Archives for February 7, 2007

‘"Not many guys talk about it, but Thurman had a tremendous presence in our locker room," Ostroski said. "He just had a ton of pride. He set the tone for our team. He was one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around and a tremendous competitor. When guys talk about running backs they talk about running the football. But Thurman was a tremendous pass catcher, maybe more dangerous as a receiver than a runner. And there was no one better at picking up the blitz than Thurman. As an offensive lineman, I had a special appreciation for the kind of player he was because he did it all. He was an unbelievable blocker on top of everything else he did."’

‘Coach Belichick seems to be having a great time. He even told me last night he was glad to have me on his side for once, so that was pretty cool. You can tell he wants to win the game though, but who doesn’t want to win? You’d expect that. He was ribbing Kaeding about the kick he missed that helped the Patriots win in the playoffs, so he has a good sense of humor.’

‘"No, I didn’t call any of those trick plays," said Kugler, who was introduced Tuesday as the Bills’ new assistant offensive line coach. "It’s funny, because Boise State is kind of a blue-collar program. The kids are real tough and they work hard. But they’ll always be remembered for those trick plays."’

‘”And getting a chance to work again with coach Jauron who I worked with in Detroit is exciting too. If you grew up in Western New York you grew up a Bills fan. I went to several Bills games growing up. It’s exciting for my wife and I to get back and be surrounded by friends and family.”‘

‘During Kugler’s lone season with Boise State, the Broncos averaged 222 rushing yards per game, sixth in the nation.’

‘Kugler was the assistant head coach with undefeated Boise State.’

‘On February 21st, the young women will fly to Kuwait and from there board Blackhawk helicopters bound for Iraq. They’re off to perform for the service men and women overseas.’

‘Buffalo has its share of holes to fill this offseason, but neither safety position needs any changing. Whitner and Simpson should both turn into high-caliber players at their respective spots soon enough, meaning Levy took care of the crucial back end of the Bills’ secondary for years to come.’

‘”To me a complete back is one who catches the ball … not one who comes off the field on third down.”‘