Archives for August 2008

‘"It has been a little bit tough, but Poz is a great player and he deserves to be in there," said DiGiorgio. "I was just there to back him up and fill his spot last year, and I thought I did a pretty decent job doing that. But I’m just taking my role on this team, I know what it is, and when my name is called I’m going to go out there and produce and fulfill my duties on special teams. They’re looking for me to be a leader on teams, so I have to step it up."’

‘The Bills come off their bye week Oct. 12 with five straight conference games starting with one of the AFC’s top teams, San Diego, then a three-week stretch against their three division rivals with two of the games on the road, followed by a Nov. 17 home game with Cleveland. By the end of those five weeks the Bills will know what they are.’

‘If you’re wondering about the Bills’ potential 27 victims between today and Saturday, start with backup punter D.J. Fitzpatrick, No. 4 QB Matt Baker, running back Bruce Hall, fullback Jonathan Evans, wide receivers Scott Mayle, Felton Huggins and CJ Hawthorne, offensive linemen Christian Gaddis and Robert Felton, tight end Courtney Anderson, defensive ends Corey Mace, Shaun Nua and Derrick Jones, linebackers Jon Banks and Marcus Buggs, cornerbackls Kennard Fox and Dustin Fox and safety Jon Corto. And that’s only 18, so you get an idea of the decisions facing Jauron and his staff.’

‘Edwards, who has completed 10-of-16 passes for 122 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason to date, could play briefly against the Lions before yielding to backup J.P. Losman.’

‘Walker said he did not practice Tuesday as a precaution. “He’s very sore,” said head coach Dick Jauron. “Had it been a regular season game he might have come back, once he knew. I think he would have tried anyway. And he’s still sore, so we’ll hold him out for a little while.”‘

‘The big question now is whether or not Jauron will have him play in Thursday night’s game against Detroit in the preseason finale. Edwards has had all of four series of work in the preseason and 31 total snaps, with two series in the Washington game and two more in the Pittsburgh game. Will that be enough to have Edwards ready for the season? “I really don’t know. Honestly it’s on the coaches right now,” said Edwards. “If we were playing tomorrow, I’d tough it out and play the Seahawks. I can’t really tell you or give you a number of the amount of series I need to play. But what I do need to do is practice and get in rhythm with all those guys and that’s what we’re trying to do through this.”‘

‘At least two prominent members of Buffalo’s offense — players who preferred to remain unidentified — now wonder how much Peters will be able to contribute even if he does show up. Peters skipped voluntary workouts, mandatory minicamp and training camp while the Bills were installing new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert’s system.’

‘The Bills are making strides; an appropriate goal would be to reach the postseason for the first time this decade. If everyone stays healthy, they’ll be in the running. At the same time, it’s important that Buffalo keep preparing to peak in a few years.’

‘Edwards worked with the starting unit, which was without tackle Langston Walker, who watched from the sideline after hurting his left arm in a 20-7 win at Indianapolis on Sunday. Edwards’ return means he’ll likely see some playing time in the Bills preseason finale against Detroit on Thursday. He sat out the game against Indianapolis.’

‘Headlining the list of players released was seventh-round pick Kennard Cox. The defensive back was the last of Buffalo’s three seventh-round selections, but was at arguably one of the most competitive positions in training camp. Cox was even used at free safety in the preseason to explore other possible position options. The Pitt product is expected to merit strong consideration for Buffalo’s practice squad which will be assembled early next week.’

‘In the meantime, the fact Walker is suffering from pain but not a condition should provide some comfort in the short term, although there’s no escaping that any serious injury to any remaining tackle this season will place an unbelievable strain on what is already a thin red, white and blue line.’

‘”I thought he did a terrific job,” coach Dick Jauron said. “He handled the information. We got in and out [of the huddle]. It was a loud game. . . . The first series he did a nice job moving us for a couple first downs and changing field position.”‘

‘Youboty also had an interception against Washington and had a sack against Pittsburgh. He’s making a strong case for the Bills to keep six cornerbacks (one more than some teams carry) on the 53-man roster.’

‘For those who criticized the Bills for not trading J.P. Losman during the off-season, last night he issued a reminder of the wisdom of keeping a veteran backup quarterback.’

‘”That’s what happens when you’re a back up you never know,” said Turk Schonert. “All of a sudden your mind’s elsewhere and bang, just like that you’re in a game. So that’s why you’ve got to be focused on every play and concentrating on what you’re doing, and be ready. You just never know and that’s why you need to be prepared.”‘