Archives for August 31, 2006

‘He was in a class apart when compared with other Bills coaches. The ineffective Kay Stephenson just couldn’t win. Ditto for the boorish Hank Bullough, who was also a public relations nightmare. And don’t forget Wade “Bucky” Phillips. Phillips did have a bit of success, attributed solely to his inability to keep quarterback Doug Flutie off the field.’

‘”Our starters played a lot last week, and we’ve got to look at a lot of other guys in this final game,” Jauron said. “Some [roster battles] are really tight so this game will make a difference. That’s why we need to look at a number of them a lot longer. Those decisions will be difficult.”‘

‘While Losman and the rest of the first-unit starters will barely break a sweat, the backups will be playing for keeps with many roster positions and roles still undetermined. The Bills still must cut 22 players by 4 p.m. Saturday and picking the final dozen or so players on the final 53-man roster will be extremely challenging, coach Dick Jauron said.’

‘For Wilson, the decision to hire Levy was in part out of necessity after Donahoe went through two coaches and failed to earn a playoff berth, the team going 31-49 during his five-year tenure. It was also a move that oozed symbolism.’

‘The Buffalo Bills announced they have released quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, formerly of New Braunfels and Texas Tech.’

‘Buffalo traded its second- and third-round picks in this past April’s draft to move into the first round to grab McCargo. The 6-foot-2, 301-pounder from North Carolina State has the size and speed ideal for the Bills’ “Tampa 2” defense, but the DT hasn’t necessarily made his presence felt just yet. In fact, he’s been upstaged by fifth round tackle Kyle Williams, who has made a big push for a starting role opposite impressive four-year veteran Larry Tripplett.’

‘Kelly Holcomb (5-of-9, 44 yards, 1 INT) and Craig Nall (13-of-23, 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) are both expected to see time in relief of Losman, with Jauron indicating earlier in the week that Nall could garner the most extensive reps of the three QBs in the contest.’

‘But, hey, the Bills will compete — with the Jets, for third place.’