Archives for July 18, 2006

‘The bottom line is Jauron and his staff has made the backup job one that will be hotly contested. Thomas is likely the favorite going in because he is proven and his best seasons took place right in front of Jauron’s eyes. But Buffalo’s head coach is known for being open-minded so everyone will have an opportunity to impress.’

‘”They should know better than to underestimate a man who took over a Bills team that had won a total of eight games from 1984 to ’86 and turned it into a team that reached five AFC title games, winning four conference crowns.”‘

‘A two-year starter at Oregon State, Ellison finished second on the team with 99 tackles in 2005. He began his college career as a safety at San Diego State and transferred to El Camino (Calif.) Junior College for his sophomore year before joining the Beavers.’

‘Despite missing the playoffs for six consecutive seasons, the Bills continue to be a hot ticket. The team has sold out 23 of its last 24 home games, and last year every game sold out in time to beat the local TV blackout. It was only the fourth time in the team’s history that had occurred since the NFL put the rule into effect in 1973.’

‘Because Posey isn’t the kind of playmaker the Bills need to complete a great triumvirate at linebacker, the door should be opened for Crowell.’

‘Several members of the Pats’ faithful, with whom I’ve become friends over the years, offered me the same thought last week. They couldn’t wait for 9 a.m. this past Saturday. That’s when they were going to go on the Buffalo Bills’ web site and try to buy tickets for the Pats’ game, Oct. 22, at “The Ralph.”‘