Archives for July 2014

‘Tickets are complimentary but are required for entry to night practices.’

‘”My hat goes off to the people going through it,” he said. “There are people who are a lot worse than I am. I don’t know where I’m going to be. I’ll find out in August. I pray for the other people.”‘

‘”I’m not scared to die,” he said. “I’ve done more in 54 years than most people have at 80. I’ve fulfilled so many dreams. (But) again, I have so many more things to accomplish.”‘

‘”I’m just doing what I can to make sure the Bills stay in Buffalo,” Kelly said. “Things really haven’t changed. Yes, I’ve met with different people. I hope it gets to a point where we get somebody that’s really committed to Buffalo and to turning this program. And to play football in January.”‘

‘”You can do great things,” Watkins said. “You can turn great things out of bad things. I grew up in a bad area but I didn’t use that as an excuse. It’s all up to me or another person, what they want to do.”‘

‘Once again serving as one of the top offensive lineman on the team, Wood might have an easier time of it this year now that the Bills signed Chris Williams to play left guard for them. That will prevent Wood from having to overcompensate and focus in on his own responsibilities without trying to do too much. Last season was not his best by any means, but he has the ability to be one of the 10 best centers in the league on a yearly basis. It also doesn’t hurt his case by being one of the vocal leaders on the team, either.’

‘It appeared as though once again in the offseason workouts, and under a new defensive coordinator mind you, Robey had to work his way up the depth chart. He didn’t start out as the first-team nickel which caught a few, including yours truly, by surprise. By the end of the mandatory minicamp though Robey was back in his natural position with the first-team defense as the nickel cornerback. New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz raved about him and head coach Doug Marrone certainly knows what he’s capable of in both coverage and as an explosive blitzer from the edge. He’s not an outside cornerback, but up against slot receivers, Robey is a very good talent.’

‘Chris Gragg – This could be surprising to some because he was a draft pick in 2013, but let’s face it. He’s a seventh-round pick that couldn’t get on the field outside of garbage time situations last year. The hope will be that athletic tight end progresses enough to the point where he can warrant a roster spot, but with a lot of talent being added to the roster at other positions, space could get tight. The 24-year old is firmly on the bubble, and the ultimate decision will be based on how effective he is in practice from July 20 through the end of August. He very well could force their hand and make them go with four tight ends. Or, they could to go with only the top three. Either way, Gragg needs a strong month.’

‘Kelly has not been shy talking about his battle with cancer on various social media. However, he said it wasn’t his idea to share so many updates. Instead, it was his wife Jill who pushed him to open up. “I’ve had to stop her a couple times, like, ‘Jill, just for your sake and all of our sake this is not going on Twitter or Facebook.’ I’ve had to say that a few times, but I do know that the support I’ve got and the letters, emails, and prayers especially have helped me get to where I’m at.”‘

‘”Adding Sammy and adding Mike Williams is only going to help Woody (Robert Woods), T.J. (Graham), Marquise (Goodwin), Chris Hogan and all the guys who were here last year,” said EJ Manuel. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to give us more versatility out wide. I think we have a lot to work with this year.”‘

‘But what about Brown? In an ideal world, Brown wouldn’t be relied upon too much because Spiller would bounce back. The Bills would, however, like to see enough out of Brown that they don’t feel completely out to dry if Spiller and Jackson aren’t on the roster in 2015.’

‘But before he could begin to acknowledge all of the people who have helped him and encouraged him over the last year, he began to fight back tears. Kelly paused for a few seconds to collect himself as the gym at Sweet Home High School fell silent. He didn’t need to say a word before the gym erupted in applause again.’

‘Essentially on a one-year pact to stay on his best behavior and follow team protocol, the Bills can walk away from Williams if he doesn’t hold up that end of the bargain or if he fails to make the type of impact they believe he can. The role for Williams still must be defined, but on paper he figures to come in on three wdie receiver sets as one of the outside players, allowing either Sammy Watkins or Robert Woods to be able to play the slot. If he can provide a red zone presence it will go miles for EJ Manuel’s progress. But since his role will likely be limited to that barring an injury, he falls a bit shorter than others on the list despite his raw skills and prior success.’

‘Spikes signed only a one-year contract with the team, and it screams as a “prove it” deal after the drama that unfolded in New England at the end of the 2013 season. The linebacker will likely be fully motivated to prove himself playing only on a one-year pact, and can provide the stability against the run when he’s in there. However, the Bills should not attempt to use him too much even though Kiko Alonso is likely lost for the season. Spikes is very good against the run, but his game is not as a normal three-down linebacker. The expectation is that he’ll be on the sidelines on those obvious passing downs.’

‘Jimmy Gaines, Darrin Kitchens, Nathan Williams – The hometown Gaines will likely be the third-string strongside linebacker backing up both Rivers and Johnson. Kitchens is an undersized player that likely slots in on the weakside, meanwhile Williams will likely be the third-team middle linebacker. To have any shot, the trio will have to really stand out on special teams. Among the three, Gaines probably has the best chance (although remote) to stick, while Kitchens has the biggest mountain to climb.’