Archives for April 2007

‘Frank Kalil played center at Arkansas (1978) and Arizona State (1980-82) and was an 11th-round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills in 1982. But Kalil wound up playing professionally in the USFL.’

‘Throughout the years Thomas has been friends with many of the Sabres. “I’ve known a lot of them including guys like Pat Lafontaine, Dominik Hasek, Michael Peca and Dale Hawerchuk,” said Thomas, who was the NFL’s MVP in 1991 when he rushed for 1,407 yards, had 62 receptions for 631 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. “In fact, Dixon Ward was one of my best friends while I lived and played in Buffalo."’

‘The 6-foot-1, 242-pound Willis is not only fast, he’s a big-time playmaker with toughness, instincts and range. He excels at fighting through blocks and delivering big hits on the ball carrier. He’s also versatile with the size to play the middle and the speed to play outside.’

‘Mike Mayock, a contributor to the NFL Network and NFL.com who’s draftnik stock rises each spring, has Miami (Fla.) linebacker Jon Beason ranked higher than Willis in his latest player rankings.’

‘The point is that Bills fans shouldn’t necessarily expect an obvious choice in the draft’s first round. If it’s Willis, Buffalo will be in good shape. At the same time, though, it might not even be a linebacker. Bottom line: Prepare for a curveball. In over a year as the Bills’ G.M., Levy has thrown plenty.’

‘If you’re a Buffalo fan who likes to follow the team on the road, there are six driveable games this season, should a ticket be available: Pittsburgh (Sept. 16), New England (Sept. 23), the Jets (Oct. 28), Washington, Cleveland and Philadelphia.’

‘The Sabres start their quest for the Stanley Cup tonight as they take on the New York Islanders in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. You can follow all the action on SabresSpace.com and meet up with fans on the message board!‘

‘The top overall pick by New England in the 1993 draft out of Washington State, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback played for the Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. He was a starter for all three teams, but ended up as a backup with the Cowboys.’

‘Chris Lewis, a program director from the Bills’ organization for Student Leaders, says: “Tom Donahoe [prior Bills general manager] was a former high school teacher, and when he was here he wanted to do something similar to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.” The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only other team in the NFL with a program for high school students. That program is limited to game days. “The Bills made it into a leadership program,” Lewis said. “There are monthly meetings so students can learn what goes on behind the scenes, and we provide them with promotional items to distribute.” During the monthly meetings, guest speakers from the Bills’ staff or the community discuss their profession and the leadership involved.’

‘The Bills face only three teams that had losing records last year and seven games are against 2006 playoff clubs. Their home opponents were a combined 75-53 last season.’

‘For the first time since 2000, the Buffalo Bills will play on Monday Night Football when they host the Dallas Cowboys Oct. 8 at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘It won’t take long for the Buffalo Bills to have reunions with former head coach Wade Phillips and discarded running back Willis McGahee.’

‘So thanks, Ralph – from fans like me who miss those fall games under the stars – for putting a promising young team and your loud and ever-faithful fans back in the limelight where we belong.’

‘If the Bills wish to be a surprise contender in ’07, they’ll certainly have to earn it. With a schedule this difficult, the last thing Buffalo will have is an easy ride. Then again, perhaps looks will prove deceiving as the season progresses.’

‘Unlike 2006, when they played four late-season games at home, the Bills play only two games in Orchard Park after Nov. 18 – Dec. 9 against Miami and Dec. 23 vs. the New York Giants.’