Archives for February 28, 2005

‘Saturday afternoon, Beebe returned to North Aurora and the Union Congregational Church to send a message to dozens of listeners. Beebe, now coach of the Aurora Christian football team, spoke about football and his faith.’

‘For one day a whole community came together and learned an important lesson; no matter how bleak things look, if you work hard you can overcome anything.’

‘The Buffalo Bills and Verizon Wireless have extended their marketing deal for another three years. The contract pays the team a low seven-figure amount annually.’

‘Legislator Al DeBenedetti has been against the deal with the Bills and Raplh Wilson from the beginning. “It’s just a question of five million more dollars he doesn’t have to spend. That he gets to keep as profits, that comes out of the pockets of the taxpayers of Erie County at a very difficult time,” said Legislator Al DeBenedetti.’

‘Other free agent activity for the team is expected to center on finding a reliable No. 2 quarterback and running back, obtaining a tight end and looking for more upgrades for the offensive line.’

‘The Bills want to take advantage of Losman’s mobility, but they don’t want him to be Michael Vick, tucking and running on every pass call. Meanwhile, they have to plan for the very real possibility he won’t start all 16 games if he can’t rein in his reckless play. The backup job has suddenly become important again.’

‘"I’ve seen a lot of changes on all the teams I’ve been on. I’ve seen Darrell Green go in Washington and Emmitt Smith go in Dallas, so from that standpoint, nothing surprises me in the NFL." — Bills guard Ross Tucker reacting to the release of 12-year veteran Drew Bledsoe, the NFL’s 10th all-time passer.’

‘"He’s immobile," former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson said of Bledsoe. "He can’t move."’

‘According to NFL Players Association figures, Drew Bledsoe’s three-year deal is worth $14 million with essentially $5.5 million guaranteed.’

‘Drew Bledsoe is a good signing for the Cowboys, and why? Because I’m from Buffalo. We need some sort of revenge for the way you beat us in the Super Bowl. If you can protect Bledsoe, he’s not a bad QB. If you can’t … well, just take your blood-pressure meds with you. GO BILLS!’

‘It is believed Jennings is seeking a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid players at his position. That’s a demand the Bills aren’t likely to meet.’

‘From March 2 to the day before the season begins, a club’s top 51 salaried players count towards the cap, plus pro-rated signing bonuses, incentives, etc., but not base salaries of other players on the roster up to 80. Thereafter, all salaries on a club’s roster count towards the cap.’

‘The scouting process is hitting the home stretch and the Bills hope all the questions they have surrounding this year’s draft crop will be answered as the coming months unfold.’