Archives for May 22, 2001

‘He also made another surprising concession … that he inherited a roster that had more talent – particularly at the skill positions – than he realized when he took over.’

As expected, Indy will move from the East to the South. Seattle will move to the NFC.

‘"Some of it was cap-related, and some of it was we didn’t feel Antowain totally bought into what we’ve tried to do here in the offseason, and that’s every player’s prerogative," Donahoe said during an lunch-time session with the local media. "Coach (Gregg) Williams has come in here with a very strict and a very regimented program. Some players respond to it, some players don’t."’

‘"What I wanted Tom [Modrak] to do is feel comfortable to go to Chicago, explore it, ask the tough questions," Donahoe said. "And if he didn’t get the answers he was looking for, to realize he’s got a good situation here in Buffalo."’

‘"We tried to convince him right now that this might be a better position for him," Donahoe said. "We’ll see how effective I was."’

‘The 2001 Crestwood Golf Classic with James Lofton and Friends was held at the Cobblestone Country Club…This was the sixth year that Lofton, a former Buffalo Bill, participated. He was joined by former Bills, including Will Grant, Darryl Talley, Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas and Lou Piccone.’

‘No Mark is NOT interested in coaching at a professional level. Mark thinks the degrading of Bills special teams is due to the salary cap and the mid-level veteran purge; he also thinks Gregg WIlliams is on the right track.’

"From a cap standpoint [it’s much better to cut than restructure]. The problem with the restructures is that it’s just a temporary solution to your problem. It solves it for right now, but it creates a bigger problem next year or down the road. When you release a player, you cut the cord, and whatever cap hit you get, you get, and you can move on. You have to be careful with restructuring when you do that, and that’s not the number one option you want to look at."

‘[Antowain] Smith’s unwillingness to take part in coach Gregg Williams’ off-season workout program also played a role in his departure…In comparison, Donahoe said the Bills’ two younger running backs, Shawn Bryson and Sammy Morris, haven’t missed a day of the program.’

‘He was claimed on waivers Friday and the Bills announced the move Monday.’

‘"We spoke again this morning with Tom and reiterated our interest in trying to get him here in Buffalo," said Donahoe, who worked with Modrak when both were with the Pittsburgh Steelers.’