Archives for May 2001

‘"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.’

‘"Sam Cowart is in every meeting that I have," special teams coach Danny Smith said. "The only person I have not met with in a special teams situation is Rob Johnson. I have met with every other player on this team." Welcome to the mother of all special teams rebuilding projects.’

‘The Panthers took a look at Smith but their new quarterbacks coach, Turk Schonert, knew him from the seasons they spent together in Buffalo and advised Carolina against trading for him.’

‘The Buffaloization of San Diego continues. Soon, they may change their name to the Charge Bills. The only thing new general manager John Butler hasn’t brought along with him are Buffalo winters and chicken wings.’

‘If Tom Modrak wants to work in the NFL this year, his best option is Buffalo…Modrak will be a top candidate for any GM job that opens up the next couple of years. He can bide his time in Buffalo, work with pal Tom Donahoe, and wait for the perfect opportunity to move.’

‘A straight-ahead power runner, Antowain was neither elusive, nor a particularly gifted blocker. But his worst short-coming was two skillet hands that caught only 38 passes in four seasons with Buffalo.’

‘Rogers was selected by Buffalo…in the second round of the 1994 draft. He started 11 games last season and 79 of 101 in seven seasons with the Bills, but in San Diego he is expected to split time with Gerald Dixon on the strong side.’

‘The Buffalo Bills freed up salary cap room for their rookies Friday. Guess how they did it? By releasing Antowain Smith. Big surprise there.’