Archives for June 2004

Newman, 27, who will be playing for his third team in three seasons, has started 52 of the 64 games he has played. While the five-year veteran is more familiar with the strongside and weakside positions, he may be asked to learn the middle spot. Newman, who spent four years with Buffalo, will be reunited with former Bills starters Antoine Winfield and Ken Irvin. Newman’s 16.5 career sacks ranks second among active Vikings.

‘Smith, the 214th player selected in April’s draft, also was a punt returner, running back and quarterback at Georgia Tech.’

‘”A lot of people might think the response has been mostly negative since that Super Bowl. But nothing could be further from the truth. Buffalo fans have always been good to me. I couldn’t have played in a better place.”‘

The Patriots cut running back Frank Moreau, fullback Philip Crosby and long snapper Sean McDermott.

Smith, the 214th player selected in April’s draft, also served as a punt returner, running back and quarterback at Georgia. In four seasons, he finished with 174 catches for 2,238 yards to rank fourth among Yellow Jacket receivers.

‘Smith also returned kicks, played halfback and even played a little quarterback with the Yellow Jackets. He’s second in school history with 174 catches for 2,238 yards and 12 touchdowns.’

‘Smith becomes the third of the Bills six 2004 draft picks to sign with the team, joining TE Tim Euhus and OT Dylan McFarland as the others.’

‘Ruel, 53, has 30 years of coaching experience. He spent the 2003 season as the offensive line coach of the Buffalo Bills. He was let go when head coach Gregg Williams was fired at the end of the year. Giants quarterbacks coach Kevin Gilbride was also a member of that Buffalo staff.’

‘"I pride myself on being prepared," he said. "I’m on of those guys who puts a lot of time into making sure I know what I’m doing. Even though I played in this offense before, it’s kind of like I’m starting from scratch anyway. I always go back to basics to make sure I have the offense scheme learned."’

‘"Jim (McNally) is just an unbelievable coach," said Munoz, who’s considered to be one of the best offensive tackles in NFL history. "The guy is one of the best, if not the best, as far as taking guys and not only teaching them individually, but bringing them together as a unit."’

‘"I worked tremendously long and hard, and I had a lot of help along the way – Marv Levy and Bill Polian, guys like Jim, Thurman, Andre, Kent, Darryl (Talley) and Steve Tasker," Smith said. "If it wasn’t for our offense putting up the number of points they put up, other teams wouldn’t have had to pass as much as they did. For about four years I think we scored more points than anybody else in the NFL. That definitely was a factor getting to the quarterback."’

‘Kelly will speak before a committee that advises Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, and will also meet with Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.’

‘Q: Presuming Travis Henry will be the featured back, what kind of role will Willis McGahee have in the offense?

TC: That’s still to be determined. Willis is a rookie. His rookie year he practiced a little bit but he hasn’t had any game playing in the NFL so this training camp and exhibition season is important for him. We’ll just have to see what he can do at this level. He’s a talented back and we’ll evaluate him as we go but Travis Henry is our starter, and as I said earlier I anticipate he’ll have another great year.’

‘"It’s a college atmosphere in this city," he said. "There’s not much going on as far as professional athletics are concerned, so we’re the talk of the town, and you can just feel it. That equates to fun and excitement, and I’m looking forward to everything."’

‘With Mularkey and offensive coordinator Tom Clements saying they want an offense that is based on the ground game, there is the potential for a lot of use of two-tight end sets. The decision comes down to evaluating if your second tight end is a better blocker than your starting fullback, which right now is free agent Daimon Shelton.’