Archives for January 13, 2009

‘To achieve this status, the Bills organization met rigorous guidelines, which include developing severe weather safety plans, actively promoting severe weather safety through awareness activities and conducting safety training.’

‘One thing we should remember about O.J.’s name on the Bills Wall of Fame. It isn’t there because O.J. wants it there. Nobody should care what he wants on the subject anyway. Taking the name down, would actually give O.J. Simpson more publicity than he deserves. We know why it’s there; for his marvelous achievements as a football player.’

‘Specifically, the defense’s biggest asset next season must be the offensive coordinator. Relying heavily on Lynch and Jackson could overpower foes while eating the clock, which would in turn allow a mediocre 2008 defense to play with more confidence and for less time in 2009. Whether it’s Turk Schonert or Schonert’s replacement, he has to know that his side of the ball is only one of two that’s relying on the offense turning to a power running game.’

‘April uses a complex grading system to measure the value of his players. Every man can earn points for doing his job on every special teams play. Players are awarded from three to 15 points for making a block. A solo tackle is 12. An assisted tackle is either five or eight. A touchdown return is 25. A game-winning field goal or a blocked kick is 30. A missed tackle is minus-5. And so on.’

‘Leonhard couldn’t have been expected to play a similar role for the Bills. Leonhard’s supporting cast in Baltimore includes such stars as Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed, and there aren’t any players who resemble them in Buffalo. Leonhard would be the third-best punt returner for the Bills.’

‘Bills doctors performed the surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Hardy, the team’s second-round draft choice in 2008, will face six to nine months of rehabilitation in order to return to full action for the team. Hardy had nine catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.’