Archives for February 2007

‘Levy’s entire conference was indeed an odd affair. The most important aspect that came from it is that the Bills (not surprisingly) won’t be big-time players during the free agency period. The brain trust’s invented saying, “cash to the cap,” means Buffalo will dole out average amounts of money to mid- and low-tier free agents. The Bills won’t be active in handing out large bonuses, which is exactly what lands well-known commodities during free agency.’

‘It’s been a year and a half since eight year old Hunter Kelly succumbed to Krabbe Leukodystrophy. His parents are still fighting for other families through the Hunter’s Hope Foundation, and there’s progress to report.’

‘In addition to helping put a better product on the field, Levy has bridged the gap between the team and its alienated fans. He also created a more relaxed atmosphere at One Bills Drive that didn’t exist under Tom Donahoe’s autocratic reign as president and GM. When special teams ace and backup linebacker Coy Wire re-signed earlier this month, he talked about how the environment around the team was the best it’s been since he joined the Bills in 2002.’

‘Outside linebacker Takeo Spikes : “(He) didn’t have a year equal to what he’s had in the past. Coming back from an Achilles (tendon injury) is very difficult and it could have led to other injuries … hamstring and ankle. So that’s one of the situations we have to address with the coaches: How does he fit?” Left guard Mike Gandy: “We’ve got to talk about it more.” Levy added of two others, “Some guys have to take a long step forward now … Duke (Preston, offensive line) is one, (tight end) Kevin Everett is another. It’s time to find out (if they can play).”‘

‘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.’

‘Following meetings with team owner Ralph Wilson earlier this week, general manager Marv Levy announced Friday the Bills have budgeted about $30 million to spend on acquiring players when the NFL’s free agency period opens March 2. The $30 million figure might seem like a lot, but it’s very modest when considering Clements is seeking a deal that would pay him $18 million in bonus money alone. Spending that much on one player would severely handcuff Buffalo from adding other free agents.’

‘Levy when asked if he thought Nate Clements, London Fletcher or Chris Kelsay would reach the free agent market, which opens March 2 he said. "My guess would be yes, and it’s coming up March 2. Will they hit the market? I’d say there’s probably a good chance, but if we could get something done before then I’d be delighted."’

‘This approach is vastly different from large-market teams who spend salary cap money right to the limit using salaries and only prorated portions of bonus money, then go way over to pay the up front costs of bonuses because they have vastly deeper pools of revenue than Buffalo to do so.’

‘Levy also says the team has to get better against the run, and that begins on the defensive line. “Production from defensive tackles, linebackers who attack not just pursue,” says Levy, “are essential for the type of pass coverage we want to play.”‘

‘"We’re going to spend what’s called cash to the cap," said Levy. "By that I mean we’re not going to amortize away the future. The cap is $109 million and we would spend cash to the cap, but not go beyond that."’