Archives for September 6, 2009

‘”It’s been hectic,” he said. “It was a surprise, but we don’t have time to dwell on it, we’ve just got to move forward and get ready for the big game on Monday night and that’s the approach we’ve taken. Just let it sink in briefly and get to work.”‘

‘Both quarterback Trent Edwards and receiver Lee Evans supported the move after the team returned to practice Sunday to start preparing for its season opener at New England on Sept. 14. Both indicated players had voiced their concerns about the offensive sputters to coach Dick Jauron, who ultimately made the decision to fire Schonert on Friday.’

‘”It’s always a work in progress and I think with a young guy like that, he’s eager to learn,” Owens said. “He has tremendous upside and the guy has the arm strength, and with any quarterback, the success of any quarterback relies on the guys up front and the things that the guys outside can provide for him.”‘

‘In the last few years the organization has been deluding itself about a lot of things and now we seem to have the biggest delusion of all: That the Bills can win with Trent Edwards as their quarterback. In fact the Bills do not have a viable quarterback at all.’

‘Linebacker Alvin Bowen is back with Buffalo Bills, one of eight players placed on the practice squad a day after being released by the team.’

‘Named to the practice squad were LB Alvin Bowen, RB Bruce Hall, DB Cary Harris, WR C.J. Hawthorne, OL Nick Hennessey, WR Felton Huggins, DT Corey Mace and TE Jonathan Stupar.’

‘”He [Jauron] told me the offense wasn’t simple enough for him,” Schonert said. “We had too many formations, too many plays. I didn’t simplify it to his liking.”‘

‘"He liked to do things his way," Evans said. "It’s one of those things where coming from the system that he played in, it was pass-heavy. That’s what he liked to do, regardless of what other people thought he should have done. He was definitely a good dude. I learned a lot from him. But as many people as there is in this game sometimes you just don’t rub some people the right way."’

‘Let’s not be naive here. This move is as much about Edwards as it is about who calls the plays. Firing Schonert created a useful diversion, but the big problem with the Bills’ offense is the guy throwing the football. Edwards is suffering a crisis of confidence, and if he doesn’t snap out of it soon, we’re in for a long, ugly season.’

‘Another somewhat surprising move was the release of offensive lineman Kirk Chambers, who was thought to be a solid depth player in an area where the Bills certainly need some depth. Tackle Jonathan Scott earned the last offensive line job.’

‘Peters eventually reported to the Bills before the start of last season and then was named to a second straight Pro Bowl despite missing three games and allowing a league-high 111/2 sacks. Undaunted by his contract discontent, the Eagles completed the deal for Peters just before the draft. “I was shocked,” Peters said. “I had no clue. I had just told Buffalo I was going to play two more years there and I was done with them. And then my agent [Eugene Parker] called.”‘

‘Wilson conducted a give-and-take session on the team’s direction after the Bills’ offense sputtered during a 1-4 preseason, sources said. In addition to Jauron and Brandon, Wilson also met with the Bills’ new play-caller, quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt, and Eric Studesville, running back coach and running game coordinator.’

‘Rhodes, who was signed by Buffalo as a free agent during the offseason, was thought to represent insurance while starter Marshawn Lynch serves a three- game NFL suspension to start the year. But head coach Dick Jauron team apparently felt comfortable with Fred Jackson and Xavier Omon at the position, in turn releasing the more experienced Rhodes.’

‘”He (Jauron) told me the offense wasn’t simple enough for him,” Schonert said. “We had too many formations, too many plays. I didn’t simplify it to his liking. He wants a ‘Pop Warner’ offense,” Schonert said, referring to the Bills head coach. “He limited me in formations, and limited me in plays. He’s been on my back all offseason.”‘