Archives for August 23, 2006

‘Odom is familiar with Buffalo’s new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, who coached Bears defensive backs last year.’

‘Odoms ranked fourth on the Bears in special teams tackles with 13. Odoms was the first rookie linebacker to lead Chicago in tackles – in his first career start – since Brian Urlacher did it in the 2000 season.’

‘The Bills continued to make moves with their linebacking corps. After releasing veteran Jeff Posey and waiving Courtney Watson, Buffalo signed former Chicago linebacker Joe Odom off waivers Wednesday.’

‘”I’m a little reluctant to give the details because I haven’t talked to him about it, but there’s a couple of services that they’re going to have and he may not be back for a week,” Jauron said. “That’s a long time, but clearly we’ve got to support him and do what’s in his best interests and then get him back here as quick as we can.”’

‘Thomas, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound six-year veteran is in an arduous battle at running back with Lionel Gates, Shaud Williams, Joe Burns and Fred Jackson. Yet trying to figure out who’s in the lead and who’s on the bubble is anyone’s guess, even with two preseason games remaining. Each brings a different element to the Bills running game that’s desperate for production behind McGahee.’

‘”Wendell has done a nice job,” coach Dick Jauron said. “He’s a tough guy and a hustler. He knows what he’s doing and he studies it, so he deserved a chance and he stepped up and did a pretty good job. We’ll keep moving forward there and see where it goes.”‘

‘”I wanted to go back to school, but I couldn’t because the semester had already started, so I had to do what I had to do,” he said. “But that wasn’t me. Now when I go back to Houston, I just pass by the dealership and think about it. It keeps me motivated because I never want to go back to doing that again.”‘

‘Judging by Spikes’ body language and enthusiasm during practice this week, it’s a very strong one. “I’m excited,” said Spikes, who stopped short of committing himself to playing against the Browns. “Stay tuned.”‘

‘”First of all, forget the draft gurus,” said McCargo’s agent, Hadley Engelhard. “Every player personnel director or general manager will tell you John was rated the second or third (best) defensive tackle in this draft.”‘

‘The Bills’ special teams unit has ranked No. 1 in the league the last two seasons. Moorman has been a big part of that, as he has a career gross punting average of 43.4 yards.’

‘Now, Joe Ferguson is cancer free. He’s gained back the 40 pounds he lost during cancer treatments. His hair has grown back and he’s working out, trying to regain his strength. “I really feel good,” Ferguson said while lifting weights.’

‘Although Cribbs has never been to Ralph Wilson Stadium, it’s still a home of sorts to him. He knows all about it. His father’s first cousin is Joe Cribbs, one of the greatest running backs in Bills history.’

‘Undoubtedly, Saturday will be a telling day for both Nall and Holcomb. Losman, who probably will end up being the starter come opening day, has less to worry about, as long as he doesn’t perform horribly.’

‘On Spikes: We’re trying to give Takeo more reps. He is well over 20 reps per practice. He’s getting a little more physical and a lot more confident. We need to start getting him ready. I think he’s probably ready, but we’re going to address this as we go along. We’ve had to hold him back. He’s wanted to get out a little in front of the original pace we set. We have to get him in a game before we open up.’

‘With Bowen likely out for Saturday’s game against Cleveland it appears that Coy Wire, Donte Whitner and Jim Leonhard will get all the snaps at strong safety this weekend.’