Archives for April 28, 2002

The three-day orientation camp for rookies and first-year players concluded on Sunday morning with a two-hour workout in the field house. Overall, head coach Gregg Williams was pleased with what the young players showed on the field but he was quick to reiterate that they have a lot of work to do.

The Buffalo News spoke with several football experts…Here is some of what they had to say…’

‘One of Grant Irons’ heroes never scored a touchdown or made a tackle in the NFL. But he is a superstar in another profession. Perhaps you’ve heard of investment wizard Warren Buffett.’

‘One of the hallmarks of a successful coach is a streak of ruthlessness. Gregg Williams was plenty tough with his players a year ago, but one coaching change on a staff of 15 assistants does not qualify as ruthless.’

‘The Bills still probably will be picked to finish last by most NFL followers in what is the league’s toughest division. But it’s a lot closer call because Drew Bledsoe gives the Bills the best quarterbacking in the division.’

‘"I guess once the football’s in my hands, I have that running back’s mentality," he said. "A lot of receivers have the mind-set that the play’s pretty much over once they catch the ball. My mind-set is that the play is just beginning. A catch for me is like a hand-off. It’s like the quarterback has put the ball in your hands, now let’s see what you can do with it."’

‘Playing in the AFC East — a division without a dominant team — boosts Buffalo’s hopes of winning the division or winning enough division games to help earn a wild-card berth.’

‘Tom Donahoe, general manager/president of the Bills, was the one man in the league who wanted Bledsoe. This is the same man who two years ago was 24 hours away from being the football boss of the Patriots, before Belichick got the job.’

‘The Pats didn’t say Bledsoe was finished. Nor has Bledsoe, despite his disappointment, said anything bad about his former team. But actions speak louder than words, and the action should be furious when Bledsoe and Buffalo take on Brady and the Patriots come fall.’

‘In the next couple of seasons, it will be interesting to see if the Patriots can protect that stronghold or if Bledsoe and the Bills can establish a foothold of their own.’

‘”He’s just in different surroundings, that’s all,” cornerback Patrick Surtain said. “He’s a great quarterback, and he’s got some weapons in Eric Moulds, Peerless Price and Josh Reed. That’s going to make Drew that much better.”‘

‘Buffalo Bills rookie Ryan Denney, because of his tall frame, the position he plays and the No. 90 jersey he’s been assigned, has drawn comparisons to Phil Hansen. Whether he can play like Hansen, the Bills’ 11-year, blue-collar defensive end, who retired last January, is now the question.’

‘While the long-term plan might call for him to guard quarterback Drew Bledsoe’s expensive backside, at the more important left tackle position, Buffalo wants the draft’s fourth overall pick to walk before he runs. That’s why until further notice he’ll be on the right side, where he feels most comfortable and knows the dance.’