Archives for April 2005

‘"When my son was diagnosed, my wife said, ‘Jim, if there ever was a time to use your name, it is now,’ " Kelly recalled. "She said, ‘Let’s not hide behind this, let’s try to make a difference.’ "We already have."’

‘The Bills are keeping an eye on TE Mark Campbell’s recovery from reconstructive knee surgery that sidelined him for the last four games in 2004. He is several weeks into his rehabilitation, which is progressing so well the team believes he might be healthy enough to play early in training camp. The Bills are counting on Campbell’s return because he is expected to be a key part of the offense. He is a solid run blocker with the size (6-6, 255), strength and leverage to hold his own at the line of scrimmage. He’s also a good receiver who runs good routes, has strong hands and a knack for finding soft spots in the secondary. If healthy, he’ll be a solid receiving option for young QB J.P. Losman.’

‘Bledsoe combined a cannon arm, 12 years of experience and cement feet. He could not get the Bills into the playoffs. Losman has a cannon arm and a picture-perfect delivery, and he runs like a gazelle. His potential to create spectacular plays on the move will make the Bills’ offense look much different this fall. Scouts say he also has the toughness of a linebacker. We’ve heard that analogy before, and we like it.’

‘The signing of beefy ex-Baltimore Ravens guard Bennie Anderson on March 30 opened a world of lineup possibilities for the Bills after some key free agent losses. It also drove home the fact coach Mike Mularkey plans to continue building a power running game behind young star Willis McGahee.’

‘Whether Trey Teague is shifted to left tackle or remains at center, the Bills need to plan for the future and may lean toward taking a center in the draft.’

‘Plans are in full swing to shift DT Justin Bannan to offensive guard.’

‘The Bills and Sabres are in the right leagues in terms of salary caps, profit sharing and the potential to compete against large-market teams. The NFL has such a system and the NHL figures to whenever the owners and players decide to open shop again. Unfortunately for the dreamers, the Bills and Sabres have gone backward lately.’

‘If Henry wants to sit out the 2005 season, pass on earning his $1.25 million salary, and eventually become an unrestricted free agent, good luck, Donahoe said.’

‘Offensive tackle. Following the departure of Jonas Jennings, Mike Williams might switch to the left side. Either way, Mike Gandy isn’t the answer as a starter. The Bills need someone who can step in and play on the left or right side.’

‘”I think everything we went through last year is going to make us a better team. We overcame adversity. We went through a lot of things. (Starting 0-4) that would have been the perfect time for a team to tear apart because of all the hard work they put into it and not have success. But with our guys, there was never a time where I said, ‘We’re losing them.’ They hung in there. They stayed the course. They almost pulled off an unbelievable feat to be where they were at 3-6 and have a chance to be in the playoffs. It’s definitely something we can build on.” – Bills coach Mike Mularkey, speaking at the recent owners meeting in Hawaii.’

‘It’s known that the Bills want the Cardinals to give them Shelton and to switch draft places in the second round, 44th for the 55th spot. If Buffalo drops that demand, a deal can be consummated. Green was adamant about keeping his draft picks and keeping them where they are.’

‘"Everything is about timing and situations in this league," said Gomez. "I think I have a pretty good situation (in Buffalo) and basically I’m just looking for a chance to compete for a job. If there is anyway that I could help the team, whether it’s as a long snapper, on special teams, or as a tight end, that’s what I look to do."’

‘One source familiar with the talks said that while the Cardinals had originally been looking for something extra in addition to Henry in exchange for Shelton – as was pointed out by Buffalo general manager Tom Donahoe Wednesday during a national radio interview – that was no longer the case. Henry has one year left on his contract, but Green not only emphasized that wouldn’t be an impediment to getting a deal done, he said the Cards would want Henry to play out his deal before committing to a new contract. "We don’t really know his value," Green said. "If Travis did do a deal with us, he would not be satisfied with it. . . . We’d rather him prove he should get the big money."’

‘Carolina and Tampa Bay were among the teams interested in Anderson, but he said Buffalo was his first and only choice after visiting the team on March 18.’

‘The Tennessee State product started a total of 46 games for the Baltimore Ravens during the past four seasons, including 12 starts at right guard in 2004.’