Archives for May 25, 2004

‘He was the first of two 7th rounders taken by the club.’

‘McFarland is expected to compete for a backup spot on the Bills line for next season. He becomes the second of Buffalo’s six draft picks to sign.’

‘A steadfast component of Montana’s productive offensive system, McFarland was named to several All-American teams in 2003 and was an Associated Press first-team All-American following his junior season in 2002. In 2003, McFarland helped Montana finish 18th in the country in scoring at 31.5 points a game.’

‘Peters was a projected mid-round pick but was not drafted after some scouts questioned his attitude. Also, many teams didn’t know where to play him, tight end or tackle. For now, the Bills like him at tight end/H-back. Peters will get another good look May 24-27 during a voluntary team activity. "He’s a big guy and he can catch the ball," said coach Mike Mularkey, who played nine seasons in the NFL at tight end. "He can move and he does have decent hands, he really does. He’s a little raw to me at that position. There are some little things, some techniques, he needs to learn, but he had a good start. If you can get a big guy who can catch the ball, well … I mean, we’re not asking him to be a deep threat."’

‘The Bills will hold another organized team activity (fancy name for minicamp) Monday through Thursday, May 24-27, at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Coach Mike Mularkey, who as a new head coach gets an extra session, has also blocked off 10 days in June for pre-training work.’

‘The Bills like rookie free agent RB Shaud Williams as a backup and potential special teams star as a return specialist. Williams, who is 5-7, 193 pounds, led the SEC in rushing with 1,367 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. But he was not selected in the draft because of his height, or lack of it. "I think it’s always going to be that way," he said. "It’s just something I’m going to have to deal with." Beware of the motivated little guy, he usually finds a way to succeed.’

‘"I was extremely happy to see that Krumrie was coming back," he said. "I love playing for that guy. He knows that I’ll do anything for him as far as playing wise. I’m going to bust my butt for him and I think he realizes that. That’s what he wants from his players."’

‘”The only thing that keeps you coming back is that you know you’re good,” said Talley, whose 11-year run with the Buffalo Bills included Super Bowl seasons between 1991 and ’94. “You know in the back of your mind that you should win this game. There are a lot of guys who played this game who never reach the Super Bowl. I was fortunate to have four bites of the apple, though I didn’t eat the whole thing.’ (registration required)

‘”After Marv [Levy] came in and Walt Corey became defensive coordinator, Walt took us aside and said, ‘If you can count to three, you can play this defense. That’s basically it. Now go play. We’re about running and attacking. We’re not going to sit back and catch. We’re going to have to make people adjust to us.’ That’s essentially what we did.”‘ (registration required)

‘DeLamielleure donated the gold bracelet that was given to him by Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson following the 1973 NFL season.’