Archives for February 2007

‘No matter who’s in their backfield in ’07, the Bills would be wise to follow the playoff model of employing a pair of upper-echelon runners. Just ask the Colts and Bears how important the position is.’

‘A third round draft pick in 2002, the Stanford product started the season at strong safety, but moved to linebacker in the middle of the season after Angelo Crowell suffered an injury on December 3rd against the San Diego Chargers.’

‘Well we’re probably a bit fortunate that we got out here last night. My wife Amber and I were delayed flying out of Buffalo yesterday. As a result we missed our connection for our direct flight in Chicago. So we had to make an extra connection to get out to Honolulu. Other than that and not getting our luggage until this morning everything was pretty smooth.’

‘The Camp Hill, Penn., native has played a significant role in the Bills’ special teams, registering 19 tackles, third on Buffalo’s special teams in 2006. He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week Two, as Buffalo knocked off Miami, 16-6, as Wire blocked a punt.’

‘As for the 2007 season, Thomas becomes a free agent on March 1. He said he’s already been contacted by Bills general manager Marv Levy about returning to Buffalo.’

‘The 28-year-old Stanford product started 15 games at strong safety in his rookie year, but has been known mostly for his special teams play the past four seasons.’

‘The Buffalo Bills on Monday re-signed linebacker Coy Wire to a multi-year contract at undisclosed financial terms.’

‘Wire, Buffalo’s third-round pick in 2002, has been a fixture on the Bills special teams, and finished fourth on the team with 17 special teams tackles in 2006.’

‘”I feel so fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity,” said Wire. “I love the organization, I love the community, I love what they’re doing within the organization. They’re making all the right changes to make us a championship football team and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”‘

‘Backs like Marshall Faulk and Reggie Bush owe a lot to Thomas. He was the first running back to truly show NFL teams how dangerous a back could be consistently catching the ball out of the backfield. That’s one reason why we now have so many teams that don’t overlook smaller running backs in the draft.’

‘"You wanted to put your neck on the line for him," Cavender said.’

‘Kugler reportedly turned down the offensive line job for the Bills last season to join the Broncos instead.’

‘London Fletcher-Baker likely won’t be re-signed, which leaves a huge hole at middle linebacker. And there’s no real option on the roster unless the team considers moving Crowell. FB Daimon Shelton is a free agent, and losing him would hurt — he’s one of the best lead blockers in the game. The team needs to improve one or both guard spots.’

‘Though not always receiving the proper amount of fanfare, Thomas was consistently one of the NFL’s paramount backs each year.’

‘Kugler spent one season with the Broncos, producing arguably the best offensive line in school history. That line helped tailback Ian Johnson set a school record with 1,713 rushing yards and lead the nation with 25 touchdowns.’