Archives for March 2014

‘Both Cinelli and Sabuda said they believe the Bills can be healthy for a longtime in Buffalo – with the right owner and a fair facility project. While it will be Western New York residents who bear the brunt of ticket price hikes and tax rate increases, they believe out-of-towners are primed to make a huge financial contribution.’

‘The Bills’ special teams ranked 31st in the NFL last year, according to the Dallas Morning News’ annual survey. Coach Doug Marrone has said adding more core special teamers is a priority. Buffalo signed former Pro Bowl special teamer Corey Graham, a cornerback, this week. They expect newly signed linebacker Keith Rivers will see significant time on special teams, too.’

‘Spikes is certainly the most significant name in that group, a player who should come in and instantly make the Buffalo defense better. He found his way into Bill Belichick’s doghouse at the end of last season, but during his four years with the Patriots he was a productive player. And if he brings the same run-stopping skill and pit bull persona that prompted former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to call him a “punk,” he’ll fill a role that Buffalo desperately needed filled.’

‘Is it that simple? Maybe it is.’

‘Chances are they’ll be more aggressive this time, and Kelly, who’s already won a lifetime’s worth of battles, will face another one to beat the disease. It would be wise to bet on him to beat it, given his track record.’

‘”I’ve watched those guys over the last couple years and I’m definitely a fan of their game,” said Dixon of the Bills rushers. “I’m just excited to get a chance to get around them and work with them, see what I can learn. I’m a high-energy guy. I’m just excited to get down here and help out.”‘

‘Spikes has been one of the best run-stopping inside linebackers in the NFL the past two years. The Bills have felt his hard-hitting presence.’

‘Kelly is expected to go to a hospital in New York City on Monday to seek further treatment. His wife, Jill, and oldest daughter, Erin, have spent the past week on a trip to Jerusalem with a group from Liberty University, a Christian school in Virginia where Erin Kelly is enrolled. They were en route back to Western New York on Friday.’

‘”Gotta silence the lambs, get on my Buffalo Bill! (hashtag)51 (hashtag)BILLSMAFIA taking back the (hashtag)AFCEAST (hashtag)PoWwWwW,” Spikes tweeted.’

‘The statement says the hospital’s head and neck cancer specialists are determining a course of treatment.’

‘Spikes recorded 86 tackles in 16 games (11 starts) with New England last season. The 6-foot-2, 255-pounder has played 51 games (39 starts) in four seasons with the Patriots, totaling 284 tackles with four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.’

‘After the Hall of Famer was diagnosed with upper jaw cancer last June, he had surgery to remove part of his jawbone and declared cancer free without having to undergo radiation or chemotherapy. But the Erie County Medical Center announced Friday that Kelly’s cancer has reappeared.’

‘According to John Wawrow of The Associated Press, it’s a one-year contract and various outlets are reporting it’s worth $3.25 million.’

‘Dixon, 26, has spent each of the past four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and turned himself into a special teams asset over that time. As a runner, he’s got 458 yards on 148 carries and eight touchdowns.’

‘Last year, Kelly was diagnosed with Squamous-cell carcinoma (cancer) of the upper jaw bone. Two weeks after treatment, Kelly said he was cancer-free. ‘