AFC East

Sporting News, The, Nov 1, 1999

Teams are listed alphabetically

Martin fulfills Miami's need for deep speed

In desperate need of speed, the Dolphins took a chance on Tony Martin's litany of legal problems after the veteran receiver was released in February by the Falcons.

They are glad they did.

"I talked with (Raiders owner) Al Davis a few weeks ago, and he was saying that we got the best receiver in the league at running the deep post," Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson says. "I have to agree."

Johnson has made sure of that in recent weeks by demanding that his quarterbacks throw Martin's way. Dan Marino has a habit of locking in on longtime possession receiver O.J. McDuffie, but with some serious prodding, he hit Martin 10 times for 166 yards in a thrilling victory October 10 over Indianapolis. The next week, Damon Huard set up Martin for seven receptions for 118 yards, including a 69-yard TD pass. Martin has three 100-yard receiving games, and the Dolphins hope opponents will be forced to stop using so many eight-man fronts to stop the Dolphins' running game.

Martin was released by Atlanta less than a month after the Super Bowl after being implicated in a federal money-laundering scheme with a known Miami drug dealer. He was found not guilty of those charges, but he also is dealing with a bankruptcy filing that is under heavy scrutiny. In the midst of the federal charges, the Dolphins signed Martin to a four-year, $14.2 million contract that was dependent upon him being found not guilty.

On the field, Martin has added an element of strength to his game. Formerly known as a player who did not enjoy catching passes over the middle, he has shown more willingness to catch passes in heavy traffic.

"I'm never going to be one of those guys who just muscles up on cornerbacks," he says, "but I can do more." --Jason Cole

Buffalo

4-3: 4th

Price shows potential but needs polishing

Though he was inconsistent in his first start, WR Peerless Price showed the playmaking potential the team badly needs with Eric Moulds (hamstring) sidelined. Price was awful in the first half at Seattle, suffering two drops, one of which led to an interception. But he showed mental toughness and the ability to adjust by making five catches for 106 yards and a touchdown in the second half. Price has the speed to get deep, but he is small (5-11, 180) and has had trouble separating from jams at the line. His hands have been inconsistent, particularly in traffic. Though the team is suffering without Moulds, this is good training for Price, whose game needs a lot of polish. Price is expected to take over Andre Reed's starting role when Reed retires, perhaps after this season.... Dime S Menny Martin had a bad coverage game against Seattle. Worse yet, he sustained a knee injury that may put him out for the year. That will hurt the secondary because he has been largely reliable in the dime. Donovan Greer or Daryl Porter will take his place. They are both corners, so SS Henry Jones, who has been a corner in the dime, will drop back to deep safety. Porter or Greer will join Antoine Winfield as the slot corners.

SCOUTING REPORT: FS Kurt Schulz is one of the hardest hitters in the league and plays more like a strong safety with his ability to hammer receivers. His forte is not playing deep center field and looking for interceptions like many free safeties. Receivers running deep or crossing routes have to be wary of Schulz because he can separate them from their senses. He knows how to get into position to make a big hit, and he uses excellent leverage to deliver the blow. He also is an intelligent player who understands the defense and can recognize routes as they develop. He is not the fastest player, though, and if he commits an error, he can be beaten deep. He also is not as adept in run support as you would expect considering his hitting ability.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Doug Flutie's arm strength seems to be dwindling, as evidenced by the 27 passes that were broken up by the Raiders and Seahawks in the past two games. Nine of those came on passes that were batted down at the line, a longstanding problem for Flutie because of his lack of height. However, the other 18 were broken up in the secondary, indicating Flutie's passes lack the necessary zip. With an extra split second, NFL defensive backs have all the time they need to make a deflection. --Sal Maiorana

GRADING OUT vs. Seattle

OFFENSE D

Tried to run more, but it was fruitless. Throwing 50 times was not the answer, either.

DEFENSE F

It had to come up big, and it didn't. The pass coverage was abysmal.

SPECIAL TEAMS D

Seattle returned the opening kickoff 54 yards and set the tone for the game.

COACHING F

For third week in a row, the team was not ready to play at the start of the game.

BILLS

PASSING   Att.   Comp.   Pct.   Yds.   Long
Flutie     241     131   54.4   1586    49t
Johnson      2       1   50.0     11     11

PASSING   TD   Int.   Rate   Sacks
Flutie     9      8   73.4      13
Johnson    0      0   66.7       1

RUSHING     Att.   Yds.   Avg.   TD
A. Smith      90    338    3.8    3
Flutie        40    262    6.6    1
Linton        64    222    3.5    0

RECEIVING   No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD
Moulds       29    458   15.8    3
Reed         23    237   10.3    1
Linton       17    134    7.9    0

SCORING    XPM   XPA   FGM   FGA   Pts.
Christie    12    12    12    16     48

PUNTING        No.   Yds.   Avg.   Blk.
Mohr            35   1350   38.6      0

KO RETURNS     No.   Yds.   Avg.     TD
K. Williams     24    479   20.0      0

PUNT RETURNS   No.   Yds.   Avg.     TD
K. Williams     16    176   11.0      0