Archives for August 2006

‘Too bad this team doesn’t gain more exposure. Maybe then someone would notice how good special teams coordinator Bobby April is.’

‘”Last year was a perfect environment for a learning season as a rookie and just as a running back, period,” he said after practice last week. “Coach [Eric] Studesville got me a lot of reps on the scout team, and I got some reps with the first and second teams in practice. It was just a great learning experience for me, and I think the results are showing up this season.”‘

‘Buffalo Bills fans may have to wait until October or later to learn whether negotiations among league owners on revenue sharing will be resolved so that the future of the 46-year-old franchise is secured.’

‘By retaining Lester at Levy’s recommendation, new coach Dick Jauron inherited a walking encyclopedia about the Bills organization.’

‘”There’s a uniqueness to it,” said Trent Gavazzi, Try-It Distributing Co. Inc. senior vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s a fun place to hold a meeting. There’s a certain thrill to being in the stadium or fieldhouse.”‘

‘If Whitner can’t crack the starting lineup, then it’s generally felt he wasn’t worth the eighth overall pick in the draft or getting paid about $13.5 million in guaranteed money over five years. The total package could be worth as much as $29 million, making it the second biggest for a rookie in Bills’ history.’

‘Shelton, like most everybody on Buffalo’s 2005 roster, had an off year and new coach Dick Jauron is big on players having to compete for their jobs. Clearly, Ricard raises the bar for Shelton, who had no real threat behind him on the depth chart.’

‘In hopes of developing some offensive line depth, the Bills are moving people around. Tackles Aaron Gibson and Greg Jerman, two veteran tackles, have been moved to guard, allowing Dylan McFarland and Matt Morgan, two younger players to get more repetitions at tackle.’

‘Former Bills general manager Tom Donahoe signed the athletically gifted Peters in 2004, not knowing where the coaching staff would install the 6-foot-4, 328-pounder. Buffalo’s ex-coaching staff, led by head man Mike Mularkey, bounced the 24-year-old between offensive line, tight end and special teams. Finally, Mularkey and offensive line coach Jim McNally placed Peters at right tackle, and that has since turned into a terrific decision.’

‘"I’m excited because I get to come back to the true form of a tight end. That’s all I’ve wanted to do since I’ve been in the league," Royal said following a recent practice at St. John Fisher College. "I don’t mind doing whatever it takes. If I have to go out there and block all day for Willis [McGahee], whatever it takes to get this team in the right direction, I’m all for it. But it’s always a great thrill for a tight end to go out and catch a ball."’

‘"We’re going to go back to Buffalo and have some barbecue – eat some food we don’t normally get to eat at camp," – Bills tight end Robert Royal on his plans for the team’s day off today.’

‘The full value of Whitner’s deal was not available but it’s believed to be worth in excess of $13 million in guaranteed money. It will be the second-richest rookie contract in Bills history, behind only the blockbuster contract given to tackle Mike Williams, the fourth overall pick in 2002.’

‘”When you ask me about my success on the field I’m going to tell you where my success comes from – it comes from Jesus Christ and his grace and his mercy,” Fletcher added. “It’s just me taking advantage of the opportunities he’s given me.”‘

‘”I feel I’m behind a little bit, but I’ll be meeting with my position coach today and tomorrow and learning the things (I’ve missed),” Whitner said Saturday after signing a multi-year contract to end an eight-day holdout. “I’ll come out Monday ready to go.”‘

‘”If they’re smart, they know it’s another opportunity for them to show what they have,” coach Dick Jauron said of the first full-speed contact activity of camp. “Let’s face it: Time is limited. They’re not on scholarship any more, they have to show something real fast that we can hang our hats on in a personnel meeting.”‘