Archives for April 2008

‘So what SHOULD they do in the first round? Contrary to what a lot of folks think, I’m betting the Bills will go after a cornerback, which is a “must” position to have when facing Tom Brady twice each season. Rogers Cromartie of Tennessee St., Mike Jenkins of South Florida and Leodis McKelvin of Troy could all start right now.’

‘"Me and Kevin became close through the recruiting process and I’ve talked him ever since my high school time," said Bennett. "I wore his jersey number in the (Louisiana)-Monroe game."’

‘The only other spot that should rival wide receiver for attention could be tight end, and the most valuable pickup in that regard may have already been made: new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert should be able to do more with the position than Steve Fairchild managed.’

‘Tasker, a current NFL broadcaster on CBS who played as a wide receiver and on special teams for the Bills from 1985-1997, will speak at a Rochester Small Business Council meeting on leadership and motivational skills from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. June 4.’

‘Price information is expected to be released next week and tickets for the series will go on sale next month. Toronto Argonauts season-ticket holders receive priority access to 20,000 tickets for the eight games.’

‘"Football fans from across the country – over 100,000 tickets strong and counting – have enthusiastically signed up for the opportunity to experience live NFL football in Toronto," said Phil Lind, Vice Chairman, Rogers Communications, Inc. "Since the game against the Steelers was announced last week, ticket lottery registrations on the www.billsintoronto.com website have really taken off."’

‘The best reason and way to unleash more linebacker blitzes could be a personnel addition that’s already been made: new Bill Kawika Mitchell has eight sacks over his five seasons, including 3.5 in his single year as a member of that Giants defense. Using his addition as a pretext to modify the defense would be a smart way to attempt to better themselves in the meaningful category of total sacks.’

‘For the Bills, drafting a cornerback with the 11th overall pick, and winding up with Kelly with the 41st pick in the second round, would represent a dream scenario.’

‘With players like Josh Stamer (signed with Tennessee), Sam Aiken (signed with New England), Leon Joe (signed with Tampa Bay), Mario Haggan (free agent, suspended four games for 2008), and Anthony Hargrove (suspended all of 2008) out of the picture, Buffalo’s top-ranked special teams have taken a big hit this offseason. Stamer, for one, finished second in special-teams tackles with 15 last season and Haggan was tied for fourth with 13. You won’t find special teams coach Bobby April crying, however. "Must deal with turnover" is the first line on his job description and just as he developed the likes of Stamer and Haggan, he’ll develop a new crop of kamikaze men.’

‘"It’s going to be great to add experience to our linebacking corps. A guy who just won the Super Bowl, it doesn’t get any better than that. To have all that experience of being in the playoffs and those types of circumstances with being in the league for a while it’s great to have him added to our group." — LB Paul Posluszny on the signing of free agent LB Kawika Mitchell.’

‘"He loves to lift," said Bills strength and conditioning coordinator J.T. Allaire. "He likes working out. He’s very conscious of what he’s eating. That commitment is making a difference for him."’

‘Second-stringers who are first-rate at the game’s third phase are a Buffalo specialty. Holding on to the high picks would be a less flashy but more sensible strategy for maintaining the usually sound level of performance for the Bills in the game’s most underrated facet.’

‘Bills offensive coordinator Turk Schonert, receivers coach Tyke Tolbert and vice president of college scouting Tom Modrak all were in attendance on the Norman, Okla., campus.’

‘”It’s about preparation and teamwork and patience,” said Russ Brandon, Bills chief operating officer. “We had our organizational meetings where we gather information, gather input and put our plan in place internally. At the start of the league year, we were able to act swiftly and add to our defensive unit in what we feel is a big way.”‘