Archives for March 2007

‘The agent denied contact with any teams, but multiple sources said he had spoken with at least one of the interested clubs. That is believed to be the Bills, who pick 12th in the first round and have two third-round picks.’

‘Whether the Bills’ contact with the Chargers was serious interest or whether it was the Bills simply doing due diligence in scouting out every running back option available to them was not clear.’

‘Smith declined to discuss specifics in terms of interested teams or what offers he has fielded. But it’s known that the Green Bay Packers are highly interested in Turner. The Buffalo Bills also have interest.’

‘”I was already focused on working hard, but this has put another chip on my shoulder,” he said. “It’s similar to the chip I had from being a seventh round pick. So all it did was fuel me even more and serve as inspiration.”‘

‘So if you ever thought that most modern athletes today, especially modern male athletes, had any substance to them whatsoever, re-read Willis McGahee’s commentary on Buffalo. They are coddled from the time they can swing a bat, throw a ball or bounce one. They expect to be entertained in ways only in which they approve 24/7, or at least when they’re not on the field or court.’

‘”The thing was [the writer] asked a question about comparing Miami to Buffalo,” he said. “Everything is going on on South Beach, over in Fort Lauderdale. There are so many different things you can get into. Buffalo doesn’t have all that. When I got to Buffalo it was a major change. I couldn’t do the things I was used to doing. So compared to Miami or Atlanta or another bigger city, Buffalo doesn’t have as many things to do. That’s all I was saying. But I can’t ever say I disliked Buffalo. My time in Buffalo was cool. I have love for the city and the Bills for taking a chance on me after my [knee] injury. I owe them a lot for that.”‘

‘Tickets for the 2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony featuring Thurman Thomas will go on sale at 11 a.m. Wednesday.’

‘The revenue-sharing deal, combined with last year’s collective- bargaining agreement with the players and the league’s sale of exclusive broadcast and satellite rights to its favored business partners, adds up to the sort of behavior that – if pursued by, say, Coke and Pepsi – would bring down the heat of the anti-trust division of the U.S. Justice Department. That’s why a little bit of signal-calling by Congress is important. Keeping federal law at bay on such issues is crucial to the success, as it is now defined, of the NFL in particular and professional sports in general. Unless, of course, you miss the XFL.’

‘The contention that the Bills need economic repair is debatable, and if it’s true the way to fix it is not from handouts from either tax or NFL revenues but instead by improving the city of Buffalo’s economy. Perhaps they should start by killing that 8.75 percent county sales tax.’

‘Pain & Suffering rating: 5.49 (approximately equal to 11 Scott Norwoods).’

‘As far as the “youth movement,” only four current Bills – place-kicker Rian Lindell, punter Brian Moorman, wide receiver Peerless Price and back-up tight end Ryan Neufeld – have reached their 30th birthday. Six others, including Walker, will be that age by November.’

‘"Some guys have to make a long step forward right now," said Levy in reference to the upcoming 2007 season. "Duke Preston is one and Kevin Everett is another. It’s time to find out."’

‘Phillips guided the Bills to a 29-19 record in three years and their last two playoff appearances. He wasn’t ready to move on, but “Ralph made me move on,” he said with a smile. “It wasn’t my choice.”‘

‘Running back Willis McGahee wasn’t used much as a receiver in Buffalo. That’s about to change. The Baltimore Ravens have designs on McGahee being an all-purpose threat. “One of the things that drew us to Willis McGahee was the versatility that he represents in both stretch runs, running downhill and catching out of the backfield,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said during the AFC coaches breakfast Tuesday. “Anytime you have a player who is that multiple, that’s a positive.”‘

Newest Eagles say they’re ready to play – and make the playoffs (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Can Holcomb step up if Feeley should flop? (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Spikes set for sideshow on either side (Philadelphia Daily News)

Spikes feels ‘rejuvenated’ (Bucks County Courier Times)

Spikes sets sights on postseason (Delaware County Times)

Spikes says he’s 100 percent recovered (Allentown Morning Call)

Enthusiasm high for Spikes (Cherry Hill Courier Post)

Spikes ready to win (Press of Atlantic City)

Spikes ready to play linebacker for Birds, but where? (Reading Eagle)

Spikes, Holcomb thrilled with trade to Eagles (Wilmington News Journal)

Spikes Hoping to Finally Reach Postseason (ComcastSportsNet.com)

Spikes: It’s Too Good To Be True (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

Holcomb Is All About Winning (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

If First Impressions Mean Anything, Spikes Will Be Huge (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

Random Thoughts; Awaiting Spikes, Holcomb (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

Photo gallery (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)