Two Bills Drive

‘And the Bills believe Blake might still be looking for a job two or three weeks from now, and will spend that time before the draft in earnest pursuit of a trade for New England backup quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Blake’s agent, Ralph Cindrich, this week faxed the Bills a contract proposal. It called for a two-tiered signing bonus, $1 million this year and then $4.1 million in 2003, but Buffalo is hardly leaping to the phone to respond.’

"Donahoe is beginning to exhibit the front office skills that the national media and NFL insiders knew he had. He could have had several jobs but he chose instead to take the job in Buffalo."

@ Desperate to improve their offensive line, the Bills signed free-agent OT Trey Teague to a four-year, $10 million contract with a two-tiered signing bonus of $3.5 million that will be spread over this year and next. Teague, 27, played his first four years in the league with Denver. He started all 16 games at left tackle for the Broncos last year.

Buchsbaum: At one point, the Broncos felt Teague was going to be a good replacement for Tony Jones at left tackle. But last year as a starter, he really struggled. The Bills feel he?ll be an upgrade over John Fina, and now that he?s got the starting experience under his belt, he?ll only get better. He is a good athlete and he does have good feet.

@ You almost have to feel bad for the Bills, who have an early season schedule against the Jets, Vikings, Broncos, Bears and Raiders that could leave them at 0-5. Don’t look for any Bills sleepers until the second part of the year.

THE EDGE GOES TO . . .

Five winners: Dolphins, Browns, Vikings, Packers, Cardinals.

Five losers: Giants, Bengals, Rams, Bills, Patriots.

‘The Bills’ schedule is tied for eighth-toughest in the league – based on last year’s records, which, of course, is not always a reliable indicator of this year’s performance.’

‘But be honest, aren’t you a little intrigued and encouraged by what’s been taking place out at One Bills Drive?’

‘But the little guy at the little station made a big splash when, disappointed with the Bills’ offensive performances, he criticized the organization for misusing quarterback Jim Kelly. That’s when then-Bills GM Polian made his famous statement, "Marv Levy is my coach. Jim Kelly is my quarterback. And if you don’t like it, you can get out of town." "You’re finally getting your wish," Wander told Polian in the last half-hour of his show. "I’m getting out of town."’

‘All 16 games this year will be on Sunday afternoons.’

‘"What we’re doing is looking at all of our options right now," general manager Tom Donahoe said. "We may sign one, we might not sign anyone. All we’re doing right now is research and trying to figure out what makes the most sense for our team. We’re trying to stay in the loop with these players and see what might happen."’

The Bills hopes of acquiring Bledsoe have also reportedly been buoyed of late as the Patriots have reportedly lowered their demands. Indeed, the Patriots are now believed to be willing to throw in their first round pick – the 32nd overall – in a package deal for Bledsoe.

The Bills will battle the New York Jets in the home opener on Sept., 8, 2002 at 1:00 PM ET.

Bills open with Jets and close with Bungles. No ESPN or ABC MNF night games it appears.

@ Bills fans can just about forget acquiring LTs Bryant McKinnie or Mike Williams in the NFL Draft. By signing left tackle Trey Teague to a four-year, $10 million deal, Buffalo has basically made Teague, 6’5", 292 pounds the starting left tackle of the future.

@ When Buffalo signed Denver LT Trey Teague, it could have signaled that the Bills will not take one of the two outstanding tackles available in this draft. They have a rising star on the right side in second-year tackle Jonas Jennings, so perhaps it’s a hint they’ll take Oregon QB Joey Harrington or trade out of the spot. We’re saying they’re taking Harrington.

10. Special opportunities: The Bills still need to get a kicker but the options are evaporating quickly. They have restricted free agent Phil Dawson of the Browns scheduled for a visit next week. After that, they’ll have to focus on Mike Hollis of the Jaguars or Doug Brien of the Bucs. Expect Gary Anderson to re-sign in Minnesota and Steve Christie to go to San Diego.