Archives for August 2003

‘The Heisman Trophy finalist was almost certain to be a top-five selection before the injury. McGahee’s recovery has been ahead of schedule, but it is uncertain when he will return. There is speculation that the Bills will place McGahee on the physically unable to perform list once he is signed.’

‘There’s good progress. We did have a trainer go down and spend a few days with him in early July and we’ve been in touch with his rehab people in Miami and have gotten reports from them. The signs are good. What that means long-term for this year we’ll have to wait and see.’

McGahee will sign a contract that, counting all incentives, could be worth as much as $15.528 million. In bonus money, he will receive $4.15 million. That includes an initial $1 million signing bonus, a guaranteed option bonus of $2.75 million due next March, and a $400,000 roster bonus.

‘The contract includes a guaranteed two-tiered $4.15 million bonus, the second part of which will be paid at the end of the season. The deal is also heavily laden with incentives, taking into account that the former University of Miami running back could miss this season recovering from an injured left knee.’

‘In accordance with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.’

”’What’s been said all along is that Alex is the backup. Alex has played exceptionally well. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Gilbride said. ”With Alex nearing the end of his career, what we need to know is: ‘Can Travis be that guy?’ We think he can.”’

‘”Still, it’s the mechanics of relearning how to do everything all over again.” Jones admitted, “I’m nowhere near where I want to be – I know that and my leg knows that – but I’m getting there. I just wish I would wake up one day and not feel any (pain). That’s one of the most difficult things you can do as an athlete … you have to deal with knowing your capabilities and not being able to realize your full potential because of injury or recovering from an injury.”‘

‘The two franchises have a long and storied history. Both were charter members of the AFL and are still under the leadership of the owners that brought them into existence in 1960 – Ralph Wilson of the Bills and Bud Adams of the Titans.’

‘"We had a good practice overall today," the third-year coach said. "I was very happy with how we ran around here tonight and executed."’

‘August, 18, 1986- Jim Kelly signs first contract with Bills.’

‘By the way, the Bills game had about a 16 rating Saturday night, making it by far the highest-rated program of the week in Buffalo.’

‘"Being a third-down back is similar to special teams as far as the stats may not be completely visible," Morris said. "But if it’s third and 6 and I’m able to get a draw or catch a pass or make a block to give Drew (Bledsoe) a couple of seconds to complete a pass to get the first, that’s something that helps our team."’

‘” I’ve got Willis on standby, because we’re really close,” Rosenhaus said. ” We’re making a lot of headway and we have a lot of momentum right now.”‘

‘With 12 receivers on the roster and five of them vying for the open kick and punt return jobs, Brown’s TD was the equivalent of an eager student raising his hand in class and yelling: ” Pick me! Pick me!”‘

‘The addition of Adams will certainly mean less playing time for Edwards and Bannan. Rather than thinking about that, however, they are focusing on what his presence will mean for the defense as a whole. ” I’m extremely excited. I think the sky’s the limit with us,” Bannan said. ” As long as we keep coming out every day and progressing, there’s no telling how good we can get. It’s really a joy to be with a great group of guys like that.”‘