Archives for January 2006

‘Whether it be practicality or a publicity stunt, hiring Levy better yield results. Fans deserve a great show for the money they spend. Don’t let us down.’

‘”I think it’s an outstanding hire,” Smith said. “He will definitely stabilize the organization, which has been on a rough road the past few years. Coach Levy will put morale back at a high level.”‘

.'”We appreciate everything these coaches have done in terms of their time and efforts and sacrifices, especially in taking away from their families,” Mularkey said.’

‘”I admit, the game might have gotten far enough past Marv that this hiring could be a train wreck. But I also wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he gets the job done. “What’s certain is, given his body of work as the Bills’ coach, Marv’s earned the right to prove he can do it.”‘

‘I think Levy too classy to wish for Mularkey and the Bills anything but the best. But I also think you cannot rule out the possibility there’s a scenario in the recesses of Levy’s mind in which he returns as Bills coach.’

The Ugly

Willis McGahee – Before the October 23 game against the Raiders, the Bills’ running back declared himself the best back in the NFL. Since the statement, McGahee played more like an undrafted free agent, averaging about 50 yards per game in the second half and drawing ire from coach Mike Mularkey for his style. McGahee also cried about his carries and seemed more interested in getting 1,000 rushing yards than the fact that Buffalo blew a 21-0 lead in Miami.

‘Dimissing Clements was difficult for Mularkey. The two worked together for three years in Pittsburgh and Mularkey brought Clements with him to Buffalo two years ago. Mularkey says they will remain friends.’

‘The status of Defensive Coordinator Jerry Gray remains uncertain. Gray has been mentioned as a candidate for the tops job with the Houston Texans.’

‘”It is time for a change in taking another step in a different direction,” Mularkey said in a released statement.’

‘Don Blackmon (Linebackers), Tom Clements (Offensive Coordinator), Tim Krumrie (Defensive Line), Frank Verducci (Offensive Line), and Steve Szabo (Defensive Backs).’

‘Whether or not on-field success is achieved immediately, Bills fans

can expect a tougher, united brand of football in 2006 and as long as

Levy is running things. He is a great person, a great leader, and

someone who has earned the utmost respect in every room he’s ever

entered.’

‘How tough is it to turn around a 5-11 season in the NFL these days? Two teams, the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Bucs, were 11-5 after going 5-11 in 2004, and the Washington Redskins were 10-6 after going 6-10 the year before. All three teams did it with the same head coach. Which reminds me, didn’t a lot of people think Joe Gibbs was too old after that 6-10 season proved the game has “passed him by?”.’

‘Wilson believes the Bills’ front office needs more teamwork, more cooperation, more constructive conflict and more voices involved in the decision-making. Wilson believes some of that somehow was lacking over the past five years with Tom Donahoe in control as the team’s president and general manager. “I think we need to come together a little more as a team,” Wilson said. “The administration, everybody. It can’t be a closed-door deal. Maybe this department over here (for instance) has a better idea.”‘

‘Punchlines are nice, but the Bills need to get better at punching the ball into the end zone. Levy will have a honeymoon period. He’ll deflect attention from the wretched football team. But soon enough, Levy will have to prove himself as an NFL personnel man.’

‘Gray said by phone Thursday that he has not resigned, and if he has been fired it is news to him. “Unless they come out in a news conference and say it, I’m still employed by the Bills,” he said. “We’re on vacation for 11 days. I left as a defensive coordinator, so we’ll see if I come back as one. But I haven’t been contacted yet.”‘