Archives for July 2008

‘While Schobel clearly had a down season in terms of pass pursuit, he’s still averaged over 9.5 sacks per campaign even including last season’s results. On top of that, playing next to new, better tackles Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson means Schobel will receive less attention this season. Offenses have to choose between trying to patch the rowboat leak or jumping overboard and dealing with sharks.’

‘"To succeed in the NFL, it’s not only about what you do on the field," says Whitner, who broke into the Bills’ starting lineup as a rookie after being selected No. 8 overall in the 2006 draft. "It’s the whole package. How much film do you study? How well do you take care of yourself? What choices do you make off the field? It’s all part of how successful you become. That’s why I reached out to Leodis after we drafted him. I’m there for him. He’s my new teammate, part of the Bills family, and I want him to do well. The better he plays, the better we’ll be. And I’m serious about winning."’

‘Buffalo Bills Angelo Crowell (linebacker) and Derrick Dockery (guard) are leading the Offense-Defense Football Camp July 13-17 at State University College at Buffalo. The full-contact overnight camp has two sessions: the youth portion is for athletes ages 7-13 while the prep camp is for ages 14-18.’

‘”Every fullback knows training camp is his time to shine,” said Darian Barnes, who will enter training camp July 25 as the No. 1 fullback on the Bills’ depth chart. “I consider myself a physical player, and I hope to show that.”‘

‘"There’s a lot you can do in this offense to keep defenses off balance," said Evans of Schonert’s scheme. "Just from some of the no huddle stuff to some of the things that he’s put in and having the ability to put guys in different positions. That’s big. When you have the type of talent that we have and the type of guys we have to make plays on different parts of the field I think it’s big when you can move guys around and get the most out of them."’

‘Knowing that Hardy is, for example, his high school’s No. 1 all-time scorer in basketball is more than fun trivia: It’s a sign that he’s an adaptable competitor who, thankfully for the Bills, chose to pursue the sport that is enjoyable to watch for entire games and not just the last two timed minutes.’

‘The extension is another move by the Bills to lock up their young starters for the long term. Right guard Brad Butler signed a three-year, $8.8 million extension last week.’

‘Williams, 25, had 41 tackles and two sacks in 16 games for the Bills last season. The two-year starter has 94 career tackles in 32 games for Buffalo.’

‘The two-year starter received a three-year contract extension through 2012 worth $14.5 million, according the NFL Network.’

‘A lunch pail player, who has been among the team leaders in tackles for loss in each of his two seasons, Williams has toiled at the nose tackle position each of his first two NFL seasons. But that could change this season as the team is going to have a right and left defensive tackle instead of a designated nose and three-technique (outside shade of the guard).’

‘The Northwestern State two-sport athlete started 22 consecutive games at left tackle in his final two seasons, despite not playing football at any level prior to August 2005.’

‘"I anticipate him being in on third down a lot more," said Schonert of Lynch. "He’s had a year, he understands the protections now and I think this year he’ll be an integral part of our third down package."’

‘Simply, the defense will get pushed around like Frenchmen if Stroud doesn’t match his past glory. Their biggest acquisition this offseason will be counted upon to be a big deal, even if he’s a relatively not-so-big defensive tackle.’

‘Young, seeing an opportunity where some see an enemy, said he is in the process of forming a marketing partnership with his NFL neighbour. "We’re trying to help the Bills be successful in Buffalo," he said. "(We) actually have a lot in common with the Bills. If we can get Bills fans to come to Ivor Wynne Stadium when the Bills aren’t playing, we’re more than happy to convince our fans to go down to Buffalo when the Ticats aren’t playing. … Both organizations are looking forward to working together in the future to do some joint marketing."’

‘The newest member of the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame, Steve Tasker, will be the guest speaker at the Links Charity Pro-Am dinner at Moon Brook Country Club on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.’