Archives for March 2009

‘”Angelo is in the building today and meeting with individuals,” said Bills Vice President of Communications Scott Berchtold.’

‘Because it is Lynch’s second brush with the legal system in two years, it is considered likely he will get some type of sanction from the NFL … a suspension of one to four games.’

‘The Bills should not have allowed cornerback Jabari Greer test free agency. Greer was not the team’s top cornerback, but he had 17 passes defended and four interceptions the last two seasons. He emerged as a bona fide NFL starter last season, returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Not only did the Bills lose a good player — he signed with the Saints — but they left themselves with little leverage in negotiations next offseason when No. 1 corner Terrence McGee’s contract comes up. The team has no choice but to match his asking price, and McGee and his agent surely know it.’

‘Right now Buffalo has nine offensive linemen on the roster with six of them primarily tackles. Hangartner, Brad Butler and 2008 practice squad player Brandon Rodd are the only true interior linemen currently on the squad.’

‘Hardy may be saying all the right things about the misappropriation, but that’s a reflection of him, not the distasteful situation; besides, he doesn’t have the clout to whine even if he wants or deserves to. Flipping to 18 would have been a way for Owens to respect the roster he’s joining, not to mention that it would have specifically demonstrated regard for a younger player. But he went the other way and initiated his first bit of commotion. Yeah, it’s just the first.’

‘At 245 pounds, Crowell would give the Bills considerably more stoutness at the strong-side linebacker spot than they had last season, when Keith Ellison manned the position. Ellison is listed at 229 pounds. Crowell also has the versatility to play both the strong and weak-side spots.’

‘I believe Owens is going to help the Bills in every aspect of their business – from merchandise sales to corporate dollars to relevance in the NFL to what matters most, improvement on the field.’

‘The expectation is that Lynch will be suspended, with persons close to the situation anticipating that Goodell probably punishes him for one but no more than two regular-season games.’

‘Buffalo’s defense was mediocre by comparison in 2008 and respectable when considering how it often stood by itself. The unit permitted 326.1 yards per game, good for 14th in the NFL, while also finishing 14th in points allowed with 342. While a general football fan might take a passing glance at the numbers and conclude the defense was OK, specific Bills fans know the stats should be accompanied by a positive asterisk. The group was better than what superficially looks like a mediocre showing, as the defenders were forced to handle their roles while simultaneously propping up the offense.’

‘Here now are McNally’s 50th All-Time Team offense and special teams, with some special honorable mentions for offensive linemen, being a former offensive line coach. We’ll release his defensive team and head coach when voting opens for defensive candidates later this month.’

‘”Finally, the Bills are spending some money,” said Joe Vitello. “They’re finally starting to get competitive.”‘

‘Say all you want about Owens, but he is a tireless worker who takes care of his body, even if his mind isn’t always there. He’s still got talent, too, despite being on the downside of his career. Could he make Buffalo better? Sure, but probably not enough to make a real difference. For that to happen, there really was only one team for which Owens could have gone that would have returned Super Bowl-type dividends: The New England Patriots.’

‘NFL.com reported those announcements could come during the March 22-25 owners’ meetings in Dana Point, Calif.’

‘Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis Colts are the NFL’s leading choice to be the Bills’ opponent, according to a league source.’

‘A long line of Bills fans started shortly after 10:00 a.m. at the Bills Store for the 11:00 a.m. opening and all were seemingly thrilled with the addition of Owens to the Bills roster.’