Archives for February 2006

‘Wide receiver Eric Moulds is expected to be an ex-Buffalo Bill by the end of the week.’

‘”Eric loves Buffalo. He wants to play there. But he’s not interested in playing for substantially less money.”

‘Smith, a star defensive lineman at Virginia Tech in the 1980s who went on to become the NFL’s all-time sack leader during a 19-year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins, started the development firm in 2004. He also served on the university’s governing board from 2002 to 2003 before stepping down because of time obligations to football.’

‘Bruce Smith worked hard to change his diet and workout routine to such a degree he eventually had the same percentage of body fat you’d see in wide receivers and running backs. Williams seemed to get bigger and bigger, and less and less effective. Worse yet, he never really seemed to care.’

‘No way were the Bills going to bring him back at the full salary cap hit and this weekend’s announcement by Moulds’ agent that he won’t be taking a pay cut virtually assures Moulds won’t return. It makes sense. Of Moulds’ 81 receptions last season, 59 came in the eight games Kelly Holcomb started. He was obviously not on a similar page with Losman.’

‘”Based on what they’re proposing, I guess it’s not encouraging,” Moulds’ agent Harry Henderson told The Associated Press by telephone following a meeting with team officials. “We’re way off. … Our attitude has been optimistic, but realistically it may not happen.”‘

‘"We remain optimistic that we will be able to work out a long-term deal with Nate in the foreseeable future," Levy said after placing the franchise tag on Clements.’

‘Duke Preston is ready to take over at center in his second season, so Trey Teague probably won’t return. Preston is smart and filled in capably at guard last season.’

‘"I don’t think that’s an option at all," Henderson told The Buffalo News at the NFL Scouting Combine. "He’s under contract, so they should pay him. If they want to reduce him, I just don’t think he’s going to be there."’

‘Clements did not back down from his desire to be paid like the top cornerbacks in the league. The highest paid is Denver’s Champ Bailey, who signed a seven-year, $63 million deal with an $18 million bonus in 2004. “If that’s what it takes. I’m a fair man,” Clements said. “I want to be compensated for my play. The film don’t lie, the numbers don’t lie. You can compare my numbers to any corner and they are up there with any corner in this league and I want to be compensated for what I’ve done.”‘

‘Addressing the offensive and defensive lines will consume the Bills’ attention this off-season but it will be time well spent. Buffalo was 28th in total offense and 29th in total defense last season.’

‘With billions bet on NFL football each season, Bills PK Rian Lindell was asked if he’s aware that gamblers may get angry with him if he misses a field goal or extra point. Said Lindell: “Tell them to stand in line. You get a lot of guys hating you if you miss one.”‘

‘"There may be a young one out there," Levy said during a visit with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Is there one or two in free agency that’s not necessarily a blow-you-away guy? Not necessarily a Drew Brees, for instance. And if he can come in and compete, great."’

‘Earlier this month, former Bills linebacker John Holecek was hired as the head football coach at Loyola Academy in Chicago. Holecek will also serve as one of the school’s assistant athletic directors.’

‘The 6-foot-6, 360-pound offensive tackle never came close to living up to the expectations of being the fourth overall selection in the 2002 draft. A starter for 47 of the 51 games in which he appeared, his career was marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He was hyped as a dominant run blocker, but his pass protection skills were often lacking.’