Archives for November 2009

‘The Bills filled the other hole on the interior of their offensive line Wednesday left vacant by veteran guard Seth McKinney. Buffalo promoted C/G Christian Gaddis from their practice squad and placed McKinney on injured reserve.’

‘The Bills have been outscored in the fourth quarter this season 109-40, close to a 3:1 ratio through the first 10 games. Only one team in the NFL has given up more fourth quarter points (Miami, 110). In six of Buffalo’s 10 games they have been shut out in the final stanza of the contest, and in their last three outings the Bills have been outscored in the fourth quarter 54-0, all losses.’

‘”I can’t tell you how proud I was of those guys that just stayed in the trenches and fought and slugged it out with that offensive line,” Fewell said of Johnson and Williams.’

‘We’ve been critical of the Bills’ special teams play this season, hinting that the league has started to gain ground on guru Bobby April. But it’s tough to make chicken salad out of chicken feed (or something like that). After the Bills tied it at 3-3, the three guys who circled Jags’ return man Brian Witherspoon were Ellis Lankster, Cary Harris and Todd Johnson. If you can rattle of their uniform numbers without a roster, consider yourself a true fan – and think about getting a hobby.’

‘"You’re probably talking about $50 million over five years and maybe even a piece of the team," said a source close to Shanahan. "And by all indications, (Bills owner Ralph) Wilson is ready to have that conversation."’

‘The Bills have contacted Shanahan, the person familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the team is not commenting during its search process.’

‘A long-time Pittsburgh Steeler, Simmons appeared in just one game for the New England Patriots this season and was released in early November.’

‘Simmons is an eight-year NFL veteran who joins the Bills (3-7) after being released by New England on Nov. 9. He appeared in one game for the Patriots this season.’

‘Simmons (6’3″ 315), a former first-round pick of the Steelers (2002), played seven seasons in Pittsburgh, but missed the entire 2004 campaign due to injury. He returned to action in 2005 winning a Super Bowl with Pittsburgh, but an Achilles tendon injury brought another season to an early close for the offensive lineman in 2008.’

‘This was a great effort by the Bills as they played very hard with many injuries on the offensive line. Fewell had them ready to go with a aggressive game plan of getting Owens involved a lot. Owens finished the day with 197 yards receiving, and one touchdown. We saw what kind of weapon he could be if utilized properly within the Bills offensive system, but yet again this team does not know how to finish games in the fourth quarter.’

‘”My mindset changed back in the spring time when we came back for offseason workouts,” said Wilson. “I remember the first day I saw coach Fewell down here when we were getting physicals the first day back and I just talked to him and he asked me what my goals were going into the season. And I told him, ‘This is my third year at the position and I’m trying to show some growth. I can’t be making the same mistakes that I made in the past.”

‘Apparently, he wants to wait until end of season before considering his options. But the refusal would seem to take him out of the running for the Bills.’

‘Bring in some qualified people to run the football department. Find eager, accountable people with a sharp eye for talent. Get a bright, assertive coach with a football vision and a clear, functioning mind on game day. And get a decent quarterback, for heaven’s sake.’