Archives for June 2015

'Karlos Williams, Boobie Dixon and Bryce Brown will be competing for two spots in the roster. Dixon was ahead of both Williams and Brown in the pecking order during minicamp, while Dixon and Williams both contribute more on special teams. General manager Doug Whaley likes Brown, but the fourth-year running back has something to prove in camp.'

'“He’s in a perfect situation with Rex,” said Mike DeVito, the defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs and a former teammate of Mulligan’s from both UMaine and the Jets. “That’s a perfect offensive system for him to be in."'

'"You can have great stats as a football player or a basketball player, or even as a businessman, but when it's all said and done, it's what you do with the rest of your life that matters most," O'Connell said. "Andre Reed will touch the lives of children for the rest of his life. Hopefully, he'll touch as many lives as he can to help make them better citizens in our community."'

'"You were No. 83 in the NFL, you were No. 11 here at Dieruff, but you're always going to be considered No. 1 in the city of Allentown," Pawlowski told Reed.'

'If Goodwin were to place in the top three in Eugene, he would qualify for the World Championships in Beijing, Aug. 22-30. Bills training camp runs through Aug. 25, and Goodwin is working to keep a spot on the roster behind Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin and Robert Woods.'

'A USATF official told SI.com that Goodwin was added to the meet by petition by men’s chairman Ed Gorman. The petition was granted due to his personal history in the sport.'

'Cassel was brought in to be the steady veteran QB the team knows they can turn to if Manuel or Taylor don’t take hold of the job. But he was anything but steady in the practices the media was able to watch. Far too inconsistent on a regular basis, Cassel hasn’t given the coaching staff any reason to think he’s a better option than either of the two younger guys headed to camp, leaving more questions than answers about where this competition will ultimately wind up.'

'What does it really mean in June, while learning a new offensive system, if EJ Manuel, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor complete every pass … or none?'

'“I think it’s better,” Robey said of how what the Bills will do this year on defense suits him. “Last year, I was more just in coverage, basically. Softer coverage, too. I didn’t get to do everything I wanted to do as far as being aggressive and being able to play like I really like to play. This year, Rex allows me to do that.”'

'Williams went on to cite Kouandjio’s arm length and, although he says he doesn’t know exactly how long his teammates arms are, he’s been in this league long enough to know they’ll give him an edge. “Compared to other tackles in the league, I mean he’s definitely got that reach. So as far as pass blocking and run blocking, he has the extension and advantage in that situation.”'

'“My arrow’s pointing up in all directions,” Williams said. “I’m excited about it. I’m excited about the year and everything that’s in front of us.”'

'The best way to learn about Rex Ryan and his family probably isn’t by calling former friends, coaches, associates and players. The best way is to let the Ryans tell stories about each other.'

'"About that time hot pants came in," Doris said. "I would just show up in hot pants with my boots and hose and everything."'

'“I’m not saying we can’t hold them to a standard,” Rex said. “But Pegula has brought a new belief to Buffalo. Maybe I’m getting old, but after all these years I realize it’s not so much the wins and losses that matter, but caring enough about something to put your feelings out there.”'

'"I don't know who came up with the idea of tailgating, but from my experience tailgating was invented in Buffalo."'