Archives for July 2001

‘"As far as they are concerned, I’m starting from square one," Fisher said. "Now I’ve got to prove why they should keep me rather than why they should want to keep me around for another year."’

‘Clearly, Johnson and Williams have developed an affinity for one another. It is partly necessity, to be sure. If Williams is to succeed in his first head job, he needs Johnson to prove he can thrive and survive as an NFL quarterback. Williams takes every opportunity to praise him and remind everyone that he is the Bills’ guy.’

\’Signing autographs is mandatory for all players.\’

‘And like before, he’s out to prove that someone who stands 5-feet-9 can indeed enjoy great success on a football field. At least someone who’s 5-9 and 221 pounds — a bowling ball with muscles.’

‘"Oh bull," Williams screamed. "Play stupid with me and I’ll run your butts out of here… . First thing will be a lunch box and a road map. I’m not messing with you guys anymore."’

‘As for Bills Coach Gregg Williams, he just wants someone competent to punt, and by the time the regular season begins, it might be Taylor, it might be Moorman, or it might be someone else.’

‘Spoon, the team’s fourth-round pick out of North Carolina, is expected to make the team as a backup middle linebacker where the Bills’ lack depth. His injury will be evaluated more completely this morning, Coach Gregg Williams said.’

‘"We just thought it would be a nice way to kick off the camp and a nice way to welcome the Bills back to Pittsford," said town Supervisor Bill Carpenter. "And we wanted to thank them for choosing our community — we’re fortunate to have this experience here."’

‘Holecek is expected to arrive in San Diego on Monday to sign his contract and begin practicing.’

‘That the Bills have waited this long is a good sign. It helps, too, that Buffalo is in desperate need of defensive-line depth, having lost starters Bruce Smith, Marcellus Wiley and Ted Washington over the past two years. "I think I’ve got a great chance," Fisher said.’

‘Johnson especially likes Williams’ take-charge approach, something he said was lacking in the three previous years under Wade Phillips, who was fired last January. "I think (players) want to be disciplined. I think they want to have a leader that takes charge".’

‘The rookies will practice twice on Thursday at St John Fisher. The veterans report to camp on Saturday.’

‘Starting quarterback Rob Johnson is already in camp, and looks to be in great shape.’

‘"It’s huge for me", said Johnson.’

‘"I really like the people. I love how they get into football. It’s so much a part of their community. I think they feel like they’ve been a little snake-bitten, coming so close to winning a Super Bowl all those years. I think it would be so cool to be a part of the team that finally brings that trophy to western New York."’