Archives for April 2011

‘"There’s no doubt it’s an important position," Nix said. "It’s a quarterback-driven league. But we think that we’re in a good position. And actually, as hard as it is to say when you’ve got other needs it’s probably the perfect time to take a quarterback."’

‘In a scheduling quirk, the Bills play only one AFC East opponent in the first eight weeks. They faced all three division rivals in the first four weeks last season. This year, five of the Bills’ last nine games are within the division.’

‘Given their choice of all three, it says here the Bills would jump at the chance to take Newton. The combination of their own need and the risk of letting a potential franchise changer slip through their fingers has to put Newton at No. 1 on their draft board. The likelihood of the Bills getting that opportunity though are slim.’

‘The series has been impactful on the Bills’ bottom line since it began in 2008 with season ticket holders from Southern Ontario increasing by 44% since the series began.’

‘This year’s game will come two days after the Toronto Argonauts play a Canadian Football League game in Winnipeg. Last year, the Bills’ game against the Chicago Bears was played the same day the Argos took on the Alouettes in Montreal.’

‘In light of the labor dispute, Toronto series organizers announced fans can reserve tickets for $25, and will receive a refund if the game is not played.’

‘The Bills will host the Washington Redskins on October 30th in Rogers Centre at 4:00 PM. The game will be the fourth regular season contest in the Bills Toronto Series.’

‘"The kid gets like a motorcycle driver coming around the corner," said ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. "You wonder how some of those guys can stay on the bike on motocross and this guy is the same way. He comes around that edge and I don’t even know how he stays on his feet. He gets this tremendous leverage on those big tackles and they just can’t handle him."’

‘With the Sabres set to host the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference quarter-final series Monday night, there is anecdotal and empirical evidence to suggest the staunch football town is enjoying something of a hockey renaissance. Everyone likes a winner, but the Sabres seem to be offering a little more.’

‘"Everywhere we went, everyone wanted Cookie’s autograph," Green said. "In fact, even the president’s daughters were asking for Cookie’s autograph. What really impressed me though, was Cookie was able to hold his own talking with the many congressmen and senators. He didn’t only know sports, he knew what was going on in the world. Cookie was a real, real man."’

‘Maybe Whitner hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing, but few safeties play as fast. He brings valuable playmaking prowess in run defense and intimidation for receivers coming over the middle. What drives coaches nuts is that Whitner isn’t always reliable in his handling of coverage assignments.’

‘Last year’s No. 3 pick was defensive tackle Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He got a five-year, $63 million deal that includes $35 million in guaranteed money. Bump those numbers up a few percentage points, and that’s what the Bills would pay this year if the rules are not changed.’

‘Former University of Louisville standout and Buffalo Bills quarterback Brian Brohm is headed home to Louisville as host of a new Derby Eve bash dubbed Down the Stretch. He’ll be joined in the hosting duties by former U ofL teammates Eric Wood, a guard for the Bills, and Breno Giacomini, offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks and a former Green Bay Packer.’

‘”We need another tackle,” general manager Buddy Nix said bluntly. “We’ll need a tackle through the draft or through free agency if and when that happens. We’re not big in free agency. We’ll try to add some guys, but we’ll try to build through the draft. We’ve got nine draft choices, and we ‘gotta make ’em all count.”‘

‘Offensive line: The Bills like four of their five starters but right tackle was a revolving door.’