Archives for August 2006

‘”The first few years he would make three or four great catches and then drop the next one,” wide receiver coach Tyke Tolbert said. “This year in training camp he’s catching the ball consistently.”‘

‘Quarterback Craig Nall, still hampered by a hamstring injury, ran during practice and threw passes to Alex Van Pelt, the team’s offensive quality control coach. Nall said he hopes to return to practice on Monday and play in next Friday’s game against Cincinnati.’

‘”It’s hard to describe,” said running back Anthony Thomas when asked how hungry he is to extend his career to a sixth season. “I still have a love for the game, and I’m trying to do my best and play my hardest out here. As long as I can compete and have fun, I’ll stay out here as long as I can.”‘

‘”It’s seniority,” said Jauron, who said Losman would probably get the start next week at home against Cincinnati. “There’s no need to read anything else into it. Both will get a good deal of playing time; it just depends on how the game goes. We’re excited to get going.”‘

‘”It’s nice to be back in New York and with the only true New York team,” Davis said, since the Jets and Giants play in New Jersey. “But the most important thing is to be going to a team that wants you.”‘

‘The team’s lack of success has done little to slow the rush to the box office. The Bills sold 47,246 season tickets last year, the highest in more than a decade, and although the team went 5-11 last year and lost six of its last seven games, front office staff members said they’re only expecting a five percent drop-off this season. The team’s first four games are virtual sellouts.’

‘The number one question surrounding the Bills since the end of last season has come to rest, kind of.’

‘Offensively, the Bills should be in real trouble.’

‘(on missing reps) Its very tough, not just missing the reps, but those guys are getting extra reps. But at the same time, I’m getting those reps too, standing back here watching when they make mistakes, I try to learn from that. Just staying attentive and taking all the mental reps.’

‘(on mistakes that have been made in the offense) Those things are just going to happen, especially the first year you put an offense in and especially the first few weeks and that’s what the preseason is for. We get four weeks to critique it and try to master everything.’

‘On what the decision was based on to start Kelly: Age… seniority. There’s no need to read anything else into it really. I think they’ll both get a good deal of playing time. You know how that is. It depends on how the game goes. We’re excited about playing.’

‘”If all you gave us to do was kick field goals, we’d show up on August 25,” Lindell said. “It’d be great to be out there, kicking field goals all day long and being on the field. But after a little while my leg would fall off. You’ve got be smart about it.”‘

‘Ellison was drafted in the sixth round (178th overall) of April’s NFL Draft. He comes into a new defensive scheme in Buffalo, coordinator Perry Fewell’s version of the Tampa-2. None of Ellison’s teammates have played in Fewell’s system, something that may be an advantage for rookies. “I think it’s going to help me some,” Ellison said of all players learning the scheme together. “I’m not coming into a system where guys have been playing it for four or five years straight."’

‘The Bills aren’t sure if safety Donte Whitner will play as well. Safety Coy Wire and defensive lineman Lauvale Sape are questionable for Saturday night. Both players sat out of Thursday night’s practice with back injuries.’