Archives for August 2005

‘"I almost think we’re through that adjustment period," Williams said following a recent Bills training camp practice in suburban Rochester. "This year, it’s so much easier having Jim there, knowing what he wants and he knows what you can do. There’s really no guessing going on."’

‘Coach Mike Mularkey said Tuesday that Smith will likely have surgery on an injured right knee he hurt during a practice against the Packers last Friday. Mularkey did not specify the nature of the injury, but it’s believed to be a torn ligament.’

Kelly Family

Jim Kelly

Steve Tasker

Frank Reich

Thurman Thomas

‘Thomas, who played in four straight Super Bowls with Kelly in the early 1990s, recalled his friend calling him with news of Hunter’s birth, but said his fondest memory was seeing Hunter, dressed in his father’s No. 12, watching from his wheelchair as Kelly’s jersey was placed on the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame. “That was something special,” Thomas said.’

‘Among the mourners today were several of Kelly’s former teammates, including Thurman Thomas, Darryl Talley, Steve Tasker, Frank Reich and Bruce Smith.’

‘With a promise to fight Krabbe’s disease, Jim and Jill Kelly laid to rest their son Hunter, following a memorial service attended by hundreds.’

‘The Bills own a 34-29-1 edge in a series that dates back to 1970, when the teams were placed in the AFC East. The teams were twice-a-season combatants until the NFL realigned prior to the 2002 season. The Colts have won the past five meetings, tying their series-longest winning streak that was achieved on two prior occasions (1970-72, 1975-77).’

‘The current issue of Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal ranks the Buffalo Bills 10th among the 32 National Football League teams in terms of their Web presence.’

‘”I still think we have some depth there,” coach Mike Mularkey said of the offensive line. “We have some good young talent there. I think you got a good showing of it in the scrimmage the other night. We moved the ball relatively good, and we ran the ball with the young talent.”‘

‘In his short life, Hunter Kelly offered a wealth of lessons to anyone paying attention. Perseverance, compassion, love and generosity of spirit all could be gleaned from the Kellys’ “little soldier.” As much as anything, though, Hunter showed that although life may be unfair – indeed, because it is unfair – life can and should be lived as fully as it can. Hunter’s was. That was his gift to his parents and to the rest of us, as well.’

‘”He has been impressive, I have to give him that,” said coach Mike Mularkey of the 23-year-old, who carries himself on and off the field like a seasoned pro. “He has shown leadership early on. Most rookies won’t step into the huddle with the vets and take charge the way he has, and I like that.”‘

‘”Well, you know, Pat’s gone and I feel like I can hang in there with the best of them,” Bannan said. “The bottom line is that we do have a really good defense. Ron Edwards is very capable and Tim Anderson is coming on doing his thing, but I feel like I can do my thing, too. I don’t feel like I’m out of the picture. I’m here to play.”‘

‘”I have to minimize my mistakes show them that I know what to do,” he said. “Just try to give them something to talk about in their staff meetings. Make my play a topic of discussion. Make their decision as hard as possible. So far, so good.”‘

‘Despite the death of his 8-year-old son four days ago, Hall of Fame quarterback and NASCAR Busch Series team co-owner Jim Kelly is still scheduled to appear at Race Fever Night, which will be held from 5-9 p.m. Thursday.’

‘While his draft position was a blow to Kelsay at the time, he says it doesn’t affect him much anymore. "It was pretty disappointing, I felt like I was a first-round draft pick," he said. "But to be real honest with you, it doesn’t matter where you’re drafted at. You’ve got to make the team every year and prove yourself and I think I’ve done that. I’m definitely not satisfied. I continually want to get better and just help this team out as much as possible. But there was a period of time [where it got to me] – I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t. But right now it’s just water under the bridge because I’ve made this team and I’ve become a contributor."’