Archives for September 5, 2009

‘One of the more interesting positions was the offensive line where the Bills went with a youth movement. They kept just eight linemen with two players only capable of playing one position in tackles Jonathan Scott and Langston Walker.’

‘In addition to Chambers and Rhodes, Buffalo waived 18 other players. They are listed below.

QB Matt Baker

LB Alvin Bowen

DE Copeland Bryan

TE Tyson DeVree

DE Ataefiok Etukeren

G Christian Gaddis

RB Bruce Hall

DB Cary Harris

WR C.J. Hawthorne

OT Nick Hennessey

WR Felton Huggins

DT Derrick Jones

DT Corey Mace

LB Ryan Manalac

TE Jonathan Stupar.’

‘Somehow I can’t envision the new star of the team — Mr. Terrell Owens — enjoying not crossing into the end zone at least once a week or the Bills’ annual drive to mediocrity and a 6-10 finish.’

‘His experience and versatility in the passing game were considered well-suited for the Bills’ newly installed no-huddle attack, which also used running backs as receivers.’

‘But money, not performance, may have been the biggest factor in Rhodes’ release. The move saves the Bills more than $2 million. He was due to make base salaries of $750,000 this year and $1.25 million in 2010 as part of a two-year contract, which included a $200,000 signing bonus. The Bills also avoid paying Rhodes a $150,000 roster bonus, which he would have gotten had he made the team.’

‘The move is surprising because the Bills were expected to rely on Rhodes’ running and receiving skills while usual starter Marshawn Lynch served a three-game suspension to start the season. Fred Jackson is the only back on the roster with significant NFL experience.’

‘”Stevie did a very nice job getting open,” said Hamdan. “When I threw the balls he was pretty open. I told Stevie on the first couple of drives, great catches for me. We were lucky enough to hook up on a couple of passes.”‘

‘Schonert was entering his second season as the coordinator of the offense, which ranked 25th last season and slumped badly after a fast, 5-1 start.’

‘The binding tie with all of Van Pelt’s predecessors was they guided bad offenses. The Bills have ranked 25th or worse in the NFL in total yards each of the last six seasons and have averaged more than 20 points per game just three times this decade.’

‘”As an offensive mind, I think definitely think he can do it, there’s no doubt in my mind, Kelly said shortly after Van Pelt replaced Turk Schonert, who was fired Friday. “Just being around him and being in game-type situations and of course talking with him the last couple of years, I know where his mind-set is.”‘

‘That’s how it works when things get grim at One Bills Drive. You toss the offensive coordinator into the volcano and promise the fans that new, exciting things are just over the horizon.’

‘With Simpson gone, the next two safeties on the roster are George Wilson and John Wendling.’

‘”But we are extremely happy with the ratings both in Buffalo and nationwide,” e-mailed Calderone. “The great thing about the ratings, besides the premieres, is that the repeats are holding up well too.”‘

‘”Nothing that we had planned on obviously, nothing that was enjoyable in any way, shape, or form, but that’s what occurred,” Jauron said.’

‘Here is a position-by-position look at the team, and a guesstimate on who will make the team, and who won’t.’