Archives for February 17, 2007

‘The future of linebacker Takeo Spikes with the team is in doubt. Offensive line, defensive tackle and linebacker are the three prime areas of need on the team in the eyes of the Bills’ brain trust.’

‘The Bills are about $30 million under the salary cap and that figure already takes into account the projected cost of signing their draft picks, and what they have budgeted for a big-money signing bonus for their first-round pick, No. 12 overall. If they choose next week to offer the required minimum contract tenders to all four of their restricted free agents – Anthony Hargrove, Jabari Greer, Shaud Williams and Tim Anderson – that would lop off about $3.5 million. Now the Bills would be down to roughly $26.5 million, and with the “cash to cap” business model they are working under, that’s not much left to play with.’

‘Van Pelt described Phillips, 59, as a player’s coach who wins over people with his easygoing manner. “A lot of coaches are rah-rah coaches, but Wade is a guy that when he speaks, you believe every word he says,” Van Pelt said. “That’s a great trait to have as a coach. He gives you positive criticism and never will humiliate you in front of other people. The older players will enjoy playing for him.”‘

‘Without saying it, Levy seemed to hint that the club would prefer a change in the middle and will not re-sign Fletcher-Baker, an unrestricted free agent. An option is to sign Chicago’s Lance Briggs to play the weak side and shift Angelo Crowell to the middle.’

‘When it came to teaching blocking, though, Kugler didn’t stress trickery to win. Boise State averaged 223 yards rushing per game, sixth best in the nation. Whatever skills he brings to the Bills will be welcomed after the team finished 27th in rushing and RB Willis McGahee failed to top 1,000 yards.’

‘The Bills took one potential unrestricted free agent off the market with the re-signing of Coy Wire, a top special teams player and reserve strong safety and linebacker. Wire has carved out a nice NFL career as a 2002 third-round pick out of Stanford. The coaches love his willingness to do any job; last year, he played some outside linebacker at 205 pounds after Angelo Crowell broke his leg. Buffalo’s defensive scheme stresses speed over size, something Wire considered when deciding to resign with Buffalo. “It fits my skills perfectly,” he said.’