Archives for November 24, 2009

‘"You’re probably talking about $50 million over five years and maybe even a piece of the team," said a source close to Shanahan. "And by all indications, (Bills owner Ralph) Wilson is ready to have that conversation."’

‘The Bills have contacted Shanahan, the person familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the team is not commenting during its search process.’

‘A long-time Pittsburgh Steeler, Simmons appeared in just one game for the New England Patriots this season and was released in early November.’

‘Simmons is an eight-year NFL veteran who joins the Bills (3-7) after being released by New England on Nov. 9. He appeared in one game for the Patriots this season.’

‘Simmons (6’3″ 315), a former first-round pick of the Steelers (2002), played seven seasons in Pittsburgh, but missed the entire 2004 campaign due to injury. He returned to action in 2005 winning a Super Bowl with Pittsburgh, but an Achilles tendon injury brought another season to an early close for the offensive lineman in 2008.’

‘This was a great effort by the Bills as they played very hard with many injuries on the offensive line. Fewell had them ready to go with a aggressive game plan of getting Owens involved a lot. Owens finished the day with 197 yards receiving, and one touchdown. We saw what kind of weapon he could be if utilized properly within the Bills offensive system, but yet again this team does not know how to finish games in the fourth quarter.’

‘”My mindset changed back in the spring time when we came back for offseason workouts,” said Wilson. “I remember the first day I saw coach Fewell down here when we were getting physicals the first day back and I just talked to him and he asked me what my goals were going into the season. And I told him, ‘This is my third year at the position and I’m trying to show some growth. I can’t be making the same mistakes that I made in the past.”

‘Apparently, he wants to wait until end of season before considering his options. But the refusal would seem to take him out of the running for the Bills.’

‘Bring in some qualified people to run the football department. Find eager, accountable people with a sharp eye for talent. Get a bright, assertive coach with a football vision and a clear, functioning mind on game day. And get a decent quarterback, for heaven’s sake.’

‘”It’s tough, because we’re all good buddies in that room, and you never want to see your buddy get hurt like that,” Hangartner said. “It’s unfortunate. He’s a good football player and he brings some excitement to the team and the offensive line. Guys respect that.”‘

‘They all tell part of the story, but none came into play in Jacksonville. Jauron is gone. Edwards was on the bench, having given way to Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Owens looked as spry as he has all year.’

‘The talent on this roster is on par with the 3-13 Bills team of 2001 when you factor in the injuries. But the energetic Fewell gives them a better chance at not embarrassing themselves.’

‘Weis might not be a bad choice for Buffalo’s offensive coordinator, if he’s been humbled enough to take the job.’

‘Owens had said before the game that he was frustrated with the way the Bills have used him all season. “I’m not in the systems that I’ve been accustomed to and I think if you guys honestly assess the system that I’ve been in versus my production here, I haven’t been utilized the way I have been in years past, and I’ve said that from day one,” he said. “If you go back to San Francisco, you go back to the way I was used in Philly. Definitely you had some very knowledgeable offensive-minded coaches that really utilized my abilities. I mean you can say what you want, say I’ve slowed down, I can’t do this and I can’t do that. The very things that you say I’m not doing now, I didn’t really do them that well then. It was all about how those coaches utilized me in that offense.”‘