Archives for July 2006

‘It’s ultimately up to those younger players to perform if they want to prove they deserve some playing time as well, but the names mentioned below stand a good chance of getting a bit more recognition in 2006.’

‘Overall, the Bills were a lazy team and an on-the-ball coaching staff could have milked at least two more wins out of this group. With losses in eight of the final 10 games, the Bills finished 2005 the exact opposite way they finished 2004.’

‘With the season on its way, it’s a good time to wonder which key members of the Bills have the most to lose in the month-plus dance known as training camp and preseason.’

‘”I don’t foresee any problems but camp is only 48 hours away,” Hadley Engelhard, McCargo’s Georgia-based agent said Wednesday. “We’re cautiously optimistic things will happen in a timely fashion.”‘

‘The camp is free and open to the public. But tickets, which are free, are required for the eight evening practices. A limit of six tickets per practice are available to fans at www.buffalobills.com, www.ticketmaster.com or from any local Ticketmaster location.’

‘Homola and her groom, Josh Pies, both 25, of Irondequoit, had planned a 1:30 p.m. wedding at Christ Episcopal Church on South Main Street in Pittsford. It wasn’t until they saw an article in the newspaper Monday night about the rally that they learned the street in front of the church would be closed; parking for their guests could be a problem. So on Tuesday they decided to move the wedding outside to Mendon Country Club, where their reception had been planned.’

‘So last December, when Levy – then 80 – and his wife Fran walked into their 15th-floor Chicago apartment late on the evening after Christmas, they had no reason to think anything special of the awaiting message from Bills owner Ralph Wilson. “Marv, I’m going to make some changes,” Wilson said on the Levys’ answering machine. “Give me a call when you can.”‘

‘Friday is a good day for fans to visit camp. Pittsford hosts a summer concert series on those nights. Shows are held at the Port of Pittsford Park at 22 N. Main St. Country act Blue Sky plays from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, while Jon Sieger & the All Stars take the stage at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 4 and the Pittsford Firemen’s Band plays at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 11.’

‘Our pick: Losman – The young homeowner has the most physical talent and chemistry with No. 1 receiver Lee Evans.’

‘There is no public parking on the St. John Fisher College campus. Fans can use public parking lots at either East Rochester High School or Nazareth College. The lot at East Rochester High School will be closed Friday and Saturday.’

‘Levy was quick to point out that the team has yet to determine who the QB will be but pointed out that the decision will be made early enough to help make the team successful.’

‘Nate Clements – Clements’ playmaking ability dipped last year as he went from six picks in ’04 to a career low two in 2005. He must reclaim his status as a top corner in 2006, and return to his six-interception form of two years ago.’

‘The situation in Buffalo is, first of all, I love coaching, and it’s an opportunity to be a head coach again. And it’s with people I know a little bit, not a lot. I knew Mr. Wilson (Bills owner Ralph Wilson) a little bit. I had interviewed with him once before and hadn’t gotten the job. I knew Marv (general manager Marv Levy) hardly at all. We figured we’d probably spoken to each other for a total of five minutes in our lives before the interview process. But I think the world of both of them, for obvious reasons. Ralph built that thing, stuck with it, is loyal, loves the Bills. And Marv is a Hall of Famer and a high, high-character guy.’

‘Jauron’s approach in his first season is different from his two predecessors, Gregg Williams and Mike Mularkey, both of whom struck a more arduous tone their first seasons. Williams had 14 two-a-days his first year and Mularkey had 11. By Williams’ third year, he had cut back to three. Mularkey had six last season.’

The Bills and Jets have too many major questions to answer, while adjusting to coaching changes, to be a factor for the division crown or a playoff spot.’