Archives for July 2004

‘We are looking for fans to submit a title for this new program. If your title is selected, you will win a 2004 Buffalo Bills Official Team Yearbook and a Lawyer Milloy autographed mini-helmet. The winning entry could be the title of this program for years to come so don’t miss out on your chance to have your named stamped in the Bills history book.’

“We do feel there are problems that can be solved without resulting in an ejection,” a story in the Buffalo News quoted Donohoe as saying. We don’t know what Donohoe has in mind for the troublemakers if he’s not going to eject them. Perhaps large quanties of black coffee?

‘Mularkey will keep alive a tradition begun by Williams – night practices. He has scheduled two, allowing fans the chance to come out to practice after work.’

‘Medical watch: No updates."

‘"No. 1, I can raise my hand every time he starts to screw up like I did 20 years ago and tell him, ‘Nope, it won’t work.’ One thing I don’t want to do, though, is be the guy who is constantly running down the hall and telling him what to do. When he wants a sounding board, I can be that and in the heat of everything, it is nice to have someone to observe and to remind him of some things he needs to do." – Bills QB coach Sam Wyche, the popular ex-Bengals head coach, describing his role on Mike Mularkey’s staff.’

‘First-round pick J.P. Losman showed impressive arm strength and mobility during minicamps, but he must learn how to read defenses and make proper decisions before he is ready to start. The team sees his abundant confidence as a virtue. Travis Brown made a positive impression with his minicamp performance. He throws hard and is mobile. Brown would play if Bledsoe gets injured, but Losman figures to get most of the second-team snaps.’

‘At a Bills’ tryout in Mid-May, LaCarte’s speed was among the best during running and agility drills. But, while LaCarte refused to wait by the phone, the Bills did not come calling. “The problem was my size, not my ability,” LaCarte said. “I think they just wanted someone around 300-plus pounds and I just can’t carry that kind of weight.”‘

‘Moorman, who lives in Ponte Vidra, Fla., in the offseason, has started the Brian Moorman PUNT Foundation to benefit pediatric cancer research and children facing cancer treatments. PUNT stands for purpose, understanding, ‘ncouragement and triumph. "We started it last year, and we’re trying to expand on it this year,” Moorman said. "We’re trying to put some events together in Buffalo."’

‘As a part of the program, Bills General Manager Tom Donahoe will be hosting monthly meetings with the selected students. They will go behind the scenes of the Buffalo Bills where they will learn about a variety of careers and meet professionals within the organization and community. The Student Leaders will also have the opportunity to attend Bills games, volunteer at community events, assist various Bills departments during select home games and serve as Bills ambassadors to their school.’

‘Koons was a Cincinnati Bengals fan while growing up, and the Bills have hired former Cincinnati coach Sam Wyche as quarterback coach. Koons said he always had a soft spot for the Bills, too, but playing professional football is the primary goal.’

The most interesting dynamic in the division is the head coaching change in Buffalo.

‘”My responsibility is to try and get us to the Super Bowl,” Gray said. “If you go in with an attitude less than that then you don’t have the right focus. We have a team, we have the players. We just have to put it together.”‘

Three new coaches decorate the Bills as they head into 2004. Their new HC is former Steelers OC Mike Mularkey, and the new OC is Tom Clements, also from Pittsburgh.

But the addition of veteran coach Sam Wyche as QB coach could be the key to this team. Wyche is an innovative and creative coach who will serve as a guide to starter Drew Bledsoe and mentor to rookie J.P. Losman. In fact, Losman will eventually be the Bills’ QB, but knowing Wyche, we may see him get some time in short-yardage situations since Losman is a bigger version of the Steelers’ Antwaan Randle El.

Fellow rookie Lee Evans was another good draft pick for the Bills as the most experienced receiver in the draft (he spent six years at Wisconsin). That should help a team that finished 30th overall in total offense score some points. If Mularkey wants to see his team improve, the offense has to get back on track. If they do, this will be an interesting team to watch.

‘"If they’re interested, they may sign him," Conquest coach Rick Buffington said Tuesday at a media luncheon. "He could get as far as the practice squad. They make good money right now."’