Archives for August 20, 2002

‘To be sure, after the horrific play of the offensive line in 2001, bringing in just about anybody to bolster that unit qualified as an upgrade.’

‘"I was hoping for a winning record, but now it looks more like six or seven wins. We just can’t stop anyone with our defensive line."’

The Buffalo pass rush is so flimsy that it might be more productive to send threatening letters to enemy quarterbacks.

The Bills reshuffled their undermanned defensive line by signing veterans Shawn Price and Chidi Ahanotu, but they opened a roster spot by releasing 24-year-old defensive end Erik Flowers, the 26th player selected in the 2000 draft. Flower’s release was expected because he had fallen onto the third team in the defensive line rotation before the signings of Price and Ahanoto. The 273-pound Flower only started six games in two seasons and had only four sacks. The Bills invested a first-round choice in Flowers with the hopes of developing him into an every down pass-rusher. Foot problems slowed him, and his playing time diminished once Gregg Williams took over as head coach last season.

‘The Bills didn’t disclose financial terms. The National Football League’s minimum salary for players with nine years of experience is $650,000.’

‘"I feel I played pretty good last year for being a rookie. But I’ve got to keep improving to keep that position," Schobel said, as the Bills continue training camp in suburban Rochester. "Six-and-a-half sacks is good for a rookie. But I need to improve. I need to try to get double digits."’