Archives for May 2006

‘Last season there were 12 new faces on the 53-man Opening Day roster. It’s apparent there are going to be more new faces – perhaps a lot more – when the Bills open their season at New England Sept. 10. The Bills have added 13 unrestricted free agents from other teams – their most ever – and they drafted nine players last weekend. They already had 49 players back who saw time on the 53-man roster last year.’

‘”When I came for my visit, I sat with Coach (Dick) Jauron and told him I wanted a situation where I’m wanted, not looked on as a confident backup,” Nall said. “I wanted someone who would say, “We want this kid to come in here and compete, let’s see what he’s got.'”‘

‘The Bills expect that more teams are going to be unhappy with the CBA as the season continues and they see their profits decrease. The key for Wilson is to make sure Weaver and others work behind the scenes to build a consensus of middle- and lower-revenue clubs.’

‘In Buffalo’s case, there is a new coaching staff that spent four months analyzing the roster which it inherited. Obviously the coaches weren’t happy with the incumbent safeties since they used first- and fourth-round picks to draft Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson after signing Matt Bowen as a free agent. Just as obviously, all the tackles except for Tim Anderson did not fit the defensive system they’ll install for the coming season. That’s why they drafted John McCargo and Kyle Williams after signing Larry Triplett as a free agent.’

‘”I feel comfortable I can go in and play any time,” Thomas said. “If anything happens and I have to step in and play, I have no doubts in my ability to go out there and play and be a starter.”‘

‘”They can’t lose [weight] when they’re playing because they could lose their jobs,” Levy said. “The key is getting that weight off after they quit.”‘

‘If you’re feeling relieved that cornerback Nate Clements, the Bills’ franchise tag player, just signed a one-year contract … don’t. His agreement to a single-season deal virtually assures he’ll be gone in 2007. Some will say good riddance.’

‘The Bills under coach Dick Jauron are putting in place the “Tampa Bay” defense, a system devised by Tony Dungy and transported to such teams as Indianapolis, Chicago and St. Louis. It requires lighter, quicker tackles who can penetrate the gaps in the offensive line. Gone in Buffalo are the days of freezer-sized players like Ted Washington and Sam Adams eating space (and an extra dessert) so the linebackers could clean up.’

‘When asked what he thought of what he’s seen of the new defense, Spikes had an interesting response. “It’s hard to tell. I’m frustrated,” he said. “Hopefully we get everything together as far as understanding the concept (of the new defense).”‘

‘He has a message to all those who wondered whether the Bills took him too early: Just wait. “It really doesn’t bother me, it motivates me,” said Whitner. “After this season, we’ll see what guys were reaches and what guys were busts. We’ll see.”‘

‘One motivation for signing starting left cornerback Terrence McGee to a contract extension last year was the likelihood that Clements might depart following the 2006 season. The Bills further addressed the corner position in last week’s draft, choosing former Ohio State star Ashton Youboty in the third round. But even with such planning, it will be difficult to replace Clements if he departs next spring.’

‘With a lot of new faces on the roster since the last set of workouts, below we bring you up to speed as to just where all the newest faces from veteran free agents to draft picks are getting their reps.’

‘With a football tucked underneath his arm, Joe Burns is hard to slow down.’

‘”It’s emotional every day,” Kelly said Friday morning as preparations for that night’s chef’s extravaganza and silent and live auction were being made. “You never plan on losing somebody, especially your own child, before you go. But the thing with him, he lived such a productive life as far as being able to spread the awareness of what’s going on. We just know deep down inside he’s in a better place, we believe he’s in heaven, and that’s the key for my wife, Jill, and myself.”‘

‘Nine of the Bears’ 11 defensive starters in 2005 were drafted players, six taken when Jauron was still coaching — Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown, Ian Scott, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Alex Brown. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer was a free-agent pickup from Green Bay in 2003, Jauron’s last season in the Windy City. Last season under coach Lovie Smith, Chicago ranked No. 1 in scoring defense, No. 2 in yards allowed and No. 4 in interceptions as the Bears finished 11-5.’