Archives for June 2009

‘"It does slow down a little bit [for veterans] once you know what you’re doing," Owens said. "With me you have a new offense and new terminology. You’re doing a lot of thinking. You’re processing a lot of stuff.’

‘"I like it being unsettled to a certain degree because there’s a lot to strive for," Fewell said. "By no means are we a top 10 defense. By no means are we a dominating force."’

‘”The adjustment is going pretty well,” Harris said. “There’s a lot to determine. There’s a lot going on. We’re pretty much just thrown into the fire. But ultimately as each week passes, it’s getting better and better.”‘

‘”It’s not that significant at all honestly,” said Harris. “It’s a long way from the season. Right now that aspect of coming in and working with the ones is so minute in comparison to the bigger scheme of things. Ultimately, I want to make sure I learn everything I need to know and make the plays I should make.”‘

‘Hairston (6’1″ 210) originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by New England in 2007 after a huge senior season at Central Connecticut State. He rushed for 1,877 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2006 after transferring from Rutgers.’

‘"If you want to classify it like that, then I’m completely OK with that," Edwards said. "But I thought last year was a make-or-break year. We showed some glimpses, and I think we’ll show more this year. I’m excited for it. I’m going to embrace it. And I’m hoping for a big year. And I think that’s what we’re doing right now, preparing for a big year."’

‘Tickets for the first three games sold out because Bills season ticket holders had the chance to buy group tickets on Saturday and individual-game tickets last Thursday and Friday.’

‘Individual game tickets for the home opener vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New Orleans Saints and the Cleveland Browns are sold out. On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills surpassed 52,000 season tickets for the upcoming season. This is the first time since 1992 (57,132) and 1993 (53,004) that the Bills have had consecutive seasons of over 52,000 season tickets sold. The current total of 52,134 ranks as the sixth highest season ticket total in Bills history.’

‘”I’m just excited for the opportunity, and to really get into my second year with the team,” Fine said. “I’m comfortable with the system and with the other guys and with Trent (Edwards) and just being on the field.”‘

‘"Coming into this year, you’re going to get a little bit of an opportunity and you’ve got to make the best out of all of them. Whether it’s blocking or catching a 5-yard route, you’ve got to show the players and the coaches that you should be out there on the field."’

‘Long-time Buffalo sports columnist and beat writer Larry Felser or play-by-play Van Miller also would’ve been a more appropriate choice.’

‘The big picture, though, involves getting over the hump in coach Dick Jauron’s fourth season. Buffalo had a sizzling 5-1 start in 2008, then faded before the first good snowfall. Health was a factor, including a foot injury that sidelined Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Schobel for more than half the season and the concussion that Edwards suffered in Week 5.’

‘This Saturday, June 13th, Hardy will hold his first annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament and cookout at McMillen Park. Registration starts at 10 a.m. with the tournament beginning at noon.’

‘This is not a new story line. Defensive tackle Pat Williams and cornerback Antoine Winfield have been gone from Buffalo since 2004, starring for the Minnesota Vikings since then. Safety Jim Leonhard was cut loose after the 2007 season, then had an outstanding year with the Baltimore Ravens. When Rex Ryan, his defensive coordinator was hired this year as the Jets’ new coach, one of his first moves was to acquire Leonhard.’

‘”They called my number, and in this league, it’s all about hard work and taking advantage of opportunities,” Scott said. “The coaching staff told me I did a pretty good job covering the tight ends. But there were a few plays I wish I had back. I’ve still yet to play that perfect game, where a tight end has zero catches and zero yards. That’s what I’m shooting for.”‘