Two Bills Drive

When Frank Reich was first told last Saturday of Jim Kelly’s election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his reaction was measured as precisely as a third down pass. “Oh, that’s great,” Reich said, happily but quietly. “That’s really great.” The response was typical Reich — calm and even-keeled, not prone to exaggeration or hyperbole.

The Hinterbichler story begins with the 1991 Super Bowl. Because the Hinterbichler family was originally from Buffalo, Erik and his older brother, Kurt, watched in dismay as the Bills lost to the Giants, 20-19, when the Buffalo place-kicker Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard field- goal attempt with seconds left in the game.

‘The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of two center prospects among four free-agent signees Wednesday.’

‘Buffalo Bills cornerback Antoine Winfield’s agent said a magazine misquoted the player about accepting gifts from an agent while at Ohio State.’

‘Clements also has interviewed for the offensive coordinator job in Buffalo.’

Winfield and his agent are at odds. Apparently, Winfield feels his agent defrauded and stole from him. The thing that I always find interesting about players is how stupid they can be. If you come to people with your hand out and they?re willing to commit a legal act to get your name on a contract, why don?t these athletes realize that they are dealing with dishonest people? You do not want dishonest people handling your money and finances.

Marv Levy talks about the 1988 draft, the year the Bills picked Thurman Thomas. Thomas was the eight RB taken that year. Anyone remember the Bears’ Brad Muster?

‘Reed also spoke about former teammate Jim Kelly, the former Bills quarterback who was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. “What can you say about Jim,” Reed said. “There was probably no one more deserving to get in on his first try. It’s great for the city of Buffalo and it’s great for the Bills.”‘

‘Buffalo Bills cornerback Antoine Winfield’s agent said a magazine misquoted the player about accepting gifts from an agent while at Ohio State.’

‘Two centers, Michael Early and Tom Schau, cornerback Jason Bostic and defensive tackle DeVonte Peterson were added to the roster.’

‘…and center Tom Schau.’

The Bills today announced that the team has signed free agent center Tom Schau. He has a twin brother, Ryan, who played with him on the offensive line at Illinois and is currently a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

‘The Buffalo Bills signed three free agents on Wednesday, including center Michael Early, who spent part of last season with the team. Also signed were cornerback Jason Bostic, who spent all of the 2000 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and defensive tackle DeVonte Peterson, who attended Bills training camp last summer before being released.’

The Bills today announced that the team has signed three free agents: cornerback Jason Bostic, center Michael Early, and defensive tackle DeVonte Peterson.

Coordinators are being hired to run a "system" even if the team’s personnel doesn’t fit. The Bills tried the West Coast way in 2001 even though QB Rob Johnson will never be mistaken for the prototype West Coast QB. The result was miserable. They gained decent yardage, but on third down and in the red zone, they flopped. With a new OC for 2002, you had better not mention WCO in Buffalo anymore.

"I want the Bills’ offense," says GM Tom Donahoe. "I don’t like systems. Too many guys are wedded to a system, and they run it come hell or high water even if the personnel doesn’t fit it. Good coaching is putting your players in positions where they have a chance to be successful. And I don’t see that happening enough in this league. The problem with the WCO is, unless you have Steve Young and Jerry Rice, it’s not going to be the same."