Bills Daily
  Serving Buffalo Bills Fans Since 1998 
BillsDaily.com is the place for all the Bills news throughout the 2018 off season! Check out our 2018 front office page your one stop shopping for all moves and the complete free agent list!

FEATURES
Home
2018 Schedule Page
Draft 2018
Front Office 2018
Depth Chart 2018
Gameday 2017
Injury Page
Featured Articles
2017 Results
News Archives
Archives Library
Full Latest News Page
Message Board
Twitter Links
Resources/Links
Chat Room

BILLS ON THE NET
Two Bills Drive
Bills Official Site
Buffalo News
Rochester D&C
New York Upstate
WGRZ-TV
WGR Radio
WKBW-TV
WIVB-TV
Bills Mafia
Buffalo Rumblings
NFL.com
ESPN
SI.com
Fox Sports
CBS Sports

BLOGS ON THE NET
Inside the Bills
ESPN's Bills Blog
Buffalo News Bills Blitz

BILLS DAILY
Site Map
Contact Us
Mobile Site
Mobile Injury Page
Link to Bills Daily
About Bills Daily

NEWS ARCHIVES - SEPT 1ST - SEPT 8TH, 2003 PREVIOUS WEEK

Bills Blow Out Pats In Opener

Lawyer Milloy - AP Photo Bills Crush Pats: You couldn't have written a better script. Everyone was wondering how the Bills defense would jell together and they were better than advertised. Pulling off the first shutout on opening day for the Bills since 1981. Sam Adams was our player of the week with an interception return for a touchdown and a sack. He wasn't the only newcomer that shined, Takeo Spikes and Lawyer Milloy also played huge roles in the 31-0 rout of the Patriots. Game Review.

Defense Shines In Win: The defense certaintly shined in the win over New England. A shutout and four interceptions and a final goal line stand made this unit better than anyone even expected. The offense was not to be forgotten as they had two long scoring drives to start the game. The first position by position grades of the season are all passing marks by far. Gameday Grades.

Milloy Starts: Lawyer Milloy did make his Bills debut yesterday and not only did he play, but he played every snap but one in the first three quarters. He was announced with the other defensive starters, and they saved him for last to really fire up the crowd. He had a solid first showing despite only practicing one full day. He had a sack, a deflection that was picked off by Nate Clements and five tackles.

Mike Williams On Defense: In one surprise move the Bills used Mike Williams on the defensive line. He played their in the goal line defense for two plays spelling Pat Williams. DL coach Tim Krumrie told him to go in there and just use his body to clog up the middle. He did it well. Ruben Brown was also prepared to playe some defensive tackle but did not come into the game. The Bills only dressed three tackles and wanted the two offensive lineman ready just in case they were needed.

Sullivan Among Inactives: Marques Sullivan went from starter to inactive this preseason. He was among the inactive players for the opener, the others were: Justin Bannan, Lauvale Sape, Keith McKenzie, Terrence McGee, Angelo Crowell, and Sam Aiken who has a hamstring injury.

No New Injuries: Another good thing to come out of the win was the fact that the Bills reported no new injuries in this game. Only one player was even shaken up in the game and he returned. Injury Page.

Miller To Retire: Van Miller announced before the game that he will retire after this season as the play by play announcer. He has been the voice of the team for over 35 years and Tom Donahoe said he plans on having Miller as part of the broadcast team in some capacity next year. The team now has all year to find a new play by play man. Convential wisdom says that John Murphy will move over from the color analyst seat to take over the duties.


Saturday September 6, 2003

Gameday Weather: The weather will live up to the hype of the game tomorrow. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with the high temperatures in the mid to upper 70's. There is no chance of rain at this time. Bills Daily will be at the game and have a full report late Monday afternoon instead of our normal Sunday night wrapup reports.


Friday September 5, 2003

Belichick Helps Bills: First it was Drew Bledsoe, then it was Lawyer Milloy, Bill Belichick keeps dropping star players in the team's lap like he's Santa Claus. Bills Daily's Joe Chenelly gives his commentary on the latest developments surrounding the team and their chances on Sunday. Complete Story.


Thursday September 4, 2003

Milloy Gametime Decision: Lawyer Milloy told the media earlier that it is up to the Coach if he plays on Sunday. Gregg Williams answered the question by saying it is difficult to say right now if he would be ready to go. He called his playing status a gametime decision. It will all depend on how quickly Milloy can learn the terminology the team uses.

Winfield Talks Over: The Bills were able to sign Lawyer Milloy after talks with Antoine Winfield broke down over the weekend. The money that was available to use on a contract extension for Winfield went to Milloy. Winfield said the two sides talked last week as the Bills did offer him an extension but the two sides can't agree. They may talk some more during the season but nothing will get done before next offseason with Winfeild likely testing the free agent waters.

Milloy Introduced: The Bills introduced Lawyer Milloy to the media today he said the last couple of days has been exhausting for him. Milloy talked about how much of a positive response he got from around the league after he was cut in New England. He said the Bills were first and foremost out in the league in the race for his services. He says he's a leader that is coming to a team that is good already. He will concentrate on getting to know his teammates and has been studying the gameplan at an accelerated pace. He says he wants to play football but it is up to the coach if he plays on Sunday. He would like to play but he won't if he doesn't know the coverage. He said he chose Buffalo because it presented the best chance for him to go to a Super Bowl and it is not a vendetta against the Patriots.

Bills Release Haggan: Lawyer Milloy is now officially a Bill as he signed his contract and practiced with the team today despite arriving later than expected because of fog. To make room for him on the roster the Bills released one of this year's draft picks. Seventh rounder Mario Haggan is no longer on the team.

Brown Reaches Settlement: As expected the team reached an injury settlement with Travis Brown. He was on injured reserve but with the settlement he is no longer a member of the team. When he was on IR he was out for the year, with the settlement the team could now re-sign him after week 10 if they want to. Front Office Section.

Game Soldout: The Patriots game is now officially soldout lifting the television blackout for Western and Central New York. There were very few tickets available since May for this one and they are now officially all gone.

Moore Added: The Bills added Dave Moore to the injury report as probable with a hand injury. He should be able to go, he joins Sam Aiken on the report. Aiken will not play although he did practice on Wednesday.

Brown The Return Man: Coach Williams announced yesterday that Antonio Brown will be the number one return man for both punts and kickoffs. We have had him in that spot on our depth chart for a while now. He won't get exclusive work however, as the coach plans to mix in Clarence Coleman and Bobby Shaw in punt return duty. Also as expected, Mike Pucillo won the starting right guard spot.


Wednesday September 3, 2003

Where Does Milloy Fit? Now that Milloy will be on the practice field as a Bill tomorrow, where does he fit in? We have slotted him at the top of the depth chart at strong safety ahead of Coy Wire. Others feel he may play free safety. Coach Williams said a determination on whether or not he'll play Sunday will come after he speaks to Milloy. Our bet is that he plays but doesn't start. To a man, the safeties on the roster said they are excited about him coming and will welcome him with open arms because he will help the team.

Milloy Contract Details: The contract agreed to by Lawyer Milloy is reportedly a four year deal worth $15 million. It includes a $4.75 millon signing bonus and a $2 million base salary for this year. If these numbers are correct his salary cap figure is $3.2 Million eating up most of the Bills open cap space.

Milloy A Bill: The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms on a contract with Lawyer Milloy. He is expected to arrive in Buffalo soon and should take a physical and sign the deal tomorrow. He should practice tomorrow and should see action against his former team on Sunday. Milloy will bring with him some insight to Bill Belichik's defensive gameplan as he was a member of the Patriots just two days ago. This adds even more drama to a game that was filled with it from the beginning. Updated Game Preview.

Bills Daily On Radio: I will be on tonight's edition of Bills Asylum radio, the weekly internet Bills radio show. It starts at 8pm, check it out if you get a chance, the link is a button on the left side of this page.

Bills Waiting On Decision: Tom Donahoe confirmed this afternoon that the Bills have indeed offered Lawyer Milloy a contract on are waiting for an answer. Donahoe and Milloy's agent want this wrapped up today regardless of where he ends up. Donahoe said that Milloy is seriously considering the Bills offer but he also has offers from the Redskins and Saints.

Aiken Alone On Report: As you would expect for opening day the injury report is very short. Sam Aiken is the only player for either team on it so far this week. He is out with a hamstring injury although he most likely would have been one of the inactives anyway. Injury Page.

Milloy Sweepstakes Heat Up: Several teams remain interested in released safety Lawyer Milloy. The Bills have confirmed their interest in the player and his agent says he wants his client on a team by today. Unconfirmed reports are running rampant, some say that the Bills have made him a solid contract offer, while reports also say that he has verbally agreed to a deal with the Bills. ESPN.com says that the Bills, Redskins, and Saints have all made offers and remain in the hunt. Tom Donahoe has gone on record saying they want him and he will play on Sunday if he signs. Stay Tuned...


Tuesday September 2, 2003

Milloy To Buffalo? The Patriots surprised people by releasing four time pro bowl strong safety Lawyer Milloy because he refused to take a pay cut. ESPN.com is reporting that the Bills have started pursuing Milloy and that there is a chance he may actually lineup against his former team this weekend. Drew Bledsoe reportedly gave Milloy a glowing endorsement to the Bills brass. The report says the team has contacted his agent and goes on to say that a high ranking Bills source says they would like to sign him immediately and play him on Sunday. If he is signed he would quickly move into Coy Wire's starting spot. The team is currently only carrying three safeties on the depth chart.

Bills Need Fast Start: Fans always seem to put a greater emphasis on opening day but this year it may have some validity. The team needs to find out quickly where they stand in the very tough AFC East and playing rival New England will give them a barometer how far they have gone. The Pats owned the Bills in two meetings last year and the team needs a win to build confidence for the rest of the season. It may be tough to come by however, as Bill Belichik always seems to have the number of Coach Gregg Williams and his former QB Drew Bledsoe. Check out our newly redesigned and re-launched Gameday homepage all year long for latest previews, reviews, and gameday news starting with this week's preview! Gameday Preview.

Two QBs For Now: The Bills will stay with two quarterbacks for now, Tom Donahoe said on Monday. There is no number three behind Drew Bledsoe and Alex Van Pelt. Travis Brown is on injured reserve costing him the season. The only other option with him is offering him an injury settlement. In that case, they could re-sign him after week 10.

Eight New Starters: The 2003 Bills will have eight new starters on the depth chart, four on offense and four on defense. Among the new starters are three players from last year's draft class, four free agent signees, and a promotion for tight end Dave Moore.


Monday September 1, 2003

Henry Returns: The Bills entered their regular season routine today with their first practice of the opening week of the season. Travis Henry returned to the field and took place in a few drills. He will go full tilt on Wednesday and says he's 100%. Injury Page.

Gary Would Have Been Gone: Tom Donahoe commented on the Olandis Gary trade today. He said that Gary would have had a hard time making the team anyway with the strong play of Joe Burns in the preseason. This way the Bills got something for him.

Bills Add 5 To Practice Squad: The Bills filled out their practice squad by signing five players who were recently released by the team. On the taxi squad is DB Jerton Evans, QB Jason Johnson, WR Rodney Wright, RB Ken Simonton, and OL Richard Seals. Johnson may have a short stay on the squad, with just two active quarterbacks, he may be activated if someone is hurt or if the team decides not to sign a quarterback from the waiver wire. Wright and Seals are returnees to the practice squad. Wright was on and off of it last year. The team is high on Seals who is making the conversion from defensive line to the offensive side of the ball. Simonton made the squad based on his NFL Europe season. Evans did some good things in training camp and it is always good to have a DB on the squad. The practice squad does practice with the team but does not dress for games. They usually make up the scout team in drills.

Gary Pick A Late One: Officially the Bills traded Olandis Gary for a conditional future draft pick. Reports say it will likely be a seventh round pick. Depending on how much Gary contribues to Detroit it can go as high as a fifth rounder. Donahoe likely tried to get more for Gary but since Detroit knew the Bills were loaded at the position, they likely would have waited for the cuts if the Bills didn't act on the deal.

19 cuts highlight week: The Bills released 19 players this week in all. They also traded one, and placed three on injured lists. They also wrapped up the preseason with a victory against Detroit. That makes for a very busy week in review. We give you our take on the issues from the week. As usual, this will be the last week in review until next off season. We put it on hiatus during the season and backup our latest news section each week during the regular season. Week In Review.




News Archives index
Latest News Section
Archives Library
Back to Bills Daily Homepage

 

This site created and maintained by Steve Saslow.
Bills Daily is not affiliated with the Buffalo Bills or the National Football League.
All written material found on this site is Copyright ©2018 Bills Daily.