Archives for July 2004

‘In Buffalo, McNally will get back to his roots, and not just because he’s a Buffalo native. Right tackle Mike Williams, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft, is a player in dire need of some serious coaching to hit his potential.’

‘New defensive backs coach Dave Szabo inherits a unit that intercepted just 10 passes each of the past two seasons, tying the team record low. The big addition is veteran CB Troy Vincent, who has 42 career picks. How do you get turnovers? “You have to practice it,” Szabo said. “You have to emphasize it and you have to get a little luck. Sometimes turnovers are just happenstance … but interceptions are a direct byproduct of putting pressure on the passer. I would say a vast majority of interceptions are from poorly thrown balls more than from the defensive back making a good break on the ball.”‘

‘The big interest with their fans is the offense. Why not? Buffalo finished 30th in the 32-team NFL in overall offense last season. The Bills scored fewer points than any team in the AFC. Drew Bledsoe threw just 11 touchdown passes. In the last three seasons they were 2-25 when they trailed after three quarters.’

‘Gildon, who will be 32 next week, has verbally agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Bills. The deal includes a signing bonus of $500,000, and an additional $500,000 in performance incentives.’

‘Establishing a productive offense will be crucial. Coach Mike Mularkey wants a balanced attack that features a physical running game, and he also will look to exploit matchups in the passing game. Much of the offensive system was installed during the minicamps, so the team will spend training camp sharpening its execution.’

‘In 10 seasons with the Steelers, the 31-year-old Oklahoma State product has recorded 527 total tackles (415 solo) and two interceptions.’

‘"I like how the offense is designed," Shelton said. "The fullback plays a big role and gets to do a lot of blocking. I love playing physical football so it fits my style. I like the power running game."’

‘Clearly these fans are ready for another exciting season of Bills football to kick off.’

‘Gildon can help one of the few weaknesses the Bills have on defense, a pass rush. He will line up either as a pass rushing linebacker on a small defensive end.’

‘Gildon, who turns 32 in July, figures to be used as a situational pass rusher from the strong side behind starter Jeff Posey. The Bills start London Fletcher at middle linebacker and Takeo Spikes on the weak side. However, the reported addition of Gildon gives them the option to use 3-4 alignments with Posey moving inside.’

‘The question is: Can he recapture some of his old form? Gildon has 77 career sacks and made three Pro Bowls – in 2001, 2002 and 2003.’

‘The Hunter’s Hope Foundation, begun by Kelly to support awareness of a fatal nervous system disease afflicting his son, tried to block unemployment payments to Kathleen Pfohl, who worked as the foundation’s event manager. Foundation administrators accused her of "inappropriate dress, use of vulgar language and rudeness to staff and volunteers." They also said she used vulgar language and mocked staff during Kelly’s induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.’

‘Miller hasn’t been told what kind of role he’ll have on Bills radio broadcasts next season, when John Murphy takes his play-by-play seat on 97 Rock and former Bills quarterback Alex Van Pelt makes his debut as an analyst. “They have a great play-by-play guy in Murph and it’s wonderful they have a player in there,” Miller said. “A lot of teams use a former player, but how many have former quarterbacks?”‘

‘The camp, in its first year, was specifically designed for linemen and was taught by Teague, who plays for the Buffalo Bills; Chad Clifton, who is with the Green Bay Packers; and Dave Moore, who also plays for Buffalo.’

‘Gildon agreed late Friday night to a one-year deal worth around $1.25 million. There are also around $500,000 worth of incentives in the contract. He also had been talking to the Bengals and Packers.’