Archives for March 2005

‘Having just watched his defensive line coach put six NFL draft hopefuls through something that from now on should simply be called “The Krumrie Drill,” Buffalo Bills coach Mike Mularkey found himself wondering if maybe 44-year-old Tim Krumrie should still be playing the position instead of coaching it.’

‘Former UW All-American defensive tackle Tim Krumrie, the defensive line coach of the Buffalo Bills, tested the strength and staying power of six former UW defensive linemen with a personalized drill. Krumrie and each player stood upright, face to face, and basically engaged in several minutes of hand-to-hand combat. Krumrie’s goal is to measure the character and fight of each player.’

‘The highlight of the afternoon for James and the ’04 UW defensive line came when Buffalo Bills defensive line coach Tim Krumrie sparred with the six recruits while decked out in jeans and cowboy boots.’

‘His talent was so evident that when he went to a UCLA football camp he was immediately offered a scholarship. But he didn’t stay long. There were reports that Bruin coaches thought his footwork was poor, and other reports that he wanted to operate from a shotgun formation where his running ability would be maximized. In any case, Coach Bob Toledo believed a freshman should wait his turn. Cory Paus was the starter. Soon Losman decided to leave and the only schools he considered were ones who used the shotgun — Purdue, San Diego State and Tulane.’

‘The NFL’s free agency season is only a week old and already the Buffalo Bills’ roster has changed by some 15 percent.’

‘So I didn’t expect much from Losman. Thirty-six minutes later, however, I couldn’t recall a better public presentation by a Buffalo Bill. Losman’s ability to convey his story and connect with the kids was unrivaled — better than Doug Flutie, Drew Bledsoe, and Jim Kelly.’

‘The group plans to hold its first event on Saturday, April 2, 2005 in the Bills Fieldhouse at Ralph Wilson Stadium from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.’

‘I would argue that a significant part of the Bills strategy has to do with New England’s success. The Patriots have done an unbelievable job at remaining patient during free agency. They look for the bargains and not the big names. The Pats do their shopping at the outlet malls, where the quality is just as good, but the prices are marked down considerably.’

‘A former NFL head coach and a current NFL assistant coach are among the four candidates who have been invited to participate in on-campus interviews for the Northern State head football coaching position. Northern State athletic director Bob Olson announced Tuesday that former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jerry Glanville, current Buffalo Bills special assistant coach Paul McCord, current Northwestern College (Iowa) offensive coordinator Kyle Achterhoff and current Nebraska-Omaha offensive coordinator Lance Leipold will be in Aberdeen interviewing next week.’

‘Wyche’s presence was a factor in Holcomb’s decision to join Buffalo. "He’s still the same old Sam," said Holcomb, a native of Tennessee. "He enjoys life. There’s no question about that. I felt comfortable with those guys."’

‘”I’ve been through it a couple times,” said Holcomb, who spoke with reporters at Ralph Wilson Stadium. “You have to understand what the situation is. I know what the situation is. He (Losman) is a young guy and they brought him in here to be THE guy. I have to help him as much as I can. I told the people in Cleveland and I’ll say it here, it’s all about winning football games.”‘

‘But there is one attribute the sophomore pivot already does share with Kelly. Some call it confidence, others cockiness.’

‘He is a classic late round find.’

”’I don’t see myself as having an ego,” Holcomb said. ”I know what the situation is. He’s a young guy and they brought him here to be the guy. I’ve got to help him as much as I can.”’

‘”The organization is great,” said DeMulling. “Everything I’ve seen from them [shows] they are great people. Going back to the Colts, that’s all I’ve known so far. Their front office reminds me a lot of the Colts and the way they bring in people and who they bring in.”‘