Archives for July 2006

‘Shaw is 37 years removed from his career as a left guard for the Buffalo Bills. He looks younger and is more fit than when he finally donned the yellow sports coat for his Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1999. Yet, people recognize him.’

‘The Bills defense, which ranked No. 2 in overall yards allowed in the NFL for two years running and in 2004 led the league in takeaways, crashed to a 29th ranking a year ago. There were statistical drops in a dozen categories — the Bills ranked 31st against the run and dead last in red zone defense.’

‘”I talked to the coaches during the off-season and they’ve assured me this defense is very simple,” Clements said. “I feel with my ability I can fit into any scheme. I’m not limited to cover 2 or zone, I feel I can play it all. Cover one, fire zone, blitz, whatever.”‘

‘Jauron continues to insist he doesn’t have any buyer’s remorse when it comes to the draft. The Bills passed over former Heisman Trophy winning QB Matt Leinart for Ohio State SS Donte Whitner with the No. 8 overall pick. Jauron said the team is content to stage a three-way battle for its starting quarterback between J.P. Losman, Kelly Holcomb and Craig Nall. “We went into it (the draft) feeling like we have our guy here and he has to surface from these three,” Jauron said. “It’s going to be a battle, it’s going to be a contest. They’ll compete. Hopefully they’ll push each other. One will elevate his play and he’ll play to the level we need from the quarterback for us to have a chance to win.”‘

‘Rookie SS Donte Whitner will get every opportunity to win a starting job. He didn’t attend most of the offseason workouts because Ohio State hadn’t completed exams, but Whitner already has a good grasp of the defense because of his great study habits.’

‘The practices, which all begin at 7 p.m., are scheduled for Aug. 3, 8, and 10. Tickets are free at western and central New York Ticketmaster locations.’

‘”There’s no reason to be nervous,” he said. “I talked to Troy Vincent, Nate Clements, London Fletcher and others who were in the position I’m in now. They tell me to just come in and learn the defense and eventually you’ll be out there so there’s no reason to worry. I feel like I’ll really be ready to play.”‘

‘The native of Compton, Calif., had 127 knockdowns over the last two seasons and helped New Mexico finish 22nd in the nation in rushing (200 yards per game).’

‘Tickets will be available starting July 19 for the first three public night practices the Buffalo Bills will hold at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford.’

‘Night practices have gained popularity in recent years with the Bills, namely because of strong attendance. It gives fans who work during the day an opportunity to come to camp.’

‘The first three night workouts are Aug. 3, 8 and 10. The second three are Aug. 14, 21 and 23. All start at 7 p.m.’

‘All practices start at 7 pm and tickets for all night practices are free.’

‘The Buffalo Bills announced that tickets for the first three public night practices during the Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp at St. John Fisher College in Rochester will be available on Wednesday, July 19th. Tickets for the final three public night practices will be available on August 2nd.’

‘It’s clear all three are motivated to land the number-two role. The difference with Price is he has experienced what it’s like to be a big-time number two receiver and misses what it feels like. To have had it and then lose it may make him the hungriest of the trio. "I’m motivated," said Price. "I’m not going to sit here and say I don’t want to be a starter. That’s what I’ve wanted to be and that’s what I’m going to fight to be."’

‘Pennington had 27 starts in 40 career games at New Mexico and, last season, helped the team finish 22nd in the nation with an average 200 yards rushing per game. The native of Compton, Calif., became the first of Buffalo’s nine 2006 draft picks to sign with the team.’