Archives for August 2008

‘”We will get to see guys we haven’t seen at this level – an NFL exhibition game – which is different than a regular season game, but it’s probably as fast as any game they will ever play,” added Jauron. “So we get to see the young guys in that situation.”‘

‘Washington made a late playoff run in 2007, but the tragic loss of Taylor took a definite toll on the team. Shortly after the season ended, Gibbs decided it was time to move on. The search to replace him turned into a soap opera: owner Dan Snyder and executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato strung along heir apparent Gregg Williams, making him interview multiple times while sending out overtures to seemingly every big-name coach in the phone book.’

‘Poise along with talent flashes and synched play are fair things to expect Saturday, if only so that Edwards can show that his occasional unevenness last season and this camp is slowly being banished to the past. Regardless of the final score and even if it’s only for a quarter, seeing the passing mechanism withstand the challenge provided by a different defense will determine if this game is a win for Buffalo.’

‘”It’s a lot of fun knowing that I could just come out and play football and not worry about all the things behind the scenes,” Jackson said after a brief Thursday morning walkthrough at St. John Fisher College. “I’m enthused about the upcoming opportunity and I’m going to try and take advantage of it.”‘

‘”I’m definitely glad for him,” said wide receiver Lee Evans. “I think it’s good for the game, good for him, and I’m excited to see him play. It doesn’t make it any easier on us, but I think it’s a great opportunity for our defense to play against one of the best. We do that in our division anyway.”‘

‘With backup defensive end Copeland Bryan nusing an injured hamstring, the Bills signed free agent defensive end Derrick Jones on Thursday. Jones was released two months ago by Atlanta, where he appeared in one game as a rookie last season. He was originally signed by Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent.’

‘”Hey,” Barnes said. “It is what it is. He’s one of the greatest quarterbacks who has ever played our game, so good for him that he’s going to get to play again. But we play against good quarterbacks all the time; we play against (New England’s Tom) Brady, so it’s just another great quarterback you have to play against.”’

‘The Bills couldn’t have used a dose of what Favre could have provided?’

‘Hardy, who has missed time at Buffalo Bills training camp with a hamstring problem, said following Thursday’s night practice at St. John Fisher he wasn’t sure he’d be in the lineup when the team takes on the Washington Redskins on Saturday in its first exhibition game. Coach Dick Jauron said otherwise.’

‘Coach Dick Jauron said Crowell will not play after he was held out of practice Thursday night because of a nagging knee injury that has kept him in and out of action for most of training camp. The Bills had previously announced they will also be without starting strong safety Donte Whitner (sore left ankle) and receiver Josh Reed (lower back), who have not practiced all week.’

‘The news wasn’t surprising for Whitner and Reed, who Jauron called doubtful on Wednesday, but Crowell was a bit of a surprise. Though he had been nursing an ailing left knee earlier in the week, Crowell had returned to practice the past two days. His knee however, swelled up again and after sitting out Thursday night’s practice was ruled out for Saturday’s game at Washington.’

‘"If you’re not winning, if you’re not making the playoffs, if you’re not putting fans in the stands and making money, then you’re not going to have a job the following season," Edwards said. "So you have to take advantage of that window of opportunity."’

‘"In my second year I still have a lot to learn, but I’m hoping the other 10 guys around me will rally and follow my lead," the Stanford product told CityNews from the team’s camp at Saint John Fisher College in Pittsford, New York.’

‘Bills fans appear to be behind Lynch, based on the cheers he’s receiving and the many No. 23 jerseys spotted among the crowds along the sidelines and in the stands.’

‘It’s also uncertain if Losman’s career will continue in Buffalo or if he’ll be traded in the next few years. An ideal situation for an NFL team is to have one young quarterback and a veteran. If Edwards continues to be the Bills’ starter Losman might benefit from getting a fresh start elsewhere.’