Archives for March 2007

‘The Buffalo Bills might be thinking that one good Schobel deserves another as Aaron Schobel’s younger cousin, and fellow defensive end, Bo Schobel is in Buffalo for a Tuesday visit at One Bills Drive.’

‘”He’s been pretty healthy the last three years, and he hasn’t had a chance to touch the ball much,” Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “One way or the other he’s going to get more carries than he got last year.”‘

‘”He’s a terrific team player,” Jauron said. “He’ll play the role he’s asked to play and will play it as hard as he can. I’m just really pleased that we have him re-signed.”‘

‘Buffalo may have needs more pressing than running back (such as linebacker, defensive tackle and cornerback), but it will have difficulty passing up either Lynch or Peterson on April 28. Both would probably be long-term upgrades over McGahee, which is more than can be said for Chris Brown.’

‘McGahee also took criticism for his knowledge of the plays in Buffalo, his work ethic and three paternity suits. “As far as the paternity suits, if you look at it, I’m not on any child support,” McGahee said. “My kids are taken care of. I’m not worried about that.”‘

‘In 76 NFL games, including 41 starts, Thomas has run for 3,802 yards with a 3.8-yard average and 23 touchdowns.’

‘Thomas, who backed up McGahee this past season, immediately becomes the No. 1 back, at least for the time being. Shaud Williams, a third-stringer last season, is the only other experienced running back currently on the team’s depth chart.’

‘Thomas, entering his seventh NFL season, ran for 378 yards and two touchdowns in 2006.’

‘Thomas rushed for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2001 with the Chicago Bears under coach Dick Jauron, who took over as Bills coach last season. In 2003, Thomas rushed for 1,024 yards.’

‘No matter what they do before the draft, the Bills are now squarely in the market to take a runner on the first day.’

‘Thomas, right now, would be the starter at running back. But the Bills continue to talk with the agent for running back Chris Brown, who visited with the team last week.’

‘"It feels good," said Thomas. "I feel I know the system a lot better now the second time around."’

‘But right now, it looks as if the best team in the division – the New England Patriots – has widened the talent gap over the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and particularly the Bills.’

‘Fact is, he unnecessarily threw his former teammates under the bus. It’s true the Bills’ offensive line was an unmitigated disaster last year, but for McGahee to blame his poor production solely on that was ridiculous. If anything, the ball carrier’s hesitancy to hit holes and lack of explosiveness mostly led to his downfall.’

‘The Bills signed him to their practice squad in Week 13 of the season. “I was still under contract with the Bills and it was basically for financial reasons,” Bergeron said. “It was not guaranteed up there. I didn’t want to take the chance of going up there for training camp and getting released and stuck with no income. I basically let them know and asked them to grant me a release so I could play here this year.”‘