Archives for January 2006

‘Seeing people like Levy, who coached the Bills to four straight Super Bowl appearances when he was in his 60s, return as the club’s new general manager sends a powerful message about employing older workers.’

‘Craig Ochs, who quarterbacked the University of Montana to the 2004 Division I-AA title game, has signed a 2-year contract with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL, agent Ken Staninger announced. Staninger, of Missoula, said Ochs visited Buffalo late last week and that the paperwork on the contract came through Tuesday.’

‘”I about got ran out of town my first year and to be at this point is amazing,” Moorman said upon learning he made the Pro Bowl.’

‘Out of those five worthy candidates to become the Bills’ offensive coordinator, Wyche and Turner are probably the likeliest. McDaniels still might be considered too young, Zorn loves Seattle and it may take an awful lot for him to head cross-country to Buffalo, and Heimerdinger might command more money than Wilson is willing to pay for an assistant coach. Any one of these men would almost certainly do a better job than Clements and Mularkey did calling the plays for the Bills’ offense in 2005.’

‘I knew, though, as I watched “the Golden Boys” that there were going to be other Bills fans suddenly overcome by the de facto ageism that rules us – and not just because of the unavoidable fact that both the owner and his Hall of Fame employee are of an age when time often insists on having its way with the human body, even if you’re running 15 miles a week and have enough money, fame and power to insure yourself the best medical oversight in the world.’

‘The Buffalo Bills plan to talk to Atlanta Falcons assistant coach Brett Maxie about being their new defensive coordinator.’

‘”I look forward to getting to know (Levy) in person. He’s a legend. That’s exciting.” And, he said, he thinks the future is exciting for the Bills. “There’s going to be a lot of new faces around the facility,” he added. “And that’s not always a bad thing.”‘

‘Hit the treadmill.’

‘”However, I just don’t feel we’ve made enough progress in the last five years. I take responsibility of this organization, and if there are any bullets to be fired, they should be fired at me. However, in Tom’s leaving, it’s my feeling that we need a fresh start. I think we have a good future, but I do think we need a fresh start, and that’s why this change is being made.”‘

‘The Bills will select eighth overall, their highest pick since drafting fourth overall in 2002. Rebuilding both lines is priority one. The Bills averaged 100.7 yards rushing and allowed 137.8 while finishing 30th in red-zone offense and 32nd in red-zone defense.’

‘The Bills’ 2006 schedule has been finalized. In addition to their home and away games against AFC East rivals New England, Miami and the New York Jets, Buffalo hosts Jacksonville, Tennessee, San Diego, Green Bay and Minnesota and plays at Houston, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Chicago and Detroit.’

‘Here, then, are a few sensible steps out of the Donahoe Swamp…’.

‘"Meyer would like to thank the fans for participating and Trey Teague for his outstanding play on the field. We are proud of our relationship with the Buffalo Bills," said Pete Robison, Director of Marketing for Meyer Products.’

‘The future of the Buffalo Bills appears to be bright as many of the

team’s young players are expected to burst to the fore in 2006. The

team will undoubtedly face numerous growing pains but head coach Mike

Mularkey has full support from new GM Marv Levy. The team will be

built upon character players and should be interesting to watch next

season. Expect Levy to do his best through the draft and free

agency to bring in the best team-oriented players available to ensure

success for the Bills.’

‘Saying “I’m sorry” to his customers was a smart marketing move by Wilson. Re-energizing the team’s football operations is his next big task, but it may not be the most challenging one. No, the toughest job at One Bills Drive may belong to Russ Brandon, the team’s vice president of business development and marketing, and the man presumed to be in line to play a larger role in the team’s adminstrative operations. It will likely be Brandon’s job to sell Western New Yorkers yet again on a product that, frankly, is battered. He’s sold it before; can he sell it again? Let’s hope so. The future of the franchise may depend on it.’