Archives for July 30, 2001

‘One of those players is running back Sammy Morris, who broke out of nowhere to record six total touchdowns in 12 games for Buffalo in 2000. Now, he’s competing with two other young players, Shawn Bryson and Travis Henry, for the starting job, but also he wants to be a leader on the Bills.’

‘Unlike some coaches haunted by their failure to advance to the NFL championship game, Levy holds his head of white hair high despite the crushing defeats in the Super Bowl. Returning to the Super Bowl three times after a heartbreaking, one-point loss in the first appearance was a coaching accomplishment in which Levy takes great pride.’

‘"This training camp definitely has a different feel than the ones we’ve had before since I’ve been here," wide receiver Eric Moulds said. "Any time you’ve got a new environment, a new coaching staff and a new way of doing things, I think guys get excited about that."’

‘"Instead of going through the same old stuff that we’ve done the last five years, I have to study more and pay closer attention in our meetings and really learn this. It’s like a pick-me-up. It’s got me energized out there. Hopefully it’ll have the same effect on the other guys."’

‘Maybe the Bills will surprise everyone, finish 10-6 and make the playoffs. But they could very well go 6-10 in his first season. Will you still love Gregg Williams?’

‘"Getting up at 6 is a lot different than it has been the last few months," said Bills wide receiver Eric Moulds. "I heard (the horn) coming down the hall and I turned over and then it got closer and then I started to get up."’

"You have to go out and be consistent. From the first day I became a starter, I wanted to go out and improve each year and get better. I’m going to try to do that, and each year get better, and make a play here and there to get us over the top. My goal is to get to the Superdome [for Super Bowl XXXVI].

‘An infected tooth kept Pat Williams’ out of training camp workouts Sunday. Williams watched from the sideline as the Bills participated in their first training camp sessions with veterans and rookies. Leif Larsen and Jarrett Procell initially subbed for Williams with the first team.’

‘"There’s an excitement here, a brand new offense, a brand new defense, a new coaching staff and GM, you’ve got a wholesale change here," said tight end Jay Riemersma. "It’s fun, it’s exciting, and I think the practice and tempo that you saw today will continue throughout the practices."’

‘"It’s just a wonderful facility, not just for the players, but for the franchise," Wilson said. "People can come here from all over and watch practice and it creates enthusiasm, especially for the youngsters. Rochester’s a great city and very important to the Bills. They’ve embraced us."’

‘Even inside the Wegmans merchandise tent on the Fisher campus, the division manifested itself. Flutie bobbing head dolls and T-shirts were displayed right next to ones bearing Johnson’s likeness. A worker, requesting anonymity, said the Flutie shirts were out-selling the Johnsons.’

‘Five minutes in Williams’ presence, and one feels the urge to run home and organize the sock drawer.’

‘"I could have gone somewhere else and got some type of numbers like that, but you have to have teammates to get it done. To win a Super Bowl, I can’t win it by myself."’

‘The billboards feature a shot of Levy in a blue Bills jacket and the words, "right here, right now," which are taken from one of the coach’s most oft-quoted pre-game speeches. The hall of fame’s logo also appears on the billboard.’

‘"I think our organization with Tom and the coach, we’re going to have a really good team. It may take a little longer than what the fans would like, know what I mean?"’