Archives for July 2014

‘The goal of creating an innovative financing mechanism to boost the team’s Buffalo viability in exchange for simply guaranteeing to keep the team in Buffalo is a huge step toward giving Bills fans something to be proud of for the future.’

‘”I know that there are very financially capable prospective bidders who are looking at this,” Ganis said of the Bills sale, in a telephone interview from Chicago. “It is far broader than the names the media have identified. I suspect they won’t be identified publicly unless they are successful.”‘

‘The Bills believed Alonso was going to be even more productive this season with his move to weakside linebacker, thus freeing him up to be what Whaley called a “seek-and-destroy,” player. The team will no longer have that presence this season and can only hope Alonso returns to form in 2015 and beyond.’

‘Graham impressed early in the spring with the opportunity to work with the first team defensive unit with starting LCB Leodis McKelvin limited due to offseason hip surgery. The veteran corner displayed sharp instincts and a veteran savvy in defending receivers taller and/or faster than him. Offering versatility to play on the boundary or inside it will bear watching to see just where the defensive staff believes Graham will fit best.’

‘These were traditions that remained from the first pass my dad threw in the NFL, until the day he hung up his cleats. To this day, I can’t imagine tailgating anywhere else or sitting anywhere other than where our family sat when daddy played. It’s tradition. And it matters. For the die-hard Bills fans, Ralph Wilson Stadium is our second home. The place where deeply-held and long-lasting memories are made among family, friends and fans. This is our team, our home, our tradition. If they take our team, they’ll take our traditions.’

‘The roster is considerably deeper now with the addition of some veterans in free agency and via trade, but with Sammy Watkins, Preston Brown, Cyrus Kouandjio, and Ross Cockrell in the fold, which rookies stand a good chance of helping the Bills on the field sooner rather than later?’

‘”The best way to market a pro football team,” Mr. Wilson said, “is to win.” In his mind, it was all very simple.’

‘According to the Bills’ official webite, Spiller “was a dynamic return man in his college days at Clemson and saw some return work early in his career with the Bills. Now that opportunity may resurface. Spiller was returning kicks in practice in the spring, and at least for now it appears he’s part of the competition. He hasn’t returned a kick or punt for the Bills since 2011, but perhaps with more depth at running back Buffalo is more willing to put Spiller out there in the hopes that his game breaking ability can provide a shot in the arm to the kick return unit.”‘

‘”Just watching how he’s handled the last 10 years teaches you that fame and fortune don’t insulate you from problems in life and don’t keep you from dealing with things in a really spiritually sophisticated way. “He definitely has shown me a courage and faith that are really powerful. I’m grateful to him.”‘

‘A “virtual data room” requires a specialized password for prospective buyers, who have signed a non-disclosure agreement. From there, they can examine the Bills’ confidential finances (revenues, assets, liabilities, et al) used to determine how much to bid on the team.’

‘The sale book contains confidential summary information regarding the Bills franchise and the NFL — most importantly, financial details such as revenues, assets, operational costs, prospects of future revenue and liabilities. Commissioner Roger Goodell, by NFL rule, had to approve the book before its release.’

‘There are more certainly more household names at the wide receiver position in the NFL than Mike Williams, but even some of the best receivers in the league don’t possess the Buffalo native’s ability to catch a pass at its highest point in the air. Though just 6-2, Williams has an innate sense of timing and climbs “the ladder” as well as anyone in the game to out jump defenders for passes.’

‘Defense, however, still does matter in The League, and Buffalo’s has been suddenly diminished. No Kiko is no good. And just like that, the Bills – who will open their exhibition campaign a month from today in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton – have become long shots to bust into the postseason field.’

‘The obvious candidates for fans to consider are newcomer Keith Rivers and Nigel Bradham, the third-year pro who started two of the last four games at that spot.’