Archives for September 2009

‘Peters eventually reported to the Bills before the start of last season and then was named to a second straight Pro Bowl despite missing three games and allowing a league-high 111/2 sacks. Undaunted by his contract discontent, the Eagles completed the deal for Peters just before the draft. “I was shocked,” Peters said. “I had no clue. I had just told Buffalo I was going to play two more years there and I was done with them. And then my agent [Eugene Parker] called.”‘

‘Wilson conducted a give-and-take session on the team’s direction after the Bills’ offense sputtered during a 1-4 preseason, sources said. In addition to Jauron and Brandon, Wilson also met with the Bills’ new play-caller, quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt, and Eric Studesville, running back coach and running game coordinator.’

‘Rhodes, who was signed by Buffalo as a free agent during the offseason, was thought to represent insurance while starter Marshawn Lynch serves a three- game NFL suspension to start the year. But head coach Dick Jauron team apparently felt comfortable with Fred Jackson and Xavier Omon at the position, in turn releasing the more experienced Rhodes.’

‘”He (Jauron) told me the offense wasn’t simple enough for him,” Schonert said. “We had too many formations, too many plays. I didn’t simplify it to his liking. He wants a ‘Pop Warner’ offense,” Schonert said, referring to the Bills head coach. “He limited me in formations, and limited me in plays. He’s been on my back all offseason.”‘

‘One of the more interesting positions was the offensive line where the Bills went with a youth movement. They kept just eight linemen with two players only capable of playing one position in tackles Jonathan Scott and Langston Walker.’

‘In addition to Chambers and Rhodes, Buffalo waived 18 other players. They are listed below.

QB Matt Baker

LB Alvin Bowen

DE Copeland Bryan

TE Tyson DeVree

DE Ataefiok Etukeren

G Christian Gaddis

RB Bruce Hall

DB Cary Harris

WR C.J. Hawthorne

OT Nick Hennessey

WR Felton Huggins

DT Derrick Jones

DT Corey Mace

LB Ryan Manalac

TE Jonathan Stupar.’

‘Somehow I can’t envision the new star of the team — Mr. Terrell Owens — enjoying not crossing into the end zone at least once a week or the Bills’ annual drive to mediocrity and a 6-10 finish.’

‘His experience and versatility in the passing game were considered well-suited for the Bills’ newly installed no-huddle attack, which also used running backs as receivers.’

‘But money, not performance, may have been the biggest factor in Rhodes’ release. The move saves the Bills more than $2 million. He was due to make base salaries of $750,000 this year and $1.25 million in 2010 as part of a two-year contract, which included a $200,000 signing bonus. The Bills also avoid paying Rhodes a $150,000 roster bonus, which he would have gotten had he made the team.’

‘The move is surprising because the Bills were expected to rely on Rhodes’ running and receiving skills while usual starter Marshawn Lynch served a three-game suspension to start the season. Fred Jackson is the only back on the roster with significant NFL experience.’

‘”Stevie did a very nice job getting open,” said Hamdan. “When I threw the balls he was pretty open. I told Stevie on the first couple of drives, great catches for me. We were lucky enough to hook up on a couple of passes.”‘

‘Schonert was entering his second season as the coordinator of the offense, which ranked 25th last season and slumped badly after a fast, 5-1 start.’

‘The binding tie with all of Van Pelt’s predecessors was they guided bad offenses. The Bills have ranked 25th or worse in the NFL in total yards each of the last six seasons and have averaged more than 20 points per game just three times this decade.’

‘”As an offensive mind, I think definitely think he can do it, there’s no doubt in my mind, Kelly said shortly after Van Pelt replaced Turk Schonert, who was fired Friday. “Just being around him and being in game-type situations and of course talking with him the last couple of years, I know where his mind-set is.”‘

‘That’s how it works when things get grim at One Bills Drive. You toss the offensive coordinator into the volcano and promise the fans that new, exciting things are just over the horizon.’