Archives for August 2001

‘Williams, a guy who could jump out of an airplane without a parachute and convince you he’d land safely, opined that the Bills got "good, productive work" during the hectic two-hour session.’

‘"I wouldn’t have achieved 1/100th of what I’ve achieved professionally without Marv Levy," says Polian, the Indianapolis Colts general manager who has been voted NFL Executive of the Year four times by his peers. "Marv Levy gave me my start, and through the years, he gave me an education about football and about life."’

‘Get talking linebackers and Buffalo Bills Coach Gregg Williams gets a twinkle in his eye. The former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator thinks of linebackers the way an explosives expert thinks of a fuse.’

‘One player who has grabbed Bills Coach Gregg Williams’ attention is rookie tight end Dan O’Leary. Not only is O’Leary making strides on long snapping — a job he currently is the front-runner to win — but he is also showing signs that he could help at the tight end position.’

The HOF Web site contains tributes to the class of 2001. Typical Levy: " I also know that no one goes into the Hall of Fame – their name may be promulgated there – but it's the work of thousands of people that result in any person going in." (I looked it up for you *Promulgate* "to make know by public declaration)

He is probably one of the most thoughtful and mild-mannered NFL coaches.

"Leadership is the ability to get other people to get the best out of themselves," said Levy, who has a masters degree from Harvard. "It’s manifested by getting them not to follow you but to join you."

‘Players from both teams were stretching on the Edinboro University’s Sox Harrison Stadium field when the lightning flashed, followed by a loud crack of thunder. Representatives of both teams decided to cancel the session in hopes that the weather would clear up for the afternoon practice, set to begin at 3 p.m.’

I think this year is going to be a lot more organized. With the continuity of the offense and running those same plays over and over again during preseason and practices there will be less mistakes, breakdowns and hopefully be more organized. A lot of times last year, you’d have 10 seconds at the line of scrimmage, if that, and me and Doug were rushed.

‘There will be a heavy emphasis placed on special teams when the Bills travel to Edinboro, Pa., to practice and scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns.’

‘Black thinks about last season every day. He thinks about the 14 regular-season games where he didn’t put on a blue or white jersey. He thinks about the two games where he saw limited action as a kick returner. But mostly he thinks about his preseason botches because those have become his greatest weapon – motivation.’

‘Buffalo Bills quarterback Rob Johnson was given the morning off Thursday, in part to keep his arm fresh and also because coach Gregg Williams is pleased with his development.’

‘The Buffalo Bills entered into an agreement with Meadow Brook Dairy, based in Erie, Pa., to serve as the teams official sponsor in the dairy category.’

‘George County Chancery Judge Pat Watts Jr. had sentenced Moulds to 90 days In jail, with 60 days suspended, for delaying child support payments to the Mother of his then-8-year-old son, Randy. The Supreme Court ruled Watts Erred by not giving Moulds due process, including a hearing on the criminal Contempt charge.’

‘Camp priorities: Adjusting to a new coaching staff, developing a better offensive line, finding defensive linemen, and getting Sam Cowart used to his new position at middle linebacker.’

‘Johnson won’t see a lot of time in the scrimmage tomorrow — probably one 12-play series with the first-team offense at the start — but he will have regular repetitions during today’s two practices as he test drives the new West Coast offense against foreign competition.’