Archives for June 2009

‘”Being able to know my assignment and put myself in the right spots, I still have a lot of things to prove, my technique and such,” McKelvin said. “I don’t worry about my natural ability too much, so I just work on my technique and everything will be smooth.”‘

‘"I don’t want a teammate like that!" Krupa yelled after T.O.’s feet got tangled up in nets on an obstacle course. "Calls himself an athlete? What does he get a million dollars for?"’

‘The Bills didn’t address their left tackle situation during the offseason after letting Jason Peters go to the Eagles. They had two first-round picks and they couldn’t find a left tackle with either pick. They didn’t trade up or down to get a guy they wanted early in the draft. They passed on Michael Oher with their top pick in the first round. They didn’t get a lineman until taking Eric Wood at No. 28 and then Andy Levitre in the middle of the second round. I’m just not sure they can protect the quarterback.’

‘So perhaps it might seem strange that Buffalo would add a controversial wide receiver in Owens, someone who has been known to destroy chemistry in other places. Sure, he looks good on paper — but will he provide the proper fix? The Bills will soon find out.’

‘Delaware North Cos. Sportservice division is looking for nonprofit groups to staff its Ralph Wilson Stadium concession booths again this football season.’

‘”The people I’ve come to know in Buffalo during my years here look forward to the Gus Macker tournament every year,” said McGee. “To hear that it may not have gone off this year made me want to step in to help.”‘

‘Frank Reich, a former Buffalo Bills quarterback, will speak on the topic "Call to Courage" from 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, in the Hall of Philosophy in Chautauqua Institution.’

‘”It was a different experience and felt good to get back on a bigger field,” said the 24-year-old Cleveland State graduate. “I think I had a real good workout.”‘

‘The team’s pass rush netted just 24 sacks a season ago, and the lack of consistent pressure greatly contributed to its inability to create turnovers. The Bills tallied just 22 takeaways, including the fifth-fewest interceptions (10) in the league. Moreover, the defense ranked 22nd in rush defense by allowing 121.6 yards per game on the ground. Given the improvement needed by the defense, it is no wonder that the defensive line finds itself in the crosshairs heading into training camp.’

‘”It’s a new year for every team, so that’s the approach that we’re taking with the addition of myself and some other guys,” he said. “If that’s going to raise the level of play and create more wins, that’s why I’m here, so I’m looking forward to the opportunities."’

‘Because of the Bills’ relatively low prices for tickets and premium seats, the team has to be “hitting on every cylinder” in its sales efforts to get the revenue it needs, Brandon said. “We have to hit it out of the park each and every year,” Brandon added during an interview late last week.’

‘Available seats include both floor ($60 to $150) and sideline ($28).’

‘”Coach did a great job of just explaining things and making it easy and showing me what I need to do,” said Byrd. “Of course there’s always a learning curve as a young guy coming in, but I’m just trying to take it in stride. Now I know everything so I’ll go home and keep going over it.”‘

‘But Argonauts fans might wonder why a guy who will work at Rogers Centre once this year is getting more exposure than any of the Argos, who will take up residence at the stadium 10 times this season.’

‘Whitner’s attorney, Larry Zukerman, told Judge Angela Stokes that both sides were involved in negotiations aimed at a plea deal. With the agreement of the defense and prosecution, the judge said Whitner could skip next month’s hearing because of preseason workouts.’