Archives for July 2010

‘"It’s going to be vital for that group (to have a good camp)," coach Chan Gailey said. "The continuity and the communication in the offensive line is one of the secrets to success in our business. So getting that group on the same page will really help."’

‘Getting Spiller and Troup, who figure heavily into the team’s rebuilding plans, into camp on time is a priority for GM Buddy Nix. But until the league’s "slotting" inertia takes over, there’s no guarantee Spiller and Troup will be in attendance July 30 for the team’s first practice.’

‘Coach Chan Gailey has promised his players a fair and honest opportunity to make the team. It’s not just smoke. Buffalo hasn’t made the playoffs in a decade. Fifty-six players were with the team in some capacity during last season’s 6-10 finish. There are eight free agents, nine draft picks and nine rookie free agents. "Very few players on our football team have things locked up," Gailey said.’

‘Klopfenstein’s exact injury is unknown. An injury settlement with the four- year veteran remains a possibility, which would allow him to play elsewhere in 2010 should he heal in time.’

‘In announcing the move on Thursday, the Bills provided no details on Klopfenstein’s injury. Re-signed by the team in March, Klopfenstein appeared in only the Bills’ season finale last season, when he had one catch for 11 yards.’

‘2. Buffalo Bills: The Bills are too unproven to be in the conversation for best NFL trio — for now. We can justify the argument if we base it on how well they could be. But neither Jackson nor Lynch has established himself as go-to back. Jackson topped 100 yards two times last year. Aside from trampling the Indianapolis Colts’ junior varsity in the season finale, Jackson rushed for more than 70 yards twice against a team with a winning record. Lynch looked like a monster his first two seasons then plummeted out of favor last year. Spiller doesn’t have an NFL touch.’

In America’s 24-hour news cycle, the media can be quite negligent of issues until procrastination pushes them to the forefront. If the Bills were a major player like LeBron James, the stadium lease would be at least a weekly mention on ESPN, who would send David Amber to live in the city a la Ed Werder in Dallas until a resolution is met.

‘A game breaker since he joined the team in 2004, Lee Evans seems penciled in as the number one target for Gailey and offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins to build the game plan around. The speedy Roscoe Parrish is looking to have a bounce-back year in 2010, and should be a matchup concern for linebackers and nickel corners, as he appears to be a natural fit as the slot receiver. Based on the order of repetitions at spring OTAs however, the competition for the all important number two receiver spot is wide open.’

‘Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Levi Brown, linebacker Arthur Moats, wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt and nose tackle Torell Troup participated in the IZOD Street Party on July 15th and joined in on the Pit Stop Challenge to help promote the IZOD IndyCar Series in Toronto this past weekend.’

‘In fact, if Gailey doesn’t designate a workhorse and ride him hard, it would be the first time he declines to do so since his rookie season as an offensive coordinator in 1988.’

‘Buffalo will switch to a 3-4 defense this season, which means more man-to-man coverage for its corners. "I’m a man-to-man (coverage) guy," Florence said. "That’s what I like doing. We had a great secondary last year. I’ve never been on a team that was second in the league in pass defense and hopefully this year we can be No. 1."’

‘”Turning Stone Resort is delighted to enter into this partnership with the Buffalo Bills,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises. “We are pleased to be associated with such a fine organization that has attracted loyal fans from throughout the country during its remarkable history. While The Turning Stone Resort Championship prepares to embark on its fourth year, we look forward to working with the Buffalo Bills in presenting an event that will make all of Upstate New York proud.”‘

‘”One of the main things I had to overcome last year was to just not get down on myself,” Parrish said. I just continued to work hard during the season last year and just prayed and hoped the best would come. This offseason with Chan Gailey and a new coaching staff, it just made everything better.”‘