his job with the best summer of his three seasons in the NFL. If neither player separates himself over the final two preseason games, the job could wind up being shared almost equally - at least to start the season.

Coaches can't ignore McGee

Terrence McGee is a man who chooses his words carefully because he learned long ago that life — especially life on the football field — can change quickly.

"It's like one week you're up and one week you're down, so I don't get too excited about things," the second-year Buffalo Bills defensive back said.

That's why McGee treated his 85-yard kickoff return last Saturday against Tennessee as if it was no big deal.

McGahee gets his chance to start

It is Willis McGahee's wish to become the starting running back for the Buffalo Bills, and tonight in Indianapolis that wish will be granted. Sort of. This is just a preseason game and does not count in the standings, but a start is a start and that's what McGahee will get because Travis Henry is sidelined with a rib injury.

NFL Injury Report

BUFFALO BILLS:

Brian Moorman, P QUESTIONABLE SAT. VS IND. 8/22 (Leg); Eric Moulds, WR PROBABLE (Chest); Joe Burns, RB DOUBTFUL (Ankle); Jonas Jennings, OT PROBABLE (Ankle); JP Losman, QB OUT 6-8 WEEKS (Leg); Marcus Price, OT QUESTIONABLE (Leg); Travis Henry, RB DOUBTFUL (Ribs)

Under Mularkey, Bills a Good Preseason Gauge

INDIANAPOLIS — After last week, Tony Dungy would like little more than to leave the field Saturday night feeling good about the Colts. He said that could happen. But the Colts’ head coach said if it does, it won’t come easy. The Colts, twenty-four point losers in their preseason home opener last Saturday, have spent this week talking about wanting to play well against the Buffalo Bills this week. Not only do they want to please RCA Dome fans, but with few starters expected to play extensively in the preseason finale, a quality game will be a confidence boost entering the season. Which is why Dungy is glad this week’s opponent is Buffalo.

Bills Battle Colts, Look for Second Win

The Buffalo Bills travel to Indianapolis this weekend to take on the Colts in their third preseason contest. The Bills are currently 1-1 in preseason play and look to add to their win column at the RCA Dome. The Bills defense has been impressive both in camp and during their two previous games.

August 27, 2004

Bill's McGahee ready for first real test against Colts

Willis McGahee believes he should be the Buffalo Bills starting running back. He'll get a chance to prove it Saturday. After missing the 2003 season with a left knee injury, McGahee has returned this year with a different perspective. He believes he's healthy, can run as powerfully as he did in college and will make a difference in the Bills' offense this year.

Bills' offense a question mark

The Buffalo Bills defense is sound and their offense still unsettled. The same issues the Bills had heading into training camp in suburban Rochester four weeks ago are the same ones they left with after packing up and heading home to Orchard Park on Thursday. The team also left a little banged up, with the most significant injury happening to rookie quarterback J.P. Losman, who will miss between two to three months after breaking his left leg on Tuesday.

Bills have a tough call with Losman

For at least a couple of days, Buffalo Bills’ fans have been distracted away from the Travis Henry-Willis McGahee soap opera.
Unfortunately the reason is a much more serious problem.
No, J.P. Losman wasn’t going to play any quarterback this season.
He wasn’t even going to be Drew Bledsoe’s backup. That job belongs to Travis Brown who has had an impressive training camp.
But this was Losman’s season to learn.>

Vincent provides a positive example

Who said athletes can’t be role models? In Troy Vincent, the Buffalo Bills have a perfect example of just what type of role model a pro football player can be.

Vincent, signed as a free agent during the offseason, has had plenty of accomplishments on the field, including five straight trips to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. But it’s Vincent’s efforts off the field that truly make him a role model.

NFL Preseason Preview - Buffalo (1-1) At Indianapolis (1-1)

The much-publicized running back competition between Travis Henry and Willis McGahee will take center stage Saturday night, when Buffalo travels to Indianapolis for an NFL preseason matchup. Henry, who has led the Bills in rushing for each of the past three seasons, has had his starting status threatened by the play of McGahee, a first-round draft pick in 2003 who sat out all of last season with a knee injury. Both players have been vocal in their desire to be the No. 1 back, making the job of first-year head coach Mike Mularkey immediately difficult. With Henry doubtful for the Colts game with sore ribs, McGahee is likely to see all of the first-team reps on Saturday. The Bills were 16-15 losers in their most recent outing, against Tennessee last Saturday, while the Colts dropped a 31-7 decision to the Jets the same night.

The billboard: A daily dose from Bills training camp

The Buffalo Bills packed their bags, loaded the moving vans and headed back to Orchard Park Thursday after completing the final day of training camp at St. John Fisher. First-year coach Mike Mularkey was pleased with the amount of work the team got in over the past 26 days. Mularkey's first camp did have a few snags. He had to deal with right tackle Mike Williams' personal and physical travails, an unsettled offensive line and an early running back controversy. There also have been several injuries, the biggest being a fractured fibula suffered by quarterback J.P. Losman in practice Tuesday.

Reese is holding off rivals for starting job

When the Buffalo Bills went into training camp the only question mark in the secondary was free safety. As the Bills break camp, Izell Reese is providing the answer. A starter most of last season, Reese was expected to be pushed hard by third-year veteran Coy Wire, who was making the switch from strong safety. Rashad Baker, an undrafted rookie surprise, is in the picture as well. But Reese has held off all challenges with a solid training camp. Barring a major setback in the last two preseason games, he'll be the starter when the regular season begins.

Bills end camp amid questions

From AWOL tackles, to a running back controversy, to a broken leg suffered by its rookie quarterback of the future, the Buffalo Bills' offense managed to steal all the headlines during the team's 26-day stay at St. John Fisher College. But when the moving vans left Rochester on Thursday, there was more optimism in the air than pessimism amongst the club's personnel.

AFC East preview

Overview for Bills: The key here is having Bledsoe play as he did the first half of 2002, not as he has done since then. Buffalo has weapons, lots of them, but they're no good if Bledsoe doesn't improve dramatically from a horrible 2003.

Sales plan produces a sellout for Colts

The Indianapolis Colts got what they wanted: a rare preseason sellout. Saturday night's game at the RCA Dome against the Buffalo Bills is sold out and will be telecast live on WTTV-4. It ends a 35-game preseason sellout drought for the team. The last home preseason game to be telecast live in the local market was an Aug. 30, 1986, meeting with the Minnesota Vikings.

WR Coleman among six Bills cut

Receiver Clarence Coleman was among six players released Thursday by the Buffalo Bills. Coleman spent two years with the Bills and had eight catches for 69 yards in 14 games last year. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2002, Coleman hurt his foot in minicamp that year and spent part of the season on Buffalo's practice squad.

Training Camp's a wrap at St. John Fisher

After four weeks of workouts at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, NY, Bills training camp came to a close Thursday. Overall, rookie head coach Mike Mularkey said he was pleased with the team's progress throughout camp. "It was a productive camp," said Mularkey. "I have to give credit to these guys on the focus and approach they came to camp with. It was very good. I don't want to compare it to other places I've been but it was very good on their part." Mularkey also credited the fan and staff support for a successful camp.

August 26, 2004

Battle over for Travis Brown?

A few days ago, Travis Brown was in a battle with J.P. Losman for the No. 2 quarterback position with the Buffalo Bills. Now with Losman out for most of the season with a broken leg, Brown is firmly established as the No. 2 quarterback behind Drew Bledsoe. “It doesn’t change my approach to the game at all,” Brown said. “I still come out every day and try to improve, try to help the team get better.”

Jaguars sign former Bill Steve Christie

The Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday signed veteran kicker Steve Christie. Terms were not disclosed. During his career, Christie, 36, has 1,377 and ranks 15th on the NFL's all-time scoring list.

Bills Break Camp

Training camp ended Thursday morning for the Buffalo Bills at St. John Fisher College. This was the Bills fifth year training in Rochester but the first with Mike Mularkey running the show. "There was no hidden agenda coming in," said linebacker Takeo Spikes. "We knew what to expect because of his background. I think what we benefited most is that he's an ex-player. He knows the response he gets from his players as far as how far he's going to push us."

Bills Release Six Players

Pittsford, NY - The Buffalo Bills have released the following six players:
Cedric Bonner WR Texas A&M Commerce
Clarence Coleman WR Ferris State
Asa Francis LB New Mexico Military
Dan Koons C Louisville
Isaac Mitchell RB Idaho State
Michale Spicer DE Western Carolina
The Bills roster is now at 78. NFL rosters must be reduced to 65 by Tuesday, Aug. 31.

It's Q&A time for NFL fans

Question Mark, the popular weekly feature in which News NFL reporter Mark Gaughan answers readers' football questions, will return this fall.

If you have a question on the Bills or the NFL in general, Question Mark and he'll respond to several questions each week.

Losman's hard knock is Brown's gain

The Bills haven't ruled out signing another quarterback, but for now, they are prepared to finish up the preseason with Bledsoe, Brown and Greg Zolman.

Although Losman's injury is a setback in terms of his development, it won't have a major impact on the depth chart. Brown is entrenched as the No. 2 QB. He has had a good training camp, earning praise from the coaching staff.

"He's done well," Mularkey said. "I like his field presence. I think the players feed off of his emotions. They believe he can move the ball."

Leg operation leaves Losman's year in doubt

Troy Vincent feels terrible over rookie quarterback J.P. Losman, who's out with a broken left leg. "All night, I tossed and turned," the Buffalo Bills veteran cornerback said yesterday. "It's just unfortunate." Vincent is the one who collided with Losman, causing the quarterback to break his fibula while he fell to the ground during what has been called a freak accident in practice on Tuesday. Losman, the second of Buffalo's two first-round picks, is scheduled to have surgery today and expected to miss between two and three months.

Van Pelt not an option for Bills

Alex Van Pelt would like nothing better than to leave the radio booth for the field and help out the Buffalo Bills' quarterback situation. But it's not going to happen. Van Pelt, 34, the Bills backup quarterback for nine seasons who is spending this year as the team's radio color analyst, said he couldn't take the place of injured rookie J.P. Losman if the team asked because he has his own medical issues.

Bills weigh their options

Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman will undergo surgery today in Buffalo to repair a broken lower left leg, an injury that could cost him most of his rookie season and presents the team with a difficult roster decision to make. Doctors will insert a plate into Losman's leg to stabilize the fracture and speed up the healing process. Still, the team has indicated the first-round pick from Tulane — who signed a five-year contract with $5.6 million in guaranteed money — could miss eight to 12 weeks.

Losman feels down, but not out

Of all the words of encouragement that J.P. Losman was given Tuesday night after he learned he had suffered a broken left fibula, those spoken by his chief rival for the backup quarterback position, Travis Brown, were probably the most poignant. Brown reminded him that this setback is only temporary and that this is just a sliver of time in a career that everyone in the Bills' organization expects to be long and prosperous. "I told him last night it's eight or 12 weeks, whatever it is, but it's a very small portion of what his career is going to be all about," Brown said. "Don't dwell on it, come back as strong as ever and stay plugged in mentally. That's what I told him."

Colts looking for better showing against Bills

After a pair of disappointing performances the last two weeks, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping for a better showing when the Buffalo Bills come to the RCA Dome Saturday night.

Indianapolis is 1-1 in the preseason. The Colts had a come-from-behind 21-17 win over San Diego on the road two weeks ago and dropped a 31-7 decision to the New York Jets last Saturday.

Opportunity for Zolman

Greg Zolman would have rather earned his new opportunity but he'll take it none the less. With rookie quarterback J.P. Losman out indefinitely with a broken leg, Zolman now has a good chance to make the team. "When I do get the reps I get a little more now than I did. Just do the best I can with them and try to learn from any mistakes that I do make," Zolman said.

August 25, 2004

Vincent upset after causing Losman's leg injury

Troy Vincent feels terrible over rookie quarterback J.P. Losman, who's out indefinitely with a broken left leg. "All night, I tossed and turned," the Buffalo Bills veteran cornerback said Wednesday. "It's just unfortunate." Vincent is the one who collided with Losman, causing the quarterback to break his fibula while he fell awkwardly to the ground during what is being described as a freak accident in practice on Tuesday.

Student Leaders to Give Back to Community

The Buffalo Bills Student Leader program is in just its second year and is already a huge success. The program is designed to provide students with unique experiences that will develop leadership skills in preparation for their continuing education throughout high school and the collegiate level. This year, 26 local students were selected to participate in the year-long program, started by Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe. The Bills received well over 100 applications that require the students to write an essay describing examples of when they have shown leadership skills in their high school and community.

Teague Not Worried About O-Line

Bills center Trey Teague is not worried about the offensive line being ready for opening day in less than three weeks. Despite injuries up front and personnel changes, Teague said the line will have time to jell and be an effective unit. "These things happen in camp all the time," Teague said. "People get banged up over the course of the four weeks here and coaches constantly rotate guys to get a look at how they play. It's a physical sport, especially up front. It's all part of the game and I don't think there's anything to worry about."

Tutors emphasizing mechanics, techniques

Shortly after finishing an impressive seven-on-seven drill during an evening practice two weeks ago, a segment which began with a 60-yard bomb to Eric Moulds and concluded with a laser-beam slant to Josh Reed along the right hash, Drew Bledsoe retreated to a vantage point 10 yards behind the Buffalo Bills huddle to watch his backups go to work. And as if Bledsoe were some Pied Piper of the Pass, he was followed closely by a trio of coaches, all seeking a snippet of his time.

Losman to have surgery on broken leg

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback J.P. Losman will have surgery Thursday to repair the left leg he broke in practice. Coach Mike Mularkey said Wednesday that he anticipates Losman will be back at some point this season, but won't know when until after the operation.

The initial prognosis is Losman will miss between two and three months. The injury is being described as similar to one sustained by Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick last preseason. Vick required 3 1/2 months of recovery before he returned.

Losman out with fractured fibula

J.P. Losman being carted off the practice field Tuesday was worse than first imagined. The Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback suffered a fractured fibula in his left leg.

The Bills confirmed Tuesday night that Losman, a first-round selection in April out of Tulane University, has suffered a broken leg and will be out indefinitely.

The injury is similar to the one suffered last year by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who fractured his right fibula during the preseason. Vick missed 12 games.

The 6-foot-2, 217-pound Losman is third on the depth chart behind Bledsoe and sixth-year man Travis Brown. The Bills still have quarterback Greg Zolman on the roster, but Losman's injury could put them in the market for another.

Bills' special teams using starters

As Terrence McGee was preparing to catch Joe Nedney's second-quarter kickoff Saturday night, London Fletcher probably should have been on the sidelines with defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, talking about how the Bills allowed the Tennessee Titans to score a field goal on the previous series. Instead Fletcher, Buffalo's starting middle linebacker, was about to embark on a seek-and-destroy mission as part of the Bills' kickoff return team.

Innocent collision means Losman is out indefinitely

Quarterbacks wear red jerseys during training camp, a reminder to their teammates: "DO NOT HIT." But that doesn't mean bad accidents don't happen. Rookie J.P. Losman broke his left leg Tuesday when he collided with veteran cornerback Troy Vincent 35 minutes before the end of practice at St. John Fisher College.

Bills QB Losman breaks leg during practice

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback J.P. Losman broke his left leg during practice Tuesday and will be out indefinitely.

Losman's agent, Gary Wichard, told The Associated Press late Tuesday night that Losman is expected to be out eight to 12 weeks. Wichard said he was informed by Bills doctors that Losman's injury is similar to one sustained last season by Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick.

August 24, 2004

Losman Suffers Broken Leg, Out Indefinitely

Rookie quarterback J.P. Losman has suffered a broken leg and will be out indefinitely. Such injuries typically require a recovery time of 8-12 weeks. Losman went down during 11-on-11 action with 25 minutes left in practice and was helped into a cart and driven off to the locker room. The first-round draft pick was injured when he made contact with cornerback Troy Vincent while he was finishing up a run to the right side during a two-minute drill.

QB likely will miss half the season

First-round draft choice J.P. Losman, the heir apparent to Drew Bledsoe's starting job with the Buffalo Bills, will likely miss at least the first half of his rookie season, after the quarterback suffered a fractured left fibula during a Tuesday practice session.

Such injuries typically require a recovery time of 8-12 weeks.

Losman Injured

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback was carted off from practice Tuesday afternoon after injuring his left ankle. Losman was hurt after taking a shoulder hit from cornerback Troy Vincent. The rookie was finishing a run during a two-minute drill when the hit occured. Trainers attended to him before being carted off moments later. Vincent did come over to Losman and shaked his hand. Vincent called the hit an accident, "As he was cutting I was coming outside I think we collided I didn't even know he fell I had began to continue to run and when I looked back he was on the ground."

Bills QB Losman injures lower leg in practice

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback J.P. Losman was taken off the field Tuesday afternoon with an apparent lower left leg injury.

Losman was hurt an hour into practice as he finished a run. As Losman was pulling up, cornerback Troy Vincent laid a shoulder into his upper body, knocking the quarterback over.

Remember It’s Only Preseason

Former Bills quarterback and current radio color analyst, Alex Van Pelt, sits down with buffalobills.com every Tuesday to offer his insight to last week's game, this week's game, and his performance in the radio booth. In the game against Tennessee, I was more impressed with the starting offense than I was against the Broncos. They came out early and sputtered a little bit last week but this week I thought Drew Bledsoe and Eric Moulds hooking up down the sideline on that long pass early on was good to see. Josh Reed had a grab that he turned up field into a big gain as well. The offense looked more in control than they did the first week.

Gildon's big test could come against the Colts

A veteran joining a new team in hopes of creating an opportunity is one of those rites of summer in the National Football League. Buffalo Bills linebacker Jason Gildon, in the twilight of his career, is in this situation.

Gildon, who signed a modest deal with the Bills on July 21, was a pass-rushing specialist with the Pittsburgh Steelers for 10 seasons. Now he's fighting for a roster spot with the Bills as a situational and nickel down pass rusher.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Gildon is also converting from playing a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 pass-rushing linebacker and defensive end.

A daily dose from Bills training camp

Travis Henry sat out practice Monday with bruised ribs. He watched the session from the sidelines, and coach Mike Mularkey said the fourth-year running back is day-to-day. It is unlikely Henry will play in the Bills' preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.

Lawrence Smith played with the first team at left guard, but that doesn't mean he's officially beaten out Ross Tucker. Mularkey was pleased with Smith and Tucker on Saturday, and Tucker received more reps.

Healthy arm should improve Lindell's foot

His teammates had long before left the practice field at St. John Fisher College, and the ballboys were stashing away the last of the equipment. Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell, however, was just warming up, pushing himself through a series of 100-yard sprints. OK, so a kicker's job isn't that strenuous. But in an effort to ensure that his 2004 season will be better than 2003, Lindell is going the extra mile — in 100-yard increments.

Sidelined Henry stays patient

Bills' McGahee may get first career start

Willis McGahee found out what it's like to be the main man for the Buffalo Bills. McGahee scored in the second quarter after taking over for injured starter Travis Henry. McGahee finished with 11 carries for 28 yards, scoring on a three-yard run on his second series. That followed an impressive preseason debut, in which McGahee had 13 carries for 58 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown in Buffalo's 16-6 win over Denver last weekend.

Buffalo Bills RB Travis Henry Day to Day

Bills starting running back Travis Henry was on the field Monday afternoon but did not practice. Henry is listed as day to day with bruised ribs on his left side. An injury he suffered during Saturday's preseason game against Tennessee. Henry, who suffered torn rib cartilage in week three last season and missed a game, said "If I had to make a comparison it's not as nearly as painful as it was last year. I missed a game last year but I think if we had to go I would be ready to go this week." Coach Mike Mularkey may keep Henry out of this week's game against the Colts as a precaution. Willis McGahee worked with the first team and is in line to make his first NFL start this weekend.

Mularkey said Mistakes Contributed to Loss

Mike Mularkey has stressed to his players since January that they need to play more disciplined and more controlled football. But Saturday night's game against the Tennessee Titans proved the team still has some mental errors to correct before the season-opener in less than three weeks. "They need to understand that when you play physical football the other team is probably going to retaliate and you've got to walk away and get back into the huddle," Mularkey said after his team fell to the Titans, 16-15. "I have not done a good job of stressing that."

Rain, Slippery Conditions Shorten Buffalo Bills Practice

Heavy rain and slippery field conditions forced the Bills to shorten Monday's practice session by nearly an hour. Starting running back Travis Henry, who left Saturday's game with bruised ribs, watched from the sidelines as did offensive tackle Marcus Price (broken toe). Although Head Coach Mike Mularkey didn't officially rule out Henry playing this weekend at Indianapolis, it is unlikely the fourth-year back will play.

August 23, 2004

Bills RB Henry out with bruised ribs; McGahee might start

Running back Willis McGahee could get his chance to be the Buffalo Bills starter sooner than anticipated.

Travis Henry is listed as day to day, with bruised ribs, after missing practice Monday. That opens the door for McGahee to potentially make his first NFL start in Buffalo's preseason game at Indianapolis on Saturday.

While Henry's injury is not described as severe, coach Mike Mularkey said he could keep him from playing as a precaution.

Bills RB Henry misses practice

Bills running back Travis Henry was held out of practice Monday as he recovers from bruised ribs.

The Bills were expected to provide an update on Henry's status after practice. Henry was hurt in the second quarter of Buffalo's 16-15 preseason loss to Tennessee on Saturday.

X-rays were negative and Henry said afterward that he didn't think the injury was serious. The Bills play their next preseason game at Indianapolis on Saturday.

Everbody take a deep breath now: Buffalo's big enough for both RBs

It's one of the great things about working in the media, along with the extravagant pay and unshakeable faith and approval expressed by the public. Don't have a controversy to write or talk about? You can just make one up. Take the alleged running back controversy supposedly enveloping the Buffalo Bills. Listen to the furious debating long enough and you'd think Travis Henry vs. Willis McGahee challenges Rob Johnson vs. Doug Flutie for Buffalo's bloodiest modern rivalry.

Bills take a special look at starters

It might be Mike Mularkey’s first-ever head coaching job, but that doesn’t mean the Buffalo Bills’ new boss is going to do it “by the book.”
For years, NFL and college coaches have been disinclined to use starters on their special teams.
The reasoning is that it’s too much of a risk losing a major contributor on offense or defense performing a task that can be filled by reserves who, in turn, end up feeling as if they’re more part of the team effort.
But there’s another side to that perspective.
Starters are first-stringers for a reason ... they’re better players than those on the bench.
Wouldn’t it therefore make sense that their level of performance on special teams should exceed that of a substitute?
Mularkey thinks so.

Bledsoe's ticking clock is cause for alarm

A training aid more absurd than the Drew Bledsoe "Get Rid of It, Drew!" (aka "The GRID") alarm clock has yet to be invented.

Do master chefs need reminders to turn on the stove? Do NASCAR drivers forget to take lefts? Do carnival workers forget to not shower?

No. Sometimes. And no.

With all the hubbub over the Olympics, the Little League World Series and the guys that are running for president, maybe news of "The GRID" eluded you.

World Airways to transport two NFL teams

World Airways will transport the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars National Football League teams for the 2004 football season.

This is the second consecutive year for World to provide air transportation for the Buffalo Bills.

Special Teams Play Important Role

Since day one Bills Head Coach Mike Mularkey has emphasized the importance of special teams play and it has shown during Buffalo's first two preseason games.

Throughout the preseason, starters such as London Fletcher and Nate Clements have seen work on the kickoff and punt units, respectively, and it's paid off for the Bills.

Defense Impressive, Still Not Satisfied

The Buffalo Bills defense continues to play well this preseason and they seem to be finding a way to get the ball back into the offense's hands. The Bills forced two Titan turnovers on Saturday's game against Tennessee at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Linebacker Jeff Posey forced a fumble in the second quarter giving the Bills the ball deep in Tennessee territory. Posey hit Titans quarterback Billy Volek from behind knocking the ball to the turf while defensive tackle Sam Adams scooped it up.

Henry sore, but he's been hurt worse

Travis Henry looked relieved after the Buffalo Bills' preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The running back has had a painful rib injury before, and he knew the bruised ribs he suffered against the Titans on Saturday weren't that bad.

"It's the same thing that happened to me when we played against Miami, but it looks like it's going to be OK," Henry said. "This isn't nearly as bad as last year. I'm breathing a lot better and moving around a lot better."

McGee impresses on kick returns

He touched the ball only a few times, but that's all Terrence McGee needed to add heat to a tightly contested position battle.

It wasn't even on defense where the second-year cornerback really turned heads, but on special teams. With three kickoff returns totaling 136 yards in Saturday's 16-15 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans, McGee stated his case for being the Bills' starter at a position where Antonio Brown, Josh Reed, Joe Burns and Freddie Smith are competing.

"When (McGee) had his chances on the returns, he really hit the holes that were tight," coach Mike Mularkey said. "That's what you're looking for, especially on kickoff returns, a guy who's not afraid to hit the hole. You don't want anybody back there looking for it. If it's there, go."

Another Controversy Last Thing NFL Club Needs

THE BUFFALO Bills didn't invent the term "quarterback controversy" but during the Doug Flutie/Rob Johnson era they developed it into a new and sophisticated art form. That's ancient history but it's a dark shadow that comes to mind just now that there are rumblings emanating from Bills training camp that all is not hearts and flowers between running backs Travis Henry and Willis McGahee.

Now, unlike Flutie and Johnson, there is no evidence of personal enmity between McGahee and Henry. It's just that neither one of them wants to be No. 2 on the depth chart, which is, come to think of it, where the Flutie versus Johnson soap opera was firmly rooted.

Gibson signs with Tampa after getting cut by Bills

TAMPA -- Last March, when defensive tackle Warren Sapp became a free agent and the Bucs began looking for new tackles who could help shore up the run defense, they took a long look at Oliver Gibson.

They worked him out and had contract discussions with him, but in the end, Buffalo offered him a little more money so he signed with the Bills. And shortly after that, the Bucs signed Darrell Russell.


When the Bills released Gibson last Sunday, he gave the Bucs a call. Friday, he signed a one-year contract with the Bucs.

"My first thing was, `Hey, call Tampa Bay.' So here I am," Gibson said Sunday after his first practice with the team.

Matthews:Big problem is Bledsoe, not running backs

We keep waiting for quarterback Drew Bledsoe to show us signs that he still has the skills to lead a decent Buffalo Bills team to a playoff berth this season.

It didn't happen in Saturday night's 16-15 exhibition loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Henry injury could open door for McGahee start

Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck was wondering what all the fuss is about.

A running back debate on the Buffalo Bills between incumbent Pro Bowler Travis Henry and potential superstar Willis McGahee, who is coming on strong after a college knee injury? To Bulluck, it's not even a contest.

"Oh no, he's not ready," Bulluck said of McGahee after Saturday night's 16-15 Titans victory over the Bills in preseason play at Ralph Wilson Stadium. "He doesn't hit the hole as hard as Travis, to me. He didn't really pose a threat when he was back there. He's young, he has time, but I definitely don't think he should start over Travis Henry.

McGee turns heads with returns

Based solely on his impressive late-season play as a rookie in 2003, defensive back Terrence McGee was going to be counted on to contribute more frequently to the Buffalo defense this year.

Based on what the second-year man from Northwestern State did on special teams Saturday night in the Bills' 16-15 preseason loss to Tennessee, he may be in line for an even bigger role.

August 22, 2004

Bills O, D Switch Roles; Still Show Signs of Rust

The Bills inched closer towards regular season preparedness in last night’s game vs. the Titans as the last home preseason game in Buffalo. The offense played nominally better than it did last week while the defense regressed somewhat. Travis Henry’s woes also became Willis McGahee’s opportunities. 

The story of the evening was Travis Henry leaving the game with injured ribs out indefinitely leaving Willis McGahee with his wish, whether it be spoken or unspoken. A pass from Bledsoe on the scramble thrown behind Henry causing the axis of his shoulders to align themselves with the momentum of Keith Bulluck resulting in Bulluck’s driving Henry into the ground as such forced the injury. The end result is bruised ribs in the same area of last season’s rib injury but less severe. Henry is expected to be fully ready for the season opener.
 

Sullivan:Only one way to end the controversy: trade Henry

Tom Donahoe made himself available to the media before Saturday night's game. But don't get the wrong idea. The Buffalo Bills' president and general manager simply wanted to "clear up any confusion" over reports Willis McGahee was unhappy being a backup. He doesn't believe the Bills have a running back controversy on their hands.

"I think maybe the media does," Donahoe said, "but we don't have one."

It brought back fond memories of Wade Phillips looking us square in the eye and insisting the Rob Johnson-Doug Flutie warfare was "media-generated."

Donahoe tries to defuse RB controversy

Buffalo Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe insisted Saturday that no matter what's being said outside the organization, there would not be a running backs controversy involving Travis Henry and Willis McGahee.

Henry left the Bills' preseason game against the Tennessee Titans with 6:12 left in the second quarter after getting crunched by linebacker Keith Bulluck on an incomplete pass over the middle. The Bills said Henry suffered a rib injury, but X-rays were negative. The Bills did not immediately know how long he would be out.

Titans deliver big hits

The Buffalo Bills' first-team offense looked a little better Saturday night and survived a major scare. Running back Travis Henry had to be carted off the field in the second quarter after getting driven into the turf on an incomplete pass. However, the Bills reported that X-rays on Henry's ribs were negative. The Titans won the game 16-15 on a 22-yard field goal by Joe Nedney as time expired before a sellout crowd of 71,549 on Kids Day in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Titans top the sloppy Bills

It was preseason football at its absolute, penalty-filled worst, and compounding the ugliness for a sellout crowd of 71,549 fans — the second-largest gathering for an exhibition game in the 31-year history of Ralph Wilson Stadium — is that the Buffalo Bills blew a late lead and lost.

Not surprisingly on this comfortably cool and clear evening, it was a Buffalo penalty that kept alive Tennessee's game-winning drive in the final moments and Joe Nedney delivered a 16-15 victory with a 23-yard field goal on the final play.

Bills' McGahee denies making trade request

Running back Willis McGahee said Saturday night he has never asked the Buffalo Bills to trade him if he's not named the opening day starter over Travis Henry. Meanwhile, a rib injury suffered by Henry on a jarring hit in the first half of Buffalo's 16-15 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans may open the door for McGahee to win the starting job anyway.

Titans eventually lose their cool against Bills

The Titans felt like they did a pretty good job turning their backs to some extracurricular activities after the whistle last night.

But they could only take so much from the Bills and nearly matched Buffalo in the penalty department over the course of a 16-15 preseason victory at Ralph Wilson Stadium last night.

Brown has Titans running game looking good

It was just one play, but to Titans quarterback Steve McNair, it spoke volumes. Faced with a third-and-10 on Tennessee's second drive of the game, McNair turned around and handed the ball to running back Chris Brown. A give-up play? Time to bring on the punter? Hardly.

Bills Lose... Henry Hurt

Buffalo lost its second preseason football game to Tennessee 16-15 before a "Kids Day" sellout at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Running back Travis Henry was injured and carted off in the first half. He suffered apparent bruised ribs. Henry had an ex-ray to check for broken ribs. He said after the game he'd be fine.

NFL Game Summary - Tennessee at Buffalo

Joe Nedney kicked a 22-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Tennessee Titans to a 16-15 win over the Buffalo Bills in preseason action at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Steve McNair completed 8-of-11 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown for the Titans, who improved to 2-0 in the preseason.

Willis McGahee ran for a touchdown for the Bills, who fell to 1-1 in the exhibition season.

Bills running back injured

Buffalo Bills running back Travis Henry suffered an upper body injury Saturday in a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.

Henry was hurt when he was hit by Tennessee linebacker Keith Bulluck while trying to catch a pass midway through the second quarter. Henry remained down on the ground for about five minutes before being helped off the field by a trainer. He then was carted away from the sideline and taken to the locker room.

Titans 16, Bills 15

The Tennessee Titans won the game. The Buffalo Bills got a reminder of why they might need two capable running backs -- Travis Henry and Willis McGahee. With much of the focus on the Bills' potential running back controversy, Titans kicker Joe Nedney pulled out the team's 16-15 preseason win with a 22-yard field goal as time expired Saturday.
For Nedney, who hit all three attempts, it was an important performance in showing he's fully recovered after missing all but last year's season-opener with a knee injury.

August 21, 2004

Bills RB Henry knocked out of preseason game

Bills running back Travis Henry bruised his ribs in Saturday night's preseason game against Tennessee.

Henry was still feeling sore after Buffalo's 16-15 loss, and said he isn't sure whether he'll practice when the team resumes training camp on Monday.

"It's not good, but it couldn't have happened at a better time considering it's still the preseason," Henry said.

Bills need to straighten their line

Drew Bledsoe has reached the point where he doesn't know from one day to the next who's going to be playing on the Bills' first-string offensive line.

"I have to play with who's there," Bledsoe said Thursday following practice at East Rochester High School, the last workout before tonight's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at sold-out Ralph Wilson Stadium.

True, but Buffalo's offensive line situation with the seemingly never-ending shuffling of personnel is getting just a bit worrisome.

Titans defense missing four starters

The Tennessee Titans will be without four defensive starters tonight when they meet the Buffalo Bills before a sellout crowd at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Both starting cornerbacks for the Titans are out. Samari Rolle will miss a second straight game with a sprained ankle. Andre Dyson is probably out for the rest of the preseason with a quadriceps strain. Mike Echols and Andre Woolfolk are likely to start in their places.

McGahee fuels running back controversy

It's becoming apparent the Buffalo Bills will have to work to keep their running back position from being a distraction this season.

The latest evidence came Friday when word leaked out of the Willis McGahee camp through several media outlets that it also will not be happy if its man is No. 2 in the Bills' backfield.

The reaction comes about a week after the Bills' No. 1 back, Travis Henry, reiterated that he has no intention of playing backup to anyone and that he would ask to be traded if it ever came to that point.

St. John Fisher gets Wilson Building

St. John Fisher College has reaped all sorts of intangibles as host of the Buffalo Bills training camp, but the school got a decidedly more physical benefit Friday.

The college dedicated the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. School of Education Building, named in honor of the Bills owner. Wilson and his wife, Mary, donated $2 million to Fisher in 2002 for the 20,000-square-foot building.

McGahee states his case for a starting job with Bills

Still think the Buffalo Bills don't have a running back controversy on their hands?

A week after Travis Henry said he would ask to be traded if he was supplanted as the team's No. 1 running back by Willis McGahee, McGahee has asked the team to trade him if he's not the Bills starter on opening day, according to a report from The Associated Press.

The AP report on Friday added that McGahee has not issued an ultimatum, but he has made it clear to the club he won't be happy backing up Henry, the incumbent who is coming off back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons.

August 20, 2004

NFL Preseason Preview - Titans (1-0) at Bills (1-0)

Though a repeat of the late-game heroics featured in the "Music City Miracle" are unlikely, the two combatants in that memorable playoff game, the Titans and Bills, will renew their rivalry in a preseason NFL matchup on Saturday evening. In an AFC Wild Card tilt on Jan. 8th, 2000, the host Titans snuffed out an apparent Bills victory after Frank Wycheck's cross-field lateral to Kevin Dyson went for a spectacular 75-yard touchdown in the game's closing seconds. Tennessee went on to win the AFC Championship, while Buffalo has not returned to the playoffs since the heartbreaking defeat. New Bills head coach Mike Mularkey is attempting to reverse that trend, and Saturday's game will be another small step in that quest.

Bills unsettled O-line to be tested by Titans

Travis Henry or Willis McGahee? It might not matter who's running the ball if the Buffalo Bills can't get their offensive line troubles straightened out.

Injuries and unexpected absences have left the line unsettled for a Bills team that reaches the midway point of its preseason preparing to host Tennessee on Saturday.

The Bills Say McGahee Has Told Them He's Not Looking For A Trade

The Bills have told WGR Sports Radio 550 that there is no truth what so ever to the AP story that Willis McGahee wants to be traded if he's not the Bills number one running back. The Bills say they have spoken to McGahee and he told them he has never said that and he doesn't know anything about it.

McGahee's agent is not commenting leading to speculation that the report may be coming out of South Florida. The day after Ricky Williams retired from the Dolphins, there were published reports in Miami that the Dolphins had contacted the Bills about Travis Henry. Bills General Manager Tom Donahoe said right away that they never called.

St. John Fisher College Dedicates Building to Bills Owner

St. John Fisher College today dedicated the College's newest academic building, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education Building, which opened in September 2003. Ralph Wilson, owner of the Buffalo Bills, is an active supporter of community affairs, particular in the areas of education and medical research.

The building that bears MR. Wilson's name is a multi-level structure adjacent to the Skalny Science Center. It houses the newly created School of Education at fisher, and contains classrooms, faculty offices, seminar rooms, and meeting space.

Source: McGahee asks to be traded if not starting

Running back Willis McGahee has asked the Buffalo Bills to trade him if he is not their starter on opening day, a source told The Associated Press on Friday.

McGahee's request was not issued as an ultimatum, but the player made clear he won't be happy playing backup to incumbent Travis Henry, said the source, who is close to McGahee, and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Titans seek continued improvement at Buffalo

Coming off an impressive 24-3 victory against the Cleveland Browns in last week’s preseason opener, the Tennessee Titans travel to Buffalo this week to face the Bills Saturday night at Rich Stadium (6 p.m.).The Titans spent both of Thursday’s practice sessions preparing for the Bills. They conducted a morning walk-through in the indoor practice bubble before resuming a full-fledged workout on the outdoor fields in the afternoon.

Mularkey silent as Bills go for second preseason win

As the Buffalo Bills prepared for their second preseason game of the 2004 NFL season first-year head coach Mike Mularkey didn't have much to say. In fact, he didn't say anything at all.

While Mularkey failed to address the media Thursday following the Bills' final practice before heading back to Orchard Park, starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe had plenty to talk about.

Undrafted rookie drawing attention at camp

Baker, an undrafted rookie free agent, has been one of the pleasant surprises at St. John Fisher College. He has been turning heads with interceptions. He has snapped a few heads backward with big hits. He is threatening to make the 53-man roster as the fifth safety in the defensive backfield. "I came here saying I've played a lot of games," Baker said as he prepared for Saturday's game against the Tennessee Titans. "I've learned how to play the free-safety position. I had never played it before college. I had to learn in the SEC, and that's a tough way to learn. So coming here I felt I could do what I had to do once I learned the scheme."

Bills are a hot ticket

Even after a 6-10 season and in a tough economic climate, the Buffalo Bills' popularity seems to be inching back toward the top loops of the franchise's 45-year-long roller-coaster ride.Consider these developments, with just 31/2 weeks left until the Bills' Sept. 12 season opener:
All 164 luxury suites have been sold for at least the next three years, and the team hopes to create a waiting list for this key component in the franchise's revenue stream.

Aiken says he's no sitting Bill

To some, it may be a foregone conclusion that Sam Aiken is going to be no more than the fifth wide receiver on the Buffalo Bills' depth chart this season. Do not count Aiken among those who see it that way. "I don't see myself competing for the fifth wide receiver spot," said the 2003 fourth-round draft choice out of North Carolina. "I'm competing for third or second. Those are my goals for the season."

Tennessee twosome waltzes into Bills' secondary

Rashad Baker and Jabari Greer are kindred spirits. The two were born 11 days apart in 1982. They both started in the defensive secondary for the University of Tennessee. They were roommates for three years. Despite stellar college careers, each went unselected in the NFL draft in April and they picked each other up after sharing the disappointment.

Bills' sellout to be on TV

There will be no reason for WOKR-TV to show Saturday's Bills preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on a tape-delayed basis Sunday night. For just the second time in team history, the Bills have sold out a preseason game, and WOKR (Channel 13) will televise it live with the NFL blackout lifted.

Moorman could miss preseason game Saturday

Punter Brian Moorman was held out of practice with a strained left hamstring and could miss Buffalo's preseason game Saturday against Tennessee. If Moorman can't play, the Bills would use rookie free agent Mike Shafer.

Henry, McGahee battle in Buffalo

The Tennessee Titans head into Buffalo this week with much of the talk regarding the Bills centering on their budding running back controversy. Incumbent Travis Henry, a former University of Tennessee standout, is being pushed by second-year man Willis McGahee, the Bills’ first-round draft pick a year ago, despite knowing he would miss the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

August 19, 2004

The billboard: A daily dose from Bills training camp

Flavorful day The Buffalo Bills are no longer associated with just Sundays, but sundaes as well. Turkey Hill Dairy was on hand at training camp Wednesday to unveil its new Bills-themed flavor, Bills Stampede Sundae. It is vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge, peanut butter swirls and peanut butter footballs. Football family Frankfurt Galaxy (NFL Europe) defensive coordinator Ed O'Neil was on hand to evaluate younger players Wednesday. That is the same NFL Europe team that Bills receiver Drew Haddad, also O'Neil's son-in-law, played for this spring. O'Neil also has a son, Keith, who is entering his second season with the Dallas Cowboys.

Bills-Titans Game Sold Out

The Buffalo Bills announced Saturday night's preseason game at Ralph Wilson Stadium with the Tennessee Titans is a sellout. The game will be seen on local television. Saturday's game is the has been marketed by the Bills as Kids Day. The team made tickets available for children for $8.

It's only happened once before: Bills sell out home preseason game

For just the second time in the history of Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Buffalo Bills have sold out a preseason game. The team has announced that the Saturday, Aug. 21 exhibition game versus the Tennessee Titans has been declared a sellout. The only other time the Bills have had a sold-out home preseason game was Aug. 17, 1973 when the Orchard Park stadium opened.

Bills pin hopes on Anderson's development

Tim Krumrie has been known to call players into the gym and challenge them to a wrestling match. But the Bills' defensive line coach may have finally met his match. Enter Tim Anderson - Buffalo's third-round draft pick - a 6-foot-3, 307-pound defensive tackle who has an impressive background in wrestling. "(Coach Krumrie) hasn't challenged me yet," said Anderson, a former state high school wrestling champion in Ohio. "I did sort of have a wrestling match with him on our pro day (at Ohio State) before the draft. If that's anything like he wrestles, I definitely wouldn't want to take him on."

Schobel will miss facing his cousin

Titans rookie defensive end Bo Schobel was looking forward to this week. The fourth-round draft choice knew the Titans were playing the Bills in a preseason game this Saturday. His cousin, Aaron, starts at defensive end for the Bills. It would have been a nice little reunion. One problem: Bo broke a bone in his right foot in June and won't be able to play.

Barber furnishes shaves, haircuts to Bills

During training camp, many Buffalo Bills worry about getting cut. Thanks to Rochester's Wade Davis II, what they don't worry about is getting a haircut. Davis, 44, has set up shop for his fifth season as the Bills' official training camp barber. The owner of Wade's Place hair salon, 380 Thurston Road, Davis works once a week inside St. John Fisher College's gymnasium during the NFL team's monthlong stay.

Szabo's experience benefits Bills

Steve Szabo could have done the easy thing and taken last year off. The Buffalo Bills' new defensive backs coach had one year to go on his contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars when he and the rest of Tom Coughlin's staff were swept out after the 2002 season. But instead of sitting poolside, Szabo did what few coaches — even staunch lifers like himself — would do. He volunteered his expertise.

Punter Brian Moorman to "Go to School"

Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman is going back to school. This fall one lucky student and his or her class will be joined by Moorman as part of NFL Take a Player to School presented by JCPenney Afterschool. Moorman is one of 32 NFL players participating in the nationwide program. Players will visit the schools on Tuesday, October 19 or Tuesday, October 26 and will speak with the students about the importance of education and afterschool programs.

Bills P Moorman limps off during practice

Bills punter Brian Moorman hurt his left leg in practice on Wednesday and did not return. Coach Mike Mularkey did not immediately know the extent of the injury. He said he would provide an update on Moorman following practice on Thursday, the team's last session before hosting Tennessee in a preseason game on Saturday.

August 18, 2004

Smith joins Bills' O-line shuffle as clock ticks

Time is running short on the elusive quest for stability on the Buffalo Bills' offensive line. The Bills shuffled the deck on their line Tuesday, promoting unheralded free agent Lawrence Smith to the starting left guard spot in place of third-year man Mike Pucillo. The move underscored the fact that the front five is the big worry on the team. After today, the starting line has 15 on-the-field days in which to get its cohesiveness before the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who boast one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

Smith wants to show he's ready

When the Baltimore Ravens signed offensive lineman Lawrence Smith as an undrafted free agent in the spring of 2002, they told him straight up that he wasn't going to be seeing action anytime soon. "I felt like I was ready, but now that I look back on it, I really don't think I was ready," Smith said Tuesday after perhaps the most eventful practice of his brief pro career.

Posey heard boos but kept playing

Jeff Posey heard the criticism of his performance last year, his first with the Buffalo Bills. He knew there were doubters among the fans and reporters who wondered aloud why the Bills were so hot to acquire his services when, through nine games, he had only 21/2 sacks and sometimes seemed invisible.

Bills Back to Work, Marcus Price Sidelined

Fresh off a 16-6 victory over the Denver Broncos Sunday evening, the Buffalo Bills returned to the practice field Tuesday for an afternoon workout. Offensive tackle Mike Williams, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 draft, was back on the field with the team after missing the preseason opener while recovering from a sprained arch in his right foot.

Bills OL Price out with toe injury

Bills offensive lineman Marcus Price missed practice Tuesday and will be out for at least a week with an injured toe on his left foot. Coach Mike Mularkey wouldn't disclose the extent of the injury, but said Price will miss Buffalo's preseason game against Tennessee on Saturday. Price, who was wearing a protective boot while watching practice, was hurt early into the Bills 16-6 preseason-opening victory against Denver on Sunday.

Bills Themed Ice Cream Flavor Now Available

With football season kicking off next month, Turkey Hill is looking to score a touchdown in the frozen food aisles of Western New York with its new Bills Stampede Sundae Ice Cream. For the extra point, area sports fans can help Turkey Hill raise money for the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB). The first ever Bills themed ice cream flavor, Stampede Sundae, features vanilla flavored ice cream spiked with tasty Gertrude Hawk chocolate peanut butter footballs. Smooth swirls of peanut butter and chocolate fudge enhance the premium ice cream taste.

Bills Shuffle O'Line Again

It has been difficult to go a day through Bills training camp without a change along the offensive line and Wednesday was no exception. Whether it's injuries or absenses, the Bills have yet to field a consistent unit. Today offensive guard Chris Villarrial missed the morning session for what coach Mike Mularkey refered to as personal reasons.

Bills rookie QB Losman drawing attention

It's a half hour after practice, and J.P. Losman is still busy signing autographs along the fence surrounding the Buffalo Bills training camp field. "Hey, J.P., you were great on Sunday," someone yells out to the rookie quarterback. "That's our next Jim Kelly," another person is overheard saying, referring to the Bills Hall-of-Famer.

Bills in marketing deals for ice cream, snow plows

The Buffalo Bills will be featured as part of a new ice cream flavor, one of two new marketing deals the football franchise has entered into. "Bills Stampede Sundae" is the creation of Turkey Hill Dairy, based out of Pennsylvania. The ice cream flavor is vanilla with chocolate peanut butter football and fudge swirls. The new creation was unveiled Wednesday at the team's training camp at St. John Fisher College in suburban Rochester.

Buffalo Bills 2004 Season Preview

] Has anyone seen the White Buffalo? Buffalo Bills fans have seen that miraculous symbol of hope before but they haven’t seen it in about ten years now. It was slain four times, but kept coming back from the dead until its final appearance in 1994. Of course, I’m talking about Buffalo’s four inspirational, yet tragic, Superbowl seasons from 1990-1994. The question is, when will the White Buffalo* return? Could it be this year?

Offensive Line Changes

Lawrence Smith, who signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in January, has replaced Mike Pucillo at left guard. "Whatever I've been doing to get their attention," said Smith, "it must have been good enough. I'm just going to have to continue to do that and step up even more." "He has pass blocked well," said head coach Mike Mularkey. "One on one he's done very well. In the game he has graded out a winning grade he is stout inside."

August 17, 2004

Bills’ problem remains offensive line

For all the good that came out of Sunday’s Bills’ pre-season-opening win over Denver at “The Ralph,” there was an undeniable negative for Buffalo. The first team offense, for lack of a better word, was lousy. It’s true that one of the most enduring pro football clichйs at this time of year is “the defense is ahead of the offense.” And if you doubt it, check out the Broncos. They’d already played a game, yet the first-team offense was hardly lights out.

Losman debut surprisingly strong

Rookie quarterbacks are supposed to hit the ground stumbling. Even for the most promising among them, the first preseason game is usually a cross between a bad day at the office and a bad case of indigestion. You expect to see poor throws and even worse decisions. You basically view everything beyond a successful first center exchange as a bonus. That is, unless you happen to be talking about J.P. Losman.

J.P.'s a two-way threat in debut

As J.P. Losman jogged out to take his first National Football League snap in front of 49,645 onlookers Sunday in Ralph Wilson Stadium, the rookie quarterback couldn't help but wonder what coach Mike Mularkey had in store for him. "The only thing (Mularkey) told me was, "This play we're about to call, J.P., you'll remember for the rest of your life,' " Losman said.

Start Time for Detroit Game Changed

Please be advised that the start time of the Bills final preseason game on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Detroit has been changed from 8:00 PM (ET) to 7:00 PM (ET).

McGahee & Losman Show Promise & Then Some

It was only a pre season game, and they weren’t even playing against first stringers. But many of the more than 49,000 fans on hand for the Bills exhibition tussle against the Broncos at Ralph Wilson Stadium are already convinced Willis McGahee and J.P. Losman are closer to the now than to the future. I was there too, and as I see it, they could be half right. Nobody likes to eat their words, but we’re about to see something special happen this season.

Notes, quotes

After hitting WR Eric Moulds with a TD bomb during a night practice in front of about 6,000 fans, QB Drew Bledsoe was asked if that was for the benefit of the fans. "No, that was for my benefit. That's fun."

Inside slant

When it comes to their offensive line, the Bills aren't pushing the panic button yet. But they may be limbering up the elbow. A full two weeks into training camp, the team's projected five starters had yet to work together and it didn't appear they'd be together anytime soon. At the crux of the matter is right tackle Mike Williams, whose third NFL camp is fast becoming a lost summer.

Strategy and personnel

WR Antonio Brown began his quest to retain the starting punt and kick return jobs in Sunday night's preseason opener against Denver and Round 2 is set for Saturday night against Tennessee. A year ago, Brown returned two punts for touchdowns in the preseason to win the job going away, but the regular season was a much different story. Brown's 4.4 average on 25 punt returns was the worst in Bills' history as Buffalo ranked 31st in punt return average.

McGahee shows off for Bills fans

So what if it didn't really count - it was an impressive debut for Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee last night in front of the home crowd. McGahee was showing off some of the speed and power that made him a star at Miami before blowing his knee out in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

Bills notebook: Coach liked win but seeks to improve

The good outweighed the bad for the Buffalo Bills in Sunday night's 16-6 preseason victory over the Denver Broncos at Ralph Wilson Stadium, making Mike Mularkey's coaching debut a successful one. However, Mularkey planned to spend Monday, a day off for the players, scrutinizing the game tape.

Bills may have a top-notch tandem

It is perfectly reasonable for Buffalo Bills fans to be giddy after Willis McGahee's performance in Sunday night's 16-6 home exhibition win over the Denver Broncos. McGahee has the potential to be Buffalo's most electric running back since O.J. Simpson, and his rebuilt knee survived its first big test.

Bills' Losman has what it takes

There were five minutes remaining in the third quarter of Buffalo's preseason opener Sunday night at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and coach Mike Mularkey made his second call to the bullpen. Travis Brown relieved starter Drew Bledsoe in the second quarter, and when Brown's night was complete, it was time to throw rookie quarterback J.P. Losman into the first live game action of his career.

Starters Satisfied

In their preseason opening win over Denver Sunday night, Buffalo Bills starters didn't play a whole lot. But the first unit offense seemed satisfied with what it accomplished in a short period of time. The Bills wanted to make a statement that they'll run the ball this year, and run it a lot. That's exactly what they did against the Broncos.

McGahee shows off for Bills fans

So what if it didn't really count - it was an impressive debut for Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee last night in front of the home crowd. McGahee was showing off some of the speed and power that made him a star at Miami before blowing his knee out in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

August 16, 2004

Bills' Vincent not bitter

 Troy Vincent is a Buffalo Bill now.

Sounds weird.

''It's been a smooth transition,'' the former Eagles cornerback said over the phone last Monday. ''I'm very happy.''

This makes him unique among the high-profile free agents who have departed Philadelphia in recent years. Usually there has been rancor and bitterness. Often bridges haven't just been burned; they've been nuked. 

August 13, 2004