Archives for August 2008

‘The Bills final training camp practice at St. John Fisher on Wednesday has been changed. The workout will now begin at 9:30 am and run until 11:10 am.’

‘The Toronto trip was interesting. I hadn’t bussed to a game since my days back at Pittsburg State. Although it was a little uncomfortable since I had to double up with Langston Walker. Those seats are not that big, so we got to know each other really well.’

‘”It’s been great. I have been itching to get out here the whole offseason,” Ellis said. “I am just trying to take it one day at a time. I feel like I am fitting in well with these guys.”‘

‘By the way keep in mind this same rule will apply to a regular season game. The Bills are not scheduled to be on NFL Network this year, but it is only a matter of time.’

‘”People were like, ‘why would this guy go out there and make a guarantee after not making the playoffs for nine years’ and I wasn’t here for seven of those years,” Whitner said. “I was here for two of them and this year we have to stop it.”‘

‘If the oscillating Preston can put forth a good show, he may finally get his name written on the starter’s list in ink, not to mention that he would help a team that’s still trying to overcome Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters’ huge unexcused absence. While the truant could surprise everyone by showing up before camp ends, wait until it actually happens to believe it; in the meantime, trying Preston at guard and Butler at tackle would be a worthwhile venture.’

‘”I did my normal routine because I had surgery early enough during the offseason where when March came around I was healthy enough to participate in our activities,” he said. “More than anything, it was about staying focused and learning from the experience and realizing how much you appreciate the game once it’s been taken from you.”‘

‘Not a practice goes by that you don’t hear some veteran defenders shouting encouragement or giving pointers to younger players. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said it is a positive sign that the vets have bought into what the coaches are teaching them. “It’s fun to see,” Fewell said. “The guys are expressing that to their younger teammates because they know what’s expected. It’s fun to hear them correct each other, coach each other and talk to each other. We’re working in harmony with each other right now.”‘

‘”Who buys a ticket for the Buffalo Bills between now and Dec. 1?” McCown asked during the round-table discussion. “You’d have to be dumber than a post to buy a ticket, given the fact that they were giving ’em out like candy.”‘

‘"It’s important to have guys who, when they step on the field, it doesn’t matter what kind of play it is. If it’s a racquetball game at lunch, he’s trying to kill himself to win because that’s who he is. You need that kind of guy on special teams, a guy who really wants to get after it. I think we have that. I know we had it before, and I think we have it now."’

‘While the game will be broadcast over the air on Buffalo’s ABC affiliate, WKBW-TV, Rochester’s affiliate, WHAM (Channel13), is not allowed to purchase the rights because the NFL considers Rochester to be a secondary Bills market.’

‘Trent Edwards said Jenkins is “in the same mold” as Reed. “I feel like Justin has come a long way,” the second-year quarterback said. “We need him to be able to adjust on the fly with the injuries that are going to occur throughout the season. Justin is a guy that can play a lot of different positions for us.”‘

‘But Saban, Briscoe said, double-crossed him just prior to the 1969 season, telling him he would no longer be the quarterback. Briscoe asked for his release and signed with Buffalo, but the Bills wanted him to be a wide receiver. Reluctantly, Briscoe complied and went on to several successful years at the position, including a Pro Bowl year in 1970 with 57 receptions.’

‘"I think the majority of us are ready to get out of here,” said Bills Linebacker Kawika Mitchell. “We’re not far from here but we’re far enough that you can smell the freedom. I’m ready to get out of here but it’s been a good camp so far."’

‘”I’m very, very happy with the progress that Josh has made this offseason,” said Edwards. “I was happy with the way he practiced during OTAs and minicamps and he’s progressed a ton since last year, so I’m excited for him this year.”‘