Archives for January 2011

‘This will mark the first time since 1984 and fourth time overall that the Bills have been selected to coach the senior showcase event. Buffalo has gone 1-1-1 in its previous trips to Mobile — coaching the North squad all three times.’

‘About the only positive that could be gleaned from this year is that Dick Jauron wasn’t the coach, by Week 3 Trent Edwards wasn’t the quarterback, and his replacement, Ryan Fitzpatrick, grew one heck of an impressive beard.’

‘The college all-star game announced Saturday that Chan Gailey’s Buffalo staff would work with the South squad, while Marvin Lewis’ Cincinnati staff would head up the North team.’

‘”It is extra work on our coaches obviously, but it is a great opportunity to get an in depth look at some of the top college players coming out and available for the draft this year,” said Gailey.’

‘Here is a rundown of team and individual records that were tied, set or extended in the Bills 2010 season, courtesy of team statistician Mike Haim…’.

‘"Early on I was pressing so much, trying to hit a home run on every play," Spiller said. "I tried to rely on my ability and my speed instead of letting my teammates do their job, which was blocking. But I can honestly say the last five games I really learned how to become an NFL running back as far as being patient, setting up blocks, taking those 3 to 5 yards and if the big one hits, let it hit. That’s the encouraging part that I’m heading into the offseason with."’

‘"I felt like that those guys, the guys that played, they all made progress this year," Gailey said. "Nobody leveled off, nobody took a step back. They got better as the year went on and so I thought that we made strides with the rookie class. Nobody did anything unbelievable like the year before with Jairus [Byrd] and things like that, but I thought it was a good group and I think it has a chance to be a very good group before it’s over with."’

‘The defense struggled this season after converting to a 3-4 scheme. They ranked last in the league in run defense, allowing 170 yards per game on the ground, and were ranked 24th overall. The Bills finished 4-12.’

‘Buffalo relieved inside linebackers coach DeMontie Cross of his coaching duties Friday. Cross had coached five seasons with the Bills, as he was part of the team’s coaching staff prior to the arrival of current head coach Chan Gailey.’

‘Whether it’s an offensive tackle, a pass rusher, a linebacker, it’s got to be somebody that makes a difference right away on offense or defense.’

‘In Financial Football, which is part of Visa’s Practical Money Skills for Life financial education program, players move down the field and score by correctly answering personal finance questions. The game is available in English or Spanish and can be played online or ordered for free.’

‘"I think everybody on our football team is very excited about Kyle having an opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl," Bills head coach Chan Gailey said in a statement issued by the team. "There’s probably not another guy more deserving because of the year he’s had, because of what he stands for, and how he plays the game. We’re all excited for him."’

‘"Whether I made it first ballot or first alternate, it was going to be kind of a bittersweet deal because of the way our year had gone, but it’s not a bad consolation prize," said Williams, speaking from his offseason home in Louisiana. "I’m excited to go and represent our organization and my teammates and our fans, and obviously my family."’

‘The teams that played to a lower percentage capacity were Oakland (73.7), Tampa Bay (75.1) and St. Louis (81.0). Those three teams also ranked in the bottom three in average attendance, at 46,431 for Oakland, 49,314 for Tampa and 52,922 for St. Louis.’

‘Williams finished with 5 1/2 sacks, second-most among NFL players at his position. He was also credited with 77 tackles. Both were career highs.’