Archives for May 2006

‘Butler tore his rotator cuff and labrum in the second game this year but played on, delaying surgery ’til after the season. "It’s still got a long way to come, and so every day is, you know, trying to get a little stronger and get my arm to move a little bit more where it hadn’t moved before. As far as the living and everything else that goes along there, Buffalo does a pretty good job of putting you up in a hotel, taking care of your meals. So all you have to do up there, while you’re up there, is concentrate on football."’

‘Who benefits? Takeo Spikes, Aaron Schobel, Larry Triplett.’

‘People around the league have been scratching their heads all offseason, trying to figure out exactly what the Bills are doing.’

‘For the Kids Day game vs. Cleveland, tickets for kids 14 & under can be purchased at a reduced cost of $8.00 for the general public and $6.00 for all season ticket holders with a Bills Value Card. As part of “Kids Day,” the Browns game will feature pre-game activities for children as well as a special collector’s item gate giveaway for all fans 14 and under. Following the game there will be a spectacular fireworks display. Last year, the “Kids Day” attendance of 71,323 ranked third on the Bills all-time preseason attendance list.’

‘If Levy and coach Dick Jauron had solid evidence Whitner might go to Arizona at No. 10 or Baltimore at No. 12, then obviously the Bills had to sit where they were and just take the guy. But my information from two teams drafting in that area was that the only team extremely interested in Whitner before the middle of the round was the Ravens. And the intelligence around the league said Baltimore would certainly take nose tackle Haloti Ngata if he were there.’

‘To be successful in any career, Vincent told the children they need dedication, education and repetition. For those who make it as professional athletes, Vincent reminded the kids there are parts of the job they don’t see – 13-hour workdays, stitches, surgery and angry fans. “Life favors those who are prepared,” said Vincent, who also works in financial services and insurance sales. “Create good habits. Turn in your homework on time.”‘

‘"We thought he’d be worth trying at fullback," said Bills Assistant GM Tom Modrak. "Over the past couple of years we’ve looked at linebackers and tight ends and people who would fit that position because there are so few of them. And after a workout we thought it was worth a try."’

With guys like Spikes and Vincent on their side, it’s no wonder the Bills are one of the most talented teams in football in terms of character. Bravo, gentlemen. Keep up the terrific work on the field, but more importantly, off the field.’

‘”The deeper we can get at any position just helps us,” said Jauron. “We know we have an outstanding running back in Willis. We know that our depth was pretty good before we got Anthony. We know he’s added to it. So now they can all compete, and Willis can get better too. That will only help us.”‘

‘”He’s a quiet guy,” said offensive line coach Jim McNally, “but he gets the job done.”‘

‘”It was everything I expected,” said Whitner, the Buffalo Bills’ top draft choice. “It’s pretty much the same football I played at Ohio State. The practices are the same, full speed all the time. It’s really no different for me. The only real challenge is the athletes are faster and better. But as far as learning the defense, I’m adjusting well.”‘

‘Free-agent G Tutan Reyes has added more competition and depth to the position. He is expected to challenge incumbent starter Bennie Anderson and second-year pro Duke Preston for the starting job on the left side. Reyes figures to have the inside track on the top spot. He isn’t highly regarded around the NFL, but he started the past two seasons for a good Carolina team. The Bills view him as an under-the-radar player who can get better.’

‘Now that Clements is fully committed to remaining with the Buffalo Bills next season, the team could have one of the top secondaries in the NFL. Even without Clements the Bills’ secondary looks tremendous; when he’s thrown in, it looks even more potent. Clements, McGee, Whitner and Vincent will likely be the starters, with Youboty and Simpson playing depth roles next season. Rashad Baker, Eric King and Matt Bowen highlight the remainder of the Bills’ defensive backfield depth. Thus, if someone in a starting position gets injured, the Bills shouldn’t miss a beat. Certainly, it’s a good problem to have for head coach Dick Jauron, who was a successful defensive back in the league from 1973-1980.’

‘"This is a lot like right after the draft because this is the time when you finally get to see them," said Jauron. "I wasn’t disappointed at all in the athletic ability of our draft choices, the way they moved, and the way they looked. Obviously it’s just a very quick look and we need to get them back here as quickly as we can. We need a lot of work with them to get them into the system and our offseason program in terms of how we prepare for the year."’

‘But make no mistake, the Bills defense’s inspirational leader and the team’s most intense player promised he’ll be ready to play. How soon? “When it means something, and that means September,” Spikes said, referring to the Bills regular season-opener at New England on Sept. 10. “Oh, yeah, to me, that’s a given. I don’t even worry about that part.”‘