Archives for June 2004

‘Changing head coaches plus half the starting lineup usually is a prescription for a rebuilding year. So that’s either very good news for Mularkey or the Bills are overestimating their roster.’

‘All that experience is something Teague has wanted to share with area high school players for several years. After much planning, he’s finally worked out dates for a football camp for linemen and tight ends on July 16-17 at USJ from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It’s called ”Trey Teague’s Trench Warriors” and is for linemen in grades 9 through 12.’

‘”We like all three guys,” offensive line coach Jim McNally said this week as the Bills wrapped up another three days of organized team activities. “They will get a chance to show what they can do.”‘

‘The Bills invited LaCarte, a three-year starter for the University of Pittsburgh, to a group tryout in mid-May. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder excelled during the 20-yard dashes with Buffalo offensive line coach Jim McNally supervising.’

‘"I don’t think I played with a better group of defensive players. You got some good talent there and that was really the main reason why I landed here in Buffalo."’

‘Bills offensive lineman Ross Tucker has a lower leg bruise as X-rays were negative. Tucker was hurt Thursday when he got in the middle of a bunch of players that went down on a running play.’

‘Jeff Posey did return to action from an ankle problem. Others watching with "assorted bumps and bruises" were Oliver Gibson, Chris Villarrial, Darryl Towns, Lawrence Richardson and Jerel Myers.’

‘"I just got hit in the side of the leg," Tucker said. "I felt like I could get up but I wasn’t able to right away. It’s not serious. We got X-rays and they were negative and I’m very happy."’

‘Koons ended his career with 33 straight starts at center and was the anchor of the offensive line, while Day was third on the team with 94 tackles. "I’m looking forward to getting going," said Koons. "It’s been a long road, but I’m glad to be in a camp. I’m just going to give it a good shot and see what happens."’

‘Undrafted rookie center Dan Koons signed with the Buffalo Bills on Friday.’

‘At the Zoo, the Bills will have an interactive area which will include: inflatable games, face painting, tattoos, and performances by the Buffalo Jills from 12:00 Noon – 3:00 PM. Also scheduled to appear are Buffalo Bills Mascot Billy Buffalo and Bills players including, Ryan Denney, Chris Kelsay and Ryan Neufeld, who will be on-hand signing autographs from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.’

‘Koons (6-4, 286) enters his professional career after staring 33 consecutive games for Louisville. One of the most consistent contributors for the Cardinals during his career, Koons anchored the line for a Louisville offense that ranked fifth in the nation in total offense and first in yards per rush in 2003.’

”’I don’t care, man, you know what I’m saying?” Spikes said later, when asked about the hit. ”I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. If one guy’s slacking, I’m going to do whatever it takes to pick him up.”’

‘Meanwhile, Reed will become the sixth member from the Bills’ teams that won four consecutive AFC championships over a decade ago to be inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. Reed set team records for most games played (221), receptions (941), receiving yards (13,095) and touchdowns (87) during his illustrious 15-year career in Buffalo.’

‘”I don’t care if you are a rookie or a veteran,” he said. “The top 11 guys are going to be the ones that are going to be playing on special teams. It’s obviously a very important part of football."’