Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001

Help wanted: Receiver support

Bills may have locked up Eric Moulds, but he won’t improve unless they find a bona fide No. 2 receiver

By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor

In 2000, Moulds proved the Bills correct. He became one of the league’s best receivers. Moulds had 94 catches (a career high), which ranked him tied for seventh in the league. The 94 receptions also set a club record, and Moulds became only the second Bills player to catch 90 or more passes in a season (Reed caught 90 in ’94).

So Moulds proved that he was Buffalo's top weapon in its offense, and the Bills made him their top priority this offseason. It paid off for both parties. The Bills signed Moulds reportedly to a six-year deal in the area of $45 million with a $12 million signing bonus.

But the Bills must not sit back and think their passing game is set. The reason Moulds’ production jumped from 65 to 94 receptions between ’99 and 2000 was simple: There was no one else to throw to.

The Bills have much to do this offseason. They must cut salaries left and right, and they'll lose some significant players in the process. They will definitely lose one of their quarterbacks. Regardless of whether the Bills decide to go with Rob Johnson or Doug Flutie at quarterback, they must not ignore the fact that Moulds and the chosen quarterback will need help.

In 2000, the second-leading receiver on the Bills was Peerless Price, who was the No. 2 receiver almost by default. Price, a second-round draft pick in the ’99 draft, showed improvement from his rookie year, catching 21 more passes in 2000 than in '99. But many Bills observers say he wasn’t reliable or impressive. Reliability is very necessary as a No. 2 receiver.

During the Bills’ Super Bowl runs, Reed always had a reliable No. 2 receiver opposite him. James Lofton, Bill Brooks and Don Beebe were the perfect complements to Reed. All four receivers knew their roles in the offense, in which they fit nicely. The Bills need to find someone to fit opposite Moulds or commit to grooming Price for that role.

If the Bills can draft a big, physical wide receiver, it will take some of the pressure off Moulds. But they have other areas they might like to focus on in the draft. A young stud receiver also might help Price. A little competition never hurt anyone, especially in training camp.

Moulds’ receptions could drop off a bit next season, especially if the Bills stick to the same game plan and don’t go to a pass-happy offense. But that would be a good sign for the Bills' fans and front office. It will mean that Moulds isn’t their only option, and their investment in him will look much safer and much, much wiser.

The Archives
2000 - 2001 Season