Maximum RPM: High performance from Reed, Price and Moulds

By Shawn Krest

The league’s top receiving corps needs a nickname.

With Drew Bledsoe feeding them the ball, the Buffalo Bills trio of receivers—rookie Josh Reed, deep threat Peerless Price, and All-Pro Eric Moulds—has amassed 1,253-yards on 94 catches through the first five games. Those numbers exceed the next best trifecta of wide-outs—New England’s Brown, Branch, and Patten—by four catches and over 100 yards.

"We put defenses in a tough bind, because we have so many offensive weapons to cover," says quarterback Bledsoe. "To expect us to stay on this streak may be a little fool hardy, but I feel like, with the guys we have, we can put up points on anybody."

Have they ever put up points. Reed, Price, and Moulds have scored nine touchdowns through five games, and have a total of six 100-yard receiving games. Price and Reed both topped the century mark in the win against Minnesota, and Moulds and Price turned the trick against Oakland. The only team to keep all three in double digits was Denver. Moulds led the team with "only" 96 yards. Still, both Moulds and Reed scored touchdowns in the Broncos game. No team has kept them out of the end zone.

Reed, Price, and Moulds. RPM. As in Max RPM—high performance racing.

Moulds has provided the consistency. The big, physical receiver has had either eight or nine catches every game. His yardage has stayed right around the century mark each week, ranging from a low of 86 in Week Two to a high of 119 in Week Four.

Price has been the home run threat. He explodes for big plays and huge games. His 13 catches, 185 yards and two touchdowns against Minnesota ranks among the team’s 10 best receiving games of all time. He also contributed 126 yards and a score against Oakland. On the downside, Chicago held him to three catches and 15 yards.

The success of Moulds and Price is no surprise. Moulds is second only to Andre Reed on most of the Bills’ all-time receiving records. Price led the team last year with seven touchdown receptions, including catches of 70, 61 and 40 yards. Still, neither has ever been as prolific as this season.

Part of the reason is the man throwing them the ball. Bledsoe’s leadership, intelligence, and ability haven’t been seen in these parts since the golden days of Jim Kelly and the K-gun.

"With the weapons we have, and a hall of fame quarterback, we should be putting up a lot of points," says lineman Ruben Brown.

Another major factor in Moulds’ and Price’s fast start is the threat in the slot. Josh Reed’s 18 catches and 235 yards would lead seven other teams and be second-best on 11 others. In other words, Reed would at least be on the field for every play on over half the teams in the league. He was named NFL Rookie of the Week after his eight catches, 110 yards and touchdown against Minnesota.

The production from the third position makes it difficult for opposing defenses to take away Moulds and Price, a game plan that both were all too familiar with in 2001. Reed’s five-game totals already exceed third receiver Reggie Germany’s totals for the full 2001 season.

"When was the last time you saw single coverage on Moulds and Price because someone was worried about the slot?" asks coach Gregg Williams.

Bledsoe also points out what an impact three high quality receivers can have on the offense. When asked to explain his success against blitzing defenses, Bledsoe says, "There’s a really great trick called ‘having fast guys who can make plays for you’…With our guys, we can attack downfield very quickly, because they get off the ball so fast. When you have talented guys, you put the ball in their hands and good things can happen."

The receivers don’t get all the credit. In addition to the Max RPM crew, the roll call of Bledsoe’s weapons includes running backs Travis Henry and Larry Centers—the NFL’s all-time leader in running back catches—and tight ends Jay Riemersma and Dave Moore.

It’s an embarrassment of offensive riches, but most of them were in Buffalo last year, when the Bills offense sputtered to a 21st place ranking. The additions of Bledsoe, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, and Josh Reed are responsible for the turnaround.

"Josh is doing a great job. He’s a young guy that doesn’t play like one," says Bledsoe. "He plays like a guy that’s got some experience. He’s got excellent ability, quickness, and good strong hands. He’s really coming along quickly. We’re going to expect a lot out of him this year."

Reed shrugs off the early awards and praise. "My number one goal is for the team to have a winning record at the end of the season. Hopefully see postseason play."

"On this level, you don’t get a redshirt year," Reed says. "You have to be ready when you get here. [Moulds and Price] are veterans. They’re taking me in and making sure I’m learning everything."

And when he learns everything? "I think we’re going to be really electrifying. We’re going to be able to put points on the board."

That sound you heard was 31 defensive coordinators groaning.

Gentlemen, start your engines.