Archives for April 2012

‘”In Houston the poor young man was booed,” Casserly said. “He was ridiculed. There was a lot criticism of myself, and I purposely tried to put as much on me and take it off of him because at 20 years old and just being drafted this wasn’t his fault. From there everybody was against the kid.”‘

‘”If someone brings to the Council an idea that entertains a new convention center, new development with a stadium that is domed, that is an exciting idea. Whether or not it is feasible is another thing,” said Fontana. “We’ll talk to people about chickens, we’ll talk to people about any topic. So something this big, we certainly will talk about and we’re not taking a stand that it’s gotta (sic) be this, but it’s important to hear a good idea or a potentially good idea that could come down the pike.”‘

‘North District Councilman Joseph Golombek explained, “This is one of those projects that could be, oh, something that could help us save face from all the mistakes that have been made in the past in the city of Buffalo, you know, moving stadiums into Orchard Park.”‘

‘”And who pays for it? Every single taxpayer – even those who would not go to a football game if it was free.”‘

‘”A downtown stadium that’s incorporated into your convention space would become a major attraction not only to other people, tourists, and other venues, but it brings in more hotels, concerts, and festivals,” said Freeman. “Those are the things we’re talking about. A stadium that can be used 12 months of the year.”‘

‘The Bills will sport a new-look defense in 2012, thanks to a promoted coach and a high-profile free agent signing. Dave Wannstedt was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator in January and the team said it will switch from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 defense in 2012. Manning one of the defensive end positions will be former Houston Texan Mario Williams, who reportedly signed a 6-year deal that could be worth more than $100 million with incentives. Buffalo Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly played a big part in the recruitment of the former No. 1 overall pick, who is expected to help shore up a defense that gave up 27.1 points per game last season, third-worst in the NFL. As they head into the 2012 NFL Draft, most pundits expect the Bills to go after help at offensive tackle after losing starting left tackle Demetrius Bell to the Eagles via free agency.’

‘"I know what this city wants and needs and that’s fine with me," said Williams of Buffalo. "That’s not pressure. I play football. That’s what I do. My main goal is to play football that helps us win. This city also embraced me.”‘

‘”I did have a chance (to meet Williams last week), but it was just for a few minutes because he was a busy guy,” Sanders said. “He is a great guy and a true professional. Although he’s been around and been in the limelight, he is down to earth … and he has outstanding character. I know he made all of Buffalo proud because of the character he has.”‘

‘CEO Russ Brandon said the team has already sold 4,320 new season-ticket packages, and added that renewal orders are coming in at the fastest pace in 15 years.’

Bell: I still haven’t peaked (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Bell praises the Eagles tackle he is replacing (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Birds’ GM goes fishing, reels in Bell (Philadelphia Daily News)

Eagles introduce Bell, court draft prospect Poe (Delaware County Daily Times)

Late bloomer Bell out to be top tackle in game (Bucks County Courier Times)

Eagles’ Bell gets to Philly with a little help from friend (Allentown Morning Call)

Offensive lineman Demetress Bell says injured Jason Peters urged him to sign with Eagles (Press of Atlantic City)

Bell follows in Peters’ footsteps, says his peak years are ahead (Wilmington News Journal)

Peters, Mudd played big role in Bell joining Birds (CSN Philadelphia)

Peters Helped Bring In Bell (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

Bell Enjoys His ‘Draft Day’ (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

‘Durability not ability has been his issue, which is why Buffalo was lukewarm in their pursuit to retain his services. Bell missed large chunks of two the past three seasons with knee and shoulder injuries. He did play all 16 games in 2010.’

‘The Bills now have nine receivers on their offseason roster, counting utility man Brad Smith. The competition for the No. 2 spot after Stevie Johnson will be fierce.’

‘Bills fans could have something to look forward to when Buffalo hosts the Washington Redskins in preseason play this August – the NFL debut of Heisman Trophy quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Redskins hold the No. 2 pick in the draft and are expected to select Griffin. The date of the game has yet to be determined but will take place between Aug. 9-13. Buffalo’s second exhibition game at Ralph Wilson Stadium is against Pittsburgh (Aug. 23-26). Buffalo travels to Minnesota (Aug. 16-20) and Detroit (Aug. 29 or 30). The Bills were originally scheduled to play one preseason game in Toronto but it was moved back to Orchard Park due to scheduling issues at the Rogers Centre.’

‘Meanwhile, several draft prospects visited One Bills Drive on Wednesday, including Alabama running back Trent Richardson, who is expected to be a top five or six pick in the first round. Others were Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones, Ohio State tackle Mike Adams and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson.’

Eagles fill need at tackle by signing Bell (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Eagles ink Bell to solve offensive tackle problem (Delaware County Daily Times)

Eagles sign offensive tackle Bell to replace injured Peters (Bucks County Courier Times)

Eagles sign Bell to be new left tackle (Allentown Morning Call)

Eagles, offensive tackle Bell agree to five-year deal (Press of Atlantic City)

Newly signed Bell may fill hole at left tackle (Wilmington News Journal)

Eagles agree to 5-year deal with LT Bell (AP)

Eagles ink Bell to 5-year deal (The Sports Network)

Eagles agreed to 5-year deal with OT Bell (CSN Philadelphia)

Eagles Fortify Tackle Spot With Bell (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)