Archives for August 2005

‘In my travels during the week, I witnessed four AFC contenders and an NFC squad flying under the radar getting ready for the 2005 campaign. Though I saw only one workout for each, you can get a feel for the pacing, energy and spot the areas of concern. And, of course, you get to see fans at their most passionate. Why else would you be sitting in the oppressive heat to watch an early morning preseason practice?’

‘“I’m the best and I don’t settle for nothing less,” said Clements, a four-year veteran who’s entering the final year of his contract. “It’s just like if you’re the best at your job, you want to be compensated for being the best at your position.”’

‘After two days of watching from the sidelines, Willis McGahee got back out on the practice field this morning. McGahee practiced at full speed and says he’s "100 percent".’

‘The marketing sponsorship includes having Verizon Wireless as a training camp sponsor, the sponsor for the Bills’ regular season home opener, as well as text messaging opportunities with team president Tom Donahoe.’

‘The Buffalo Bills announced Wednesday that Turkey Hill Dairy has purchased the remaining seats for the Bills Kids’ Day preseason game against the Packers at Ralph Wilson Stadium making the event sold out for the second consecutive year. The game will air live Saturday, August 20 at 6:00 pm on WKBW-TV in Buffalo, WHAM-TV in Rochester, and WTVH-TV in Syracuse.’

‘The Bills, a team on the rise in 2004, stood pat, but they will have a different look and personality at quarterback. Old and immobile Bledsoe is out, and young and cocky J.P. Losman is in, leading Buffalo into a new era. Expect some growing pains.’

‘”He’s a football player,” quarterback J.P. Losman said of Haddad. “People want to talk about his size or that he’s not as fast as the next guy. But that guy is always in the right spot, he’s always going to catch it and you always know where he’s going to be. That’s a great thing at receiver that we’re looking for.”‘

‘2004: NFL Europe with Frankfurt; led the Galaxy with 28 catches for 455 yards. . . . Signed from Bills practice squad in October, played in five-receiver sets in two games; waived Nov. 7, signed to practice squad Nov. 8.’

‘Considering the going rate for top-flight cornerbacks, Clements could command a fat contract with an eight-digit signing bonus. France’s visit is the first step in what could be a lengthy process. But Clements’ desire to stay in Buffalo could help in the negotiation process. “Nate has expressed that publicly, and that’s a key,” Donahoe said. “We’ll give it our best shot and see what happens.”‘

‘"Quarterback is in my heart and I’ll never give up my dream to play quarterback, but if you can do other things, that only helps you. I can do whatever they ask me to do – quarterback, receiver, special teams. I’ll do anything to make the roster."’

‘"I plan on him playing," Mularkey said, refusing to elaborate on the leg injury other than to say it was a "tweak." Affirmed McGahee: "I’m pretty sure I’m playing; that’s the game plan."’

‘The Bills should have a pretty good idea by the end of Saturday night’s game as to who should make the team and who should not. There’s no need to extend the preseason two more weeks in order to determine the third-string running back or the fifth wide receiver. Heck, I’m all in favor of increasing the roster by a few players in order to provide more depth in case of injury.’

‘”He’d certainly be a good addition to us,” said special teams coordinator Bobby April. “He’s smart, tough, hungry and athletic. He’d be a nice guy to add to what we already have.”‘

‘Follman, 17, competed with two other finalists for the slot, the winner of which was chosen by an Internet poll. The singer will head to Buffalo for the game against the Miami Dolphins Oct. 9.’

Press release for Saturday’s game.