Archives for June 2006

‘Nance had a monster year for the RedHawks in 2003 – with Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback – catching 90 balls for 1,498 yards and 11 touchdowns. He missed most of 2004 with an ACL injury to his left knee, but rebounded with another big year in 2005, catching 81 passes for 1,107 yards and 14 touchdowns from quarterback Josh Betts, whose family is from Lockport. Despite those numbers, Nance was passed over in the draft.’

‘However, Kelly did not like the way the team put J.P. Losman in and out of the lineup last year. It is clear he thinks that at some point this year Losman must be given the chance to show if he is the quarterback of the future. “The only thing that bothered me was last year I told them from the start: You’re no further along than you were a year ago. If you put J.P. in, keep him in. I love Kelly Holcomb to death, don’t get me wrong. I think he’s a good quarterback. But if you’re going to move up in the draft to pick in the first round, give him an opportunity to either do it or not do it. Troy Aikman is a good example. He went through some struggles. If he (Losman) is your quarterback, go with him for the full year and at least you’ll know. Now this year they still don’t know. You’re back to ground zero.”‘

‘What Losman must do once the Bills start playing games in August is to convince his skeptical veteran teammates that he can make them a better team. Not that the Bills are a Super Bowl contender, or even a playoff possibility. What this team needs to do is relocate its respectability.’

‘”Whatever your scheme is, if you’re disciplined enough in your coaching of it … and you’ve got players that are good enough, you’re going to win,” he said.’

‘Now you can receive Bills Digest on your computer screen at your home or office on the Monday of each publication week. For a limited time you can view our latest issue free…’

‘This year’s camp also marks the return of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy to the Bills, this time as general manager, replacing the fired Tom Donahoe. "It’s a great spot," said Levy, who has watched previous Bills teams practice at St. John Fisher. "I enjoyed it when we were in Fredonia (at Fredonia State College), but times change. Everybody is marketing more. I hope it doesn’t get like NASCAR.""

‘Some people in the organization believe QB J.P. Losman has benefited from having to win the starting job instead of having it handed to him like last year. The team is pleased to see him respond to the challenge of trying to beat out Kelly Holcomb and Craig Nall. Losman is working much harder, throwing the ball with accuracy and has shown more maturity than he displayed last season. His decision making still needs to be more consistent, but he could win the starting job in training camp if he continues to improve and finds a comfort zone in the new offense.’

‘Anderson was scheduled to make $1.5 million in base salary and an additional $500,000 in bonus money this year. By releasing him, the Bills take a salary cap hit of $1 million, but save $1 million.’

‘”Martin is the tallest receiver we have here at 6-4,” Tolbert said. “The thing is just because you’re tall doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to make those plays. You still have to make those plays. But there are some things you can do with him, especially in the red zone, where his height can be an advantage for him. He’s got a lot of potential. That’s why he’s here.”‘

‘Exact practice times are yet to be finalized and are subject to change. The annual parade through the village of Pittsford is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 29, between practices.’

‘A bit undersized for the middle, Watson could not hang onto the starting job with the Saints and went on injured reserve late last season with a torn knee ligament. The Bills are hoping he’s a good fit for their Tampa Bay defense, which puts a premium on speed and running to the ball.’

‘Meanwhile, the Bills were forced to pick up another quarterback for training camp after injuries playing in NFL Europe sidelined Craig Ochs and Tory Woodbury.’

‘The Bills, who wrapped up three weeks of voluntary organized team activities, will conduct a three-day mandatory camp June 12-14.’

‘Information regarding ticket distribution for the night practices will be released by the team at a later date.’

‘The Bills were unhappy with the five year NFL veteran’s play last season and attempted to replace him midway through the season with tackle Mike Williams before Williams sustained a season-ending back injury.’