Two Bills Drive

‘In terms of dynasties, the Buffalo Bills may never get proper accolades for their string of success in the 1990s. The franchise compiled a mark of 103-57 and earned eight playoff berths in the process. It also earned four straight invitations to the Super Bowl, something still not matched in NFL annals. But that was then. This is now. The 2000 Bills will bear little resemblance to the recent editions of the team, as 15 veterans were either released and/or left via free agency. That includes the aging trio of running back Thurman Thomas, wide receiver Andre Reed and defensive end Bruce Smith, as well as starting defensive backs Thomas Smith and Kurt Schulz from the league’s stingiest defense in 1999.’

‘The NFL MVP, held out of practice two days this week, is scheduled to play the first half of Saturday night’s exhibition game against Buffalo. He could use some work after throwing only six passes in limited action in the first two games. "I was real concerned about the arm,” coach Mike Martz said Friday. "Provided things are fine, he may go a half."’

‘Buffalo (1-1), which finished 1999 atop the league in pass defense and tied with Tampa Bay for fewest touchdowns allowed (23), will have its hands full in containing the high-flying Rams. St. Louis (1-1) scored 525 points last season and averaged 272.1 yards per game through the air. Rams quarterback Kurt Warner sliced up plenty of defenses, going to weapons such as Isaac Bruce, Tory Holt and Marshall Faulk out of the backfield. "It’s great to go against a great passing offense," said Bills head coach Wade Phillips. "All their stats are unbelievable as far as last year … and, of course, that’s why they won the world championship."’

‘Pingel wasn’t sure he would be invited to an NFL camp, even after finishing his college career with an NCAA record 436 receptions, which shattered Jerry Rice’s mark of 301. He established seven all-division records, including career yards (6,108), receiving touchdowns (75) and receptions per game (13.6). He received the 1999 Melberger Award, which is given to the Division III player of the year. As astonishing as Pingel’s statistics were at Westminster [College], his 4.7-second time in the 40 wasn’t exactly the stuff that makes the NFL take notice. These days, he’s training with the likes of Buffalo receivers Peerless Price and Eric Moulds, and while doing so has determined that he can play professionally at some level. "As far as practice goes, I’d like to be getting more reps, but I have seen improvement in my game," he said. "Coming from Division III, I thought the cornerbacks would totally kill me, but I’m finding out how to play them. I’ve always felt I belong here. I never have felt out of my element."’

‘The Bills will trim their 79-man roster to 65 as early as Monday, a day before the NFL-imposed deadline. Some of the cuts will be easier than others, but coach Wade Phillips said there is still time for players to make an impression. "The talent evaluation will go all the way through," Phillips said. "There may be a couple of guys on the bubble as far as 65, so you want to get it right every time. I think there will be a pretty good competition over who will be the final 53. "The last two weeks are important for guys, but the most important thing is getting ready for that first game with the guys who are going to play it."’

‘Today, after a number of ambitious, innovative but, ultimately, disappointing business ventures, the well-spoken 65-year-old is living in the Philadelphia area, polishing his biography. He’s lost none of his combativeness, nor his conviction he’s been a life-long victim of racism…So now that you have your own provocative Internet Web site (http://www.cookiegilchrist.com), what do you propose to call your book? “The Cookie that did not Crumble.”‘

‘In reality, Hansen — in his unassuming way — has always been a reliable leader and coach Wade Phillips said that will not change. "He’s still leading by example, but he’s also a vocal leader, and he’s been a captain for a number of years," said Phillips. "We get the leadership qualities we need from him and we always have." Said Hansen: "It’s really hard to believe that Bruce, Thurman and Andre are gone, but now it’s time for guys like myself and Henry to take a more prominent role. "I don’t think it’s a burden, I think it’s my responsibility as a 10-year member of the Buffalo Bills to make sure that this team stays on course and does what it has done in the past and that’s be a good successful team." The best way Hansen can do that is to lead by example, which is what he has always done.’

‘Where was the second practice field? Where was the crowd? The Bills returned to the practice field outside the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse for a session closed to the public. The cloudy, breezy day was another reminder that fall was coming.’

‘Former Buffalo Bills executive Chuck Burr was reunited with his lost championship ring Wednesday night as he and Paul Hudson, who found the ring, met for the first time. Burr lost his 1964 AFL Championship ring 30 years ago while playing catch on the edge of Lake Erie at Sherkston. Hudson found it in July off Wyldewood Beach at Sherkston Shores while snorkeling with his metal detector.’

‘This year’s camp drew 122,000 fans and was considered a marketing coup, as the Bills tried to further regionalize the team.’

‘Drew Haddad and Josh Roth found their first NFL training camp experience to be a bit wearisome. And they’re glad they had each other as much as they’re glad it’s over. The rookies from the University at Buffalo broke camp with the rest of the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, departing St. John Fisher College for their local apartments. Haddad, a receiver drafted in the seventh round, and Roth, a free agent fullback, were roommates at camp. Whether things were going well or poorly, their friendship made the experience that much better. "We’re very fortunate to have the opportunity we have," Haddad said. "Every night we would just sit there and joke and talk about the things that happened at UB. "Like when we won (the Bills’ preseason opener) against Cincinnati. That was our first win in a long time."’

‘"Rochester’s nice, but you want to get home, sleep in your own bed and eat your own food," quarterback Rob Johnson said.’

‘"Offense takes a little more time than defense, we’ve got to be totally on the same page, and if one guy screws up, the play doesn’t work."’

‘Early in training camp, Buffalo Bills veteran linebacker Sam Rogers pulled rookie Fred Jones to the side and whispered, in so many words, "Don’t worry kid, you’ve got this team made." When word filtered back to coach Wade Phillips that Rogers might be filling Jones’ head with grandiose praise, he quipped: "I want Sam and the rest of the team to worry about cuts. Maybe Sam better worry about Freddie." Indeed. Jones, like Rogers a product of the University of Colorado, began making plays in practice on Day One and hasn’t stopped. With the first cut to 65 players fast approaching on Tuesday, Mr. Jones is among the few newcomers who can breathe easy, not that he’ll allow himself that pleasure, despite what Rogers has told him. "I’d stress myself out thinking like that," he said. "Every day out here, anything can happen. All I can do is try my best. If it’s not good enough, at least I know I tried."’

‘The new-look Buffalo Bills broke training camp Wednesday with much still to do, but with some pieces firmly in place. With almost three weeks of practices and two preseason games behind them, the Bills relocate to their Orchard Park home to concentrate on the regular season.’