Archives for August 2006

‘”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.’

‘On his physical condition: I think I’m right where I need to be at this point in training camp. Progression is going good, the strength is coming back, so I can’t ask for much more. Just continue to be consistent, stay in the playbook and when the time is right just make sure I’ll be out there and ready mentally.’

‘"I think he’s probably ready but we’re going to address it as we get closer," Jauron said, referring to game time. "We’ve got to get him in a game before we open up because we all know the game’s very different. So we’ll just have to see how he feels tomorrow and go from there. But it’s a possibility."’

‘The Job is still J.P. Losman’s to lose, but Craig Nall will get the bulk of the play calling as Losman’s backup against the Cleveland Browns Saturday. Kelly Holcomb is not scheduled to play. "I’m still looking at myself as having a chance at the starting job, but if I don’t make that hopefully I’ll be number two and be active for every game hopefully and have a chance if something happens, to get to go in there and get a little playing time", Craig Nall said.’

‘On Takeo being the same player he was before: I think every day he gets more and more to being where he was pre injury, and you can see it in some of his breaks and the plays that he’s making out here on the football field. It’s just how he’s attacking things, and I think he’s definitely headed in the right direction.’

‘"I think he’s probably ready, but we’re going to address it as we get closer," said Jauron. "Physically he’s probably ready."’