Archives for February 2011

‘Spiller explained to the audience of more than 2,000 how he overcame despondency over his grandmother’s death during high school to become one of the most coveted players in the nation as a senior; how he reached the unpopular decision to attend Clemson then later defied his mother and remained at Clemson for four seasons.’

‘Sanders is considered one of the biggest game changers in the league at the safety position. However, staying healthy has proven to be an issue for the defensive back and it ultimately prompted his release from Indianapolis last Friday.’

‘”I see so much potential,” Wang said during a clinic Tuesday for university students playing in a 32-school flag football league. “Just these kids … they were just picking it up so fast. Just how smart they were and how they just soaked everything up. It was just so incredible,” Wang said.’

‘The Bills’ interest in Sanders is intriguing. Two of their safeties, Donte Whitner and backup George Wilson, are set to become unrestricted free agents. Whitner is seeking a big-money deal, but his salary demands are higher than what the Bills want to pay.’

‘But the Bills probably have more reasons to go with Newton over any other player. Here are five…’.

‘Buffalo lost seven games by five points or less. Spiller said that was indicative of the team’s potential. “We’re just trying to turn this culture around,” he said. “We’ve got a great team coming back, and we’re just trying to get into the playoffs.”‘

‘An artificial playing surface, not grass, is expected to be installed.’

‘He remains an ardent supporter of the Bills and even hinted at one day, perhaps, looking into an ownership role with the franchise. “I have the right people that would love that opportunity,” Kelly said. “But right now, it’s Ralph Wilson’s team.”‘

‘The Bills have said the top priority this off season is to improve on defense. They have obvious and glaring needs on that side of the football having finished last in the league against the run. But if Chan Gailey and Buddy Nix want to turn this team into a true contender, they’ve got to find the answer at quarterback. Ftizpatrick brings quite a bit to the table, but it’s not enough… especially with the likes of Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez in the division.’

‘One thing is certain: the Bills – 11 years out of the playoffs – have to get serious about their run stopping and pass rushing and can’t afford to whiff again. They are still paying the price for selecting Penn State’s Aaron Maybin 11th overall two years ago; he has yet to record a sack and could be released.’

‘Buffalo has 10 players with four years experience scheduled to become unrestricted free agents but it all depends on the outcome of current labor talks. Four-year players may not reach unfettered free agency until six years of service if the owners get their way. But if players agree to an 18-game regular season, perhaps they get free agency in three years as part of a compromise. For now, Bills players on the fence are: Akin Ayodele (LB), Keith Ellison (LB), Drayton Florence (CB), Quinton Ganther (RB), John McCargo (DT), Paul Posluszny (LB), Donte Whitner (S), George Wilson (S), Mansfield Wrotto (OT), and Ashton Youboty (CB).’

‘The deadline for teams to place franchise tags on players is Feb. 24 and it doesn’t appear the Bills will be going down that road with any of their potential free agents. Three of those include LB Paul Posluszny, CB Drayton Florence and SS Donte Whitner, all starters on defense. Franchise tags guarantee players top-five position money but it would be hard for Buffalo justifying $10 million a year for Posluszny, $14 million a year for Florence and $8.8 million for Whitner, which are the estimated values for 2011.’

‘Here’s a look at some of the team’s key offseason issues…’.

‘Stroud’s release wasn’t a surprise. At 32, he is a declining player with 10 years in the NFL. Releasing him allows second-year defensive linemen Alex Carrington and Torell Troup to compete for more playing time.’

‘Stroud appeared in 46 games, starting 45, since joining the Bills in 2008 after a trade with Jacksonville. He notched 7 1/2 sacks in his three seasons with the club, including three in 2010.’