Archives for March 2004

”’Someone said to me, `Hey, coach.’ And I said to them, `What, player?,” Mularkey said with a smile on Wednesday, following the first of a three-day minicamp. The conversation with the player concluded with Mularkey saying: ”You can call me, `Mike.””

”’It’s not easy, but I think to get where you want to go, you have to take a step back sometimes,” Stewart said. ”I would think it would be a great one-two punch, and it’s going to do nothing but make our team stronger if I wind up coming.”’

‘McKenzie, an eight-year veteran, saw limited playing time in his first season with Buffalo last year. The signing came in time for McKenzie to take part in Buffalo’s first minicamp session under new coach Mike Mularkey later in the day.’

‘Mini-camp rules for new coaches allow for an additional camp and Mularkey has chosen to make his first one as a Bills coach mandatory. “Most teams do have one camp that’s mandatory,” Mularkey said. “We anticipate our players having a high attendance for the whole offseason and after this week the rest of our camps are voluntary.”‘

‘”This first minicamp will serve as an introduction to the coaching staff, especially the new coaches who are on the staff,” Mularkey said. “It will also serve as an introduction to the new offensive system and some of the changes that are going to be made. It is really to get a feel for our philosophy as a team and how we want to approach the season starting early on in March.”‘

‘Staninger said Buffalo’s offer was structured in a way that made it competitive with Tennessee’s. Volek chose to stay in Nashville in large part because of personal reasons, not wanting to uproot his young family from a community they’ve embraced. “The Bills were disappointed but they understood,” Staninger said.’

”’Who knows how long he’s going to play,” Johnson said of Bledsoe, an 11-year veteran. ”And there’s a clear distinct spot for a No. 2 guy, and I’ve got a lot of experience coming off the bench and winning games.”’

‘"Very good. I enjoyed talking to Mike Mularkey, Frank Verducci and all the other guys. I liked what I heard so far. It’s great to be up here in Buffalo, an hour from my home town of Rochester. I’ve enjoyed everything so far. The facilities are phenomenal. They really compare to some of the best in the league so it’s nice to see. Hopefully things might work out."’

‘"Playing here would be good. I know guys there. I know their system there. If I’m here I can help. As far as the process of us playing them twice a year, that helps. Being able to play against New England, played them in the Super Bowl, that helps. Being very familiar with being on different teams and organizations helps out being here."’

‘"At one point or another the whole country gets to where it’s cold as cold. I know it’s a cold place here but the other team has to come and play in the same atmosphere. If it’s cold for us it’s cold for them. I would have no problem coming here."’

‘Rochester native Brian Kozlowski was among three free-agents to visit One Bills Drive on Tuesday. Kozlowski, a Webster High School graduate has played ten seasons in the NFL.’

‘Defensive back Terry Cousin was the third player to visit. He played with the NFC champion Panthers last year. He has five career interceptions, but none last season. His seven years in the NFL has seen stops in Carolina, Miami, Atlanta and Chicago.’

‘Doug Johnson, free-agent backup for the Atlanta Falcons, is scheduled to visit the Bills today. Johnson, 26, has started 11 games in the NFL, eight after Falcons starter Michael Vick broke his leg last season. He threw for a career-high 352 yards in a 39-26 loss to Minnesota.’

‘Meanwhile, the Bills are scheduled to entertain Atlanta free-agent quarterback Doug Johnson today at One Bills Drive. Johnson, 26, is a former undrafted free agent who has played in 23 games in four years with the Falcons.’

‘The Bills Backers of Naples, Florida gather for all preseason, season, and postseason Buffalo Bills games at Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub located at the corner of Radio Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard in the Berkshire area of Naples, Florida.’