Archives for September 11, 2014

‘”It was unreal, just to see the way the people of Western New York supported the sale of the team. Everyone’s happy about it,” he said. “They just can’t believe that it happened, and they’re so excited that the Buffalo Bills will stay in Western New York.”‘

‘Most fans are so relieved to know the Bills aren’t going anywhere, they don’t care how Kim and Terry go about their business. Pegula could hire clowns and Kardashians to run it and people would nod their approval.’

‘Buffalo native Corey Graham started in Gilmore’s spot and was a nominee for the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week after recording an interception and defending three passes. Taking him out of the lineup would not be an easy decision.’

‘”The general response I got back was they were focused on the sale. … They didn’t want to put the horse before the cart (so) they have not indicated to me whether they are interested in a new stadium or are fine at the Ralph,” the county executive said.’

‘”There was really some relief that 10, 12, 15 years from now, I don’t have to tell my kids what a special place this is,” Williams said after practice on Wednesday. “I can bring them and let them experience it.”‘

‘Of the nearly 850 games – regular and post-season – played by the Buffalo Bills in the franchise’s 55-year history, with due respect to that iconic comeback against Houston in the 1992 playoffs, none ultimately will be as important as a date. As in, Sept. 9, 2014.’

‘Not only did the Buffalo Sabres spend big in free agency during Pegula’s first offseason as owner, but he has shown a willingness to spend his money to upgrade the First Niagara Center and give the fans the best game experience. The fact that Pegula was willing to pay $1.4 billion to buy the Bills is another sign that money won’t be an issue under the new ownership.’

‘Obviously it’s an exciting time for all of us. First of all, it gives us an opportunity really to say thanks to Mr. Wilson and what he has done for the region, the organization, the fans and the league, really, when you think of it. I think the person that might get lost in this, I know personally I want to thank Mary Wilson. During this time, she’s been outstanding. I can only imagine what she’s going through, the emotion. She’s been great with me and great with the coaches. It’s really been outstanding.’

‘We’ve got to go on the field and win. From the standpoint of players and coaches, which I can speak for, that’s how we feel. We need to go on that field and win for ownership and for the organization, but more importantly, for the region and the fans.’

‘There was a bit of good news for the Bills. Stephon Gilmore was a full participant in practice after missing the Week 1 game with a groin injury. He said after practice that he feels much better than he did a week ago. Rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins also practiced in full.’

‘”I’m pretty sure the stadium is going to unreal,” cornerback Corey Graham said. “The fans are going to be going crazy, I’m sure it’s going to be a little louder than normal. So we’re looking forward to that. It’s an important day for the Buffalo Bills, and it’s going to be an important week for us.”‘

‘But all this good news about Kelly and the Bills sale has me feeling happy for Bills fans. I want the Bills to stay in Buffalo, few communities care for their team as much as they do. I want them to be competitive because it feels better to beat them that way.’

‘The pending sale puts increased heat on Whaley and coach Doug Marrone, each one game into their second season in charge. The trade that brought wide receiver Sammy Watkins to town, while costing the Bills their first-round draft choice next year, means they need to get to the playoffs or come awfully close for Whaley and Marrone to keep their jobs.’

‘We’ll see where this goes, but Henderson could be the steal of the draft if he plays to the talent level he never did at Miami. He beat out second-round pick Cyrus Kouandijo of Alabama, and the Bills higher-ups talked to Buffalo reporters like you rarely hear regarding a rookie.’

‘Lindy Ruff, who coached the Sabres for 1 1/2 seasons after the Pegulas came on board, said he enjoyed his working relationship with them. “They were energetic and hands on,” said Ruff, who now coaches the Dallas Stars. “Their enthusiasm for Buffalo and the Sabres was incredible.’