Two Bills Drive

‘After playing significant roles in their team’s season openers, quarterback Greg Zolman (Rhein Fire) and safety Kahlil Carter (Scottish Claymores) were quiet in their week two NFL Europe matchup this past weekend.’

‘He was asked at the time whether he felt a common bond with the Bills, who also have a history of finishing just short in the quest for that elusive championship. “I haven’t looked at it that way,” he said. “Hopefully this will be the year we both break through.”‘

‘The players are split up into three groups for the positional strengthening program. The offensive line and defensive line are one group, the second group contains the wide receivers, quarterbacks, defensive backs, and kickers. The final group contains the linebackers, tight ends and running backs.’

OLB Takeo Spikes had a history of hamstring problems — until he signed with the Bills last year. On the advice of Bills strength and conditioning coordinator Rusty Jones, Spikes changed his diet and stretching routine. The result was a player who didn’t miss so much as a practice last season.

‘Finding an explosive No. 2 wide receiver to complement Eric Moulds, and a young quarterback to groom as Drew Bledsoe’s backup and eventual replacement, have chewed up a lot of Mularkey’s planning hours.’

‘Adams turns 31 and Williams 32 this season and it’s not too early to plan for the future. This month’s draft features three DTs scouts rate with star quality: Oklahoma’s Tommie Harris, Miami’s Vince Wilfork and Texas’ Marcus Tubbs. The Bills have scouted all three in person, with DL coach Tim Krumrie checking out Harris at Oklahoma’s Pro Day.’

‘And in a not-so-subtle knock on previous head coach Greg Williams, Wilson said he’s encouraged that the players will immediately accept Mularkey because he’s a former player himself. “I think he’s very solid, very sound. He’s been a player for nine years. He’ll have the respect of the players. He’s not a know-it-all guy. He’s going to take the good advice he gets. Sam Wyche (quarterbacks coach) is a top guy and so is Jim McNally on the offensive line. So all those things put together, plus the talent we have, makes me feel good.”‘

‘Parking is free and the practice is weather permitting while “Select-A-Seat” will be held rain or shine.’

‘Every off-season, Matt, a tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals, and his older brother, Aaron, a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, return to their roots. Their cousin Bo, who finished his playing career at TCU last fall, joins them when he can break away from school. The Schobels will become something of a trivia question in two weeks, when Bo, a defensive end projected as a second-round pick, is selected in the NFL Draft. Only a handful of families have at least three players in the NFL.’

‘Aaron [Schobel] bought a tree farm as a tax write-off during his rookie season. The trees now are almost big enough to sell, which he made a point to mention more than once. (“What is the focal point of your story?” he kept asking, possibly in jest. “Don’t forget: It’s the trees. We need to sell some trees in Fort Worth.”)’

‘The Saturday event coincides with the team’s annual “Select-A-Seat” day at Ralph Wilson Stadium for potential season-ticket holders, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.’

‘Buffalo Bills fans can get their first look at new coach Mike Mularkey, his staff and his team on May 1 when the team conducts an open practice at Ralph Wilson Stadium starting at 2:30 p.m.’

‘The best hope for a 2004 first-round pick to become a productive instant starter is at wide receiver.’

‘Empire Sports Network, with the help of WNSA personnel, will cover the National Football League draft April 24 from 1 p.m. until the Bills make their selection…

…Later this month, the [NFL] network will officially announce the 2004 regular-season schedule on NFL Total Access with a two-hour special. It also will be released simultaneously on the league’s Web site.’

‘While he doesn’t have a lot of other suitors, Kordell Stewart remains reluctant to sign with the Buffalo Bills, in part because the coaches want him to assume some of the “Slash” duties he once played with the Steelers. At this point, rookie head coach Mike Mularkey has no one on the roster capable of filling the diverse position.’