Archives for January 2007

‘"Yeah, you definitely think about it," said Spikes. "It took less than a week for me to even think about it. I thought about that earlier in the year and that’s being realistic. That’s how this game goes. It’s the nature of the business."’

‘The Bills need to find an impact defensive tackle to make their run defense more sturdy. They are very likely to lose middle linebacker London Fletcher, whose contract is up. They are expected to try to re-sign starting defensive end Chris Kelsay, but his contract also is up. They need to make a decision on whether they think Takeo Spikes can regain his form at outside linebacker. In the secondary, they are virtually certain to lose cornerback Nate Clements, who is poised to strike it rich in free agency.’

‘How do you preach character and justify keeping this sort of lowlife on your team?’

‘When Tindale graduated from Western, he signed with the Buffalo Bills. He played three seasons in Buffalo, playing on special teams, returning kickoffs, carrying the ball 19 times for 65 yards and catching five passes for 104 yards. In a 1995 playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, Tindale scored on a 44-yard touchdown run. But knee injuries would prevent him from fulfilling the promise he showed, something he found difficult to deal with. He started a business which built custom log homes.’

‘Ultimately, what the Bills will probably end up doing is force McGahee to earn any kind of high-end future money. He certainly doesn’t deserve any right now; if he elects to hold out this summer for a larger deal, the team should let him. Truthfully, he isn’t worth the trouble.’

‘Last season, 10 rookies started or saw action in at least one game for Buffalo, making it easily one of the most productive first-year classes in club history. While the Bills, a team coming off a 5-11 season and undergoing a front office and coaching staff overhaul, presented a lot of job opportunity, nobody could’ve anticipated this many newcomers making this kind of impact.’

‘The Bills have the salary cap room (a projected $35 million) but with many needs to fill, they will be careful not to tie too much money up into one or two players.’

‘”I don’t think it has really set in yet. I’m hoping to be back here, obviously, I’ve spent the last four years here. I’d like to play my entire career here, if possible, but I’m definitely going to see what’s out there. I’d be stupid not to.” — DE Chris Kelsay, an impending unrestricted free agent, talking about his future.’

‘”Aside from finishing 7-9, it’s been a lot of fun for a rookie year,” said Ellison. “Just getting the playing time made it that much more exciting.”‘

‘It’s odd that just nine months ago, many league insiders, fans and columnists were poking fun at Levy and Co. for having a poor draft. Ultimately, though, a book can never be judged by its cover. Once given a chance, the Bills found that at least three of their rookies from last year’s class will be starters in 2007.’

‘A bigger question is what the team will do about the right side. RG Duke Preston fared pretty well and rookie RT Terrance Pennington held his own after becoming a starter in Week 8. But the line could use another dominant player besides Peters. The Bills need to add a player at one of those two spots, be it a free agent or a draft pick.’

‘Reed played in four Super Bowls, but Buffalo lost them all. Irvin played in three Super Bowls, and Dallas won them all. That plus for Irvin should be offset by Reed’s advantage in versatility and volume of catches and yards receiving. Irvin’s problems off the field are not an issue. Unlike baseball’s Hall of Fame voters, who are instructed to consider character in their deliberations, Pro Football Hall of Fame voters are instructed to judge only on-field performance. They call it “The Lawrence Taylor Rule” in honor of former New York Giants linebacker and cocaine abuser Lawrence Taylor.’

‘The report also states that it is possible that the Buffalo Bills could play against the Dolphins instead of the Giants, but that scenario is unlikely because the Giants are a higher profile team.’

‘Schumer said his intent is to communicate the importance of the Bills to the economy, as well as the culture, of the region. The Bills “are an important part of the fiber as well as the economics of the community,” said Geiger, adding, “We are very proud of our NFL team.”‘

‘"He is a raw, athletic young receiver that has flown under the radar since finishing up at Dubuque after the 2005 season, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do," Bills scout Kevin Meganck said. "We had him up for a workout this past (August) and he showed adequate speed, as well as good route-running ability and hands."’