Archives for May 27, 2006

‘In part two of our two-part series on some of Buffalo’s newest offensive linemen we get a better handle on a couple of players in Matt Morgan and Jason Thomas, who have spent some time in the league, but have limited experience on Sundays.’

‘The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Michigan product is hoping the reunion with new Bills coach Dick Jauron, who led the Bears from 1999-2003, turns things around. "When you feel comfortable with somebody and what they are doing, you’re going to go out and give your all for him," Thomas said of his old/new boss. "He’s a player’s coach and a guy that you do anything for. He listens to you, and he knows everything about you."’

‘It’s difficult to tell how close the 6-foot-6 Williams is to achieving his first goal. He won’t reveal his current weight but said that working out in the heat and humidity of Jacksonville instead of snowy Buffalo should help him reach 340. If that happens, Williams vows that fans will see a more energetic player than the one who was frequently criticized for being too sluggish in Buffalo. "Anytime you get lighter, it’s going to help your play," Williams said. "I know how to play at 370 [pounds], but I can be a lot better at 340."’

‘The sessions were voluntary, but one would think that players on a less-than-average NFL team would want to impress a new general manager and coaching staff and get a head start on learning a new system.’

‘Fletcher liked playing with veteran SS Lawyer Milloy the past three years, but he also had to concede that Milloy’s dwindling speed hurt the Bills from a scheme standpoint. Having a strong safety that played mostly in the box, unable to get back in coverage, limited Buffalo’s ability to disguise coverage.’

‘The Bills desperately need to involve their tight end situation again, and Cieslak is a player to watch heading into the summer, though it would appear Royal and Everett, if he can bounce back from ACL surgery, have better size and skill to nail down the top two spots.’

‘The Bills were elated to land defensive backs Ashton Youboty in Round 3 and Ko Simpson in Round 4. Each could have been picked in the first or second round and critics wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow. Why did they fall? "Maybe we’re just smarter than everybody else," Bills scout Joe Haering said with laugh.’