Archives for March 2009

‘Owens should have a positive influence on Lee Evans and Josh Reed — receivers who will learn something from the way Owens prepares and practices. That’s one of the strange contradictions about Owens. As combustible as he can be in the locker room, his work ethic is admirable.’

‘For Owens to work in a one-year experiment — he signed a deal to play in Buffalo for $6.5 million in 2009 — he must believe he’s the clear go-to guy and marquee player. He’s exactly that for the Bills, because no one else on their current roster can match his kind of star power.’

‘My guess is that Owens gets off to a great honeymoon in Buffalo. Fans in Orchard Park and at training camp at St John Fisher will be chanting his name. He will love the attention. He will make plays. He will make a spectacle of himself. Does that mean they will finally make the playoffs? If they do, this might be worth it. But ask the people in San Fran, Philly and Dallas if it was worth all the aggravation. Dick Jauron always says "He likes his guys" I am waiting to hear him say that about T.O.’

‘Last season, Owens reportedly clashed with teammates, particularly tight end Jason Witten, a player Owens supposedly felt quarterback Tony Romo favored. Owens was also reportedly at odds with Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The controversy came on the heels of a list of others in which Owens has been a central figure, including a frosty relationship with former Eagles teammate Donovan McNabb, an accidental overdose of painkillers, and numerous animated touchdown celebrations.’

‘Buffalo was in need of another proven weapon on the offensive side of the ball and hosted free agents like Laveranues Coles and Joey Galloway. Owens production on the field is far and away better than what either of the previous two visitors have been able to muster.’

‘”I must move on, and it’s another beginning for me,” Owens said. “If I can be that extra added piece to get them to the playoffs, then that’s what I’m here for. I looked at the defensive side of ball and offensive side of the ball, and these guys have all the pieces.”‘

‘Peterson is a 10-year pro who spent his first four seasons in Indianapolis, where he was a 1999 second-round draft pick. He signed with Jacksonville in 2003. His visit is a bit curious with Paul Posluszny the established starter and backup John DiGiorgio re-signed recently.’

‘Constructed in 1989, the 4,800- square-foot home sits on a three-acre lot. It has a poker room, bar with walk-in cooler and dance floor, home theater, office suite, workout studio and bocce court and trophy room where Kelly displayed his collection of football memorabilia.’

‘An Amherst man was allowed to remain free on bail following his indictment Friday on vehicular manslaughter and other charges for a fatal drunken- driving incident shortly after a Buffalo Bills game last fall.’

‘Appearing will be Bills Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Billy Shaw and Joe DeLamielleure as part of a salute to the team on its 50th anniversary. Several members of the current team and coaching staff also will attend. John Murphy, the broadcast voice of the Bills, will be master of ceremonies.’

‘”My clients were horrified by the events that transpired, and I think a jury would be horrified as well,” said Daniel J. Monahan Jr., the Donagheys’ attorney.’

‘Based on the players they’ve hosted so far, a third running back and a linebacker are the Buffalo Bills’ top unresolved needs in free agency.’

‘Many already have forgiven Lynch because he’s a sensational running back, a Pro Bowler who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. The Bills, however, have been talking to several free-agent running backs about coming aboard. They have hosted visits with Fred Taylor, DeShaun Foster and Kevin Jones. This story isn’t over yet.’

‘The free agency parade continued at One Bills Drive Friday as Kansas City free agent defensive end Jason Babin was in Orchard Park to meet with the coaching staff. Babin was on three different NFL rosters in 2008, before finishing the season with the Chiefs.’

‘After being heavily courted by Buffalo, Jones has decided to re-sign with Chicago.’