Archives for July 2008

‘Tickets are available for the August 11 night practice by visiting a participating Allstate Insurance agency location or the ticket office at Ralph Wilson Stadium beginning Friday, July 25. For a list of participating Allstate Insurance agencies, please visit buffalobills.com/allstate.’

‘The defense can forfeit yards without giving up points, but the offense obviously can’t score without piling up gains first. Of course, defenders conceding huge territory portions to the opponent could indirectly result in the offense in turn being pinned close to the goal line, so they’re not completely off the hook; they could help their teammates more than they did in 2007. But the important thing is that a system designed to surrender yards in small portions in the name of preventing huge chunks did its job marginally well.’

‘”But this organization knows that special teams are an important part of the game, and they do a good job of bringing the right guys in. From an athletic standpoint and from a standpoint of desire, incentive and inner grit, I think we certainly have guys with the potential to get it done.”‘

‘Things seemed to be turning around for Webster in Buffalo at this time last year – coach Dick Jauron lauded his work ethic and toughness – before injuries struck again. Some noted Webster’s physical play, coupled with his size, might have contributed to his injuries.’

‘Knowing Schonert has to make use of Hardy in the red zone where he can out leap defenders and create mismatches, odds are the Bills second-round pick should at the very least make a difference on the team’s scoresheet. And after just 20 touchdowns scored by the Bills offense last year any rookie that scores more than four this season on that side of the ball will be considered an emerging talent.’

‘It will allow the backup to get into a mini-groove, too, while the main weapon watches and rests for a minute or so. Just as productivity tumbles for office employees after exceptionally long days, the Bills have to make sure Lynch isn’t forced to work excessive overtime; at the least, he deserves a break so he can check his mail, browse shopping sites, and play Desktop Tower Defense while letting someone else be industrious for a bit.’

‘The Bills hope their porous run defense will get better by getting bigger. Stroud and Mitchell were important acquisitions in that regard because they have the size and strength to make the front seven more stout than it has been in years.’

‘Whether or not the preseason game against the Steelers can sell out in the next month, the NFL’s owners are sure to remain pleased by the Bills’ international partnership. The owners voted, 32-0, to approve the Bills’ five-year deal, and the Bills’ opponents will share in the greatly increased gate receipts from the game. The Bills will receive a total of $78 million from Rogers Communications for the eight-game series, an average of $9.75 million per game.’

‘The Bills clearly have money to spend, and the longer Peters sits things out, the more fans have to wonder how serious the Bills are about ending their eight-year playoff drought.’

‘”From the OTAs (offseason team activities) and being there, we’ve got some really good players and I think we can be a really good team this year,” Fine said. “We’ve got a bunch of great guys all striving for the same goal, and that’s getting to the playoffs. They’ve welcomed me so far.”‘

‘Fans traveling from across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Canada will get the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite football team by attending the many practices that are open to the public. Camp may be fun for the fans, but for the players there are jobs to be won, coaches to impress and a season of weekly battles to prepare for.’

‘Among the things explicitly prohibited is alcohol. The Bills also reserve the right to restrict any items that are deemed inappropriate or detract from the experience of other fans. Fans can bring their own food, beverages, small coolers, thermoses, cameras, etc.’

‘Starter Robert Royal finished with 25 catches for 248 yards. That was the fifth-fewest catches in the NFL for a starting tight end. The Bills got another 25 catches from Michael Gaines, but he’s gone to Detroit. Overall, the Bills’ 56 catches from the tight-end spot ranked 20th best in the league. The year before, the Bills had a measly 31 catches from tight ends.’

‘”Turk has the ability on the golf course to go on streaks where he’ll play 2 under par for six or seven holes,” Collinsworth said. “And he can hit it eight miles. But when he gets hot, everybody who plays against him knows that when he steps up to the tee box, we all start whispering. “Man, Turk you are unbelievable. I’ve never seen anybody hit the ball as far as you.’ Inevitably, that’s when he starts reaching a little farther back and starts whacking them out of bounds. So we’ve learned to play his ego.”‘

‘"Leodis is very quick and explosive in his movements," said Jauron. "He has a nice feel for things that occur on the field and he’s aggressive. James, you can’t hide the fact that he’s over 6’5" and has good hands and catches the ball well. The rest of it is going to be technique and familiarizing themselves with the game at this level."’