Archives for August 2005

‘Gudmundsen knows it’s a big adjustment from Division I-AA football to the NFL. “The speed of the game is so much quicker and the level of competition is that much higher,” he said. “It’s a big step for everybody, but I’m going to do my best and hope that all goes well.”‘

‘”When I first came here and went on the road to Buffalo to recruit, people would say ‘Where is St. John Fisher College?’ ” St. John Fisher coach Paul Vosburgh told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. “Now our name is pretty recognizable across the country.”‘

‘Within hours of Mularkey’s suggestion that the Bills join the Packers for two days of joint practices, the wheels in the Packers coach’s head were spinning full bore. By the time the two sat down together the next day, Sherman was on board, ready to end the prohibition against joint practices instituted in 1992 by former coach Mike Holmgren. “I just thought we were two teams with similar (backgrounds),” Mularkey said. “Two cities passionate about their teams. I think I put a bug in his ear and he liked the thought.”‘

‘”Eight years ago when I retired from the Packers, I was thinking about going into some kind of coaching,” Beebe said. “And then with my partner, Dr. Jeff Schutt, we got together and we started talking about how every coach at every level wants their (athletes) to run a little bit faster, jump a little bit higher, yet nobody ever trains or coaches these kids to do that. It was really kind of a brand new concept. I said, ‘Let’s start a business that does that.'”‘

‘Buffalo’s NFL-best defense of 1999 hasn’t exactly resurfaced in Minnesota. But key components of that group, led by former Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, are now with the Vikings, bent on building something special in the NFC North. “Like the guys in Buffalo, we’re real fast,” nose tackle Pat Williams said. “If everybody comes together and runs to the ball, we’ll be fine.”‘

‘"It’s been relatively competitive." Mularkey said after the afternoon session. "The offense has done very well the first few practices. We started the team period with a first down and a few big plays but then we had a lull and our defense picked it up and responded. I’m kind of anxious to see how we do offensively responding. It’s been back-and-forth and that’s kind of what you want from the two sides."’

‘Standing at 5-foot-8, 190 pounds (likely while soaking wet), Leonhard doesn’t look the part of your typical NFL player. His 4.6 forty time didn’t wow scouts either. But what he lacks in size and speed he tries to make up for with smarts and his understanding of the game.’

‘Tom Donahoe said that he did extend a contract offer to Drew Rosenhouse regarding 3rd round pick Kevin Everett. Due to Everett’s injury, there is no rush to sign the tight end. Donahoe has not yet heard back from Rosenhouse.’

‘"A lot of them don’t know where it’s at or hadn’t heard of it before," said Daniel Leger. "They get the mines part wrong and say mimes, call it school of the mimes. I get everything."’

‘Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray wants his Buffalo Bills players to know: It’s one thing to lead the league in turnovers, as they did last year, or finish second in fewest yards allowed for two consecutive seasons. But in order to be recognized, they need to still be playing in the second or third week of January.’

‘Locally, the scrimmage with the Buffalo Bills will be broadcast at 7 p.m. on WLUK, Channel 11, as “Family Night Presented by Fox 11.” NFL Network, a subscription channel, will simulcast that coverage. Shown nationally will be the same, audio, video and graphics that will be shown in the Green Bay area. The telecast will be hosted by WLUK’s Drew Smith and former Packers player Johnnie Gray, with Sharpe as sideline reporter. Sharpe is an NFL Network analyst.’

‘Losman can certainly talk the talk, but can he walk the walk? We’re about to find out…’

"He [Losman] also made a SWEET screen pass lob to McGahee that Willis would have easily taken for +20 yards at least if it were an actual game. He dropped back, waited for the Defense to overpursue, and then threw it perfectly to McGahee."

‘Among the hundreds of Buffalo Bills jerseys worn by fans at St. John Fisher College, there was a single, solitary No. 7 throwback jersey with the name “Flutie” on the back. All the other 7s surrounding the practice field were labeled with “Losman.”‘

‘Best-case scenario: Losman quickly grasps the offense and turns in a Ben Roethlisberger-esque season as a deft game manager, while also using his running ability to give the offense another rising playmaker to go with Willis McGahee and Lee Evans. Worst-case scenario: Overwhelmed by the starting job, Losman’s inexperience hampers the offense. Losman’s struggles force Kelly Holcomb – who was brilliant at times and maddening at others in limited first-string duty with Cleveland – to take over.’