Two Bills Drive

‘The fourth-year offensive tackle seemed to be on the fast track to stardom with the Buffalo Bills after a solid first year as a starter in 1999. But he quickly fell out of favor with the coaching staff last season and eventually lost his job to Marcus Spriggs. Even undrafted free agent Jon Carman was taking snaps from Hicks toward the end of the year.’

‘Like Spielman, Spoon has the short hair, a set of biceps so big you are forced to check for valve stems, an all-business attitude and one of those "You-talking-to-me?" stares.’

‘"It’s a whole new team," said Christie, noting the 34 new faces on the roster and the almost entirely new coaching staff.’

‘Centers vs. Jonathan Linton as starting fullback is a no-brainer unless Centers has a negative we’re not aware of.’

‘The Buffalo Bills weren’t necessarily in the market for a middle linebacker during the NFL draft, but when Chris Spielman’s clone was there for the taking, they didn’t think twice.’

‘Rookie coach Gregg Williams wants more speed in his Buffalo Bills defense, and free safety Travares Tillman could provide that element plus some blitzing ability. Tillman started the final four games of the regular season in place of the injured Keion Carpenter a year ago. It won’t be an upset if Carpenter doesn’t get his job back.’

‘Judge (who is a good judge of character, excuse the pun) thinks he’ll be Buffalo’s starting back this year.’

‘I always wondered why the Bills were called the Bills, if most of the players on the team weren’t actually named “Bill” (or William). So, I have outlined which players SHOULD be on the Bills for the 2001 season.’

‘Robertson transferred to Hinds for academic reasons in 2000 and collected 38 solo tackles, 22 assists, nine sacks and nine other tackles for a loss as the Eagles rode a dominant defense to an 11-1 finish and a state championship.’

‘"Hey man, I’m a Bill," Peterson gushed. "Yeah, man! A Bill! I’m a Buffalo Bill!" It was a bit overwhelming for a kid from Clinton, N.C. who didn’t even play his first season of football until his junior season in high school.’

‘When the last of the 246 picks was called, Peterson found himself in a recruiting war as a free agent between Miami and Buffalo. He said he was leaning toward Miami and the warm weather until talking with his agent, Joe Linta…"Miami had five defensive tackles on the roster and they were only keeping five. Buffalo has only two defensive tackles. So that was our best bet."’

‘No matter how rosy the projections, however, the final grades on this draft will be available sometime around Thanksgiving.’

‘So the education of Leif Larsen continues. How quick a study he is will determine whether he has a future with the Bills.’

‘Donahoe had a long history of success drafting in Pittsburgh, and his first effort for the Bills looks solid…count on Donahoe having brought in some young talent that will play well in this league.’

‘"I’ve been blessed in life," Robertson said. "I took the long road to get here, but I’ve worked hard. I just want to make this team and prove to people I belong."’