Archives for February 2010

‘George Edwards had a prestigious job with one of the most prestigious programs in college football. And the weather was warm. But when the offer to rejoin friend and colleague Chan Gailey surfaced in Buffalo, Edwards couldn’t refuse.’

‘The Bills haven’t had a 300-yard passer in 54 games. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards and Brian Brohm are now Chan Gailey’s problem. Or maybe not.’

‘It appears Tom Modrak will remain the team’s vice president of college scouting, at least at this juncture. It’s common for people working in college scouting to remain with their clubs through a calendar year ending with the annual NFL draft in April. That said, Modrak, a 34-year NFL veteran whose work in Buffalo over the past eight years has been highly scrutinized (the team hasn’t made the playoffs in a decade), likely saved his job — where VP of pro personnel John Guy — couldn’t with a strong 2009 draft. Half of Buffalo’s eight picks (Jairus Byrd, Andy Levitre, Eric Wood, Shawn Nelson) became starters. Only Detroit (five) had more rookie starters. Of course, it can always be argued that jobs are easier to come by on teams that struggle to win. That foursome of Bills rookies, however, has a very good future; Byrd tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions.’

‘The Bills had the lowest ticket prices in the NFL in 2009. Their price increase, on average, is 15.5 percent for 2010. That is expected to move them up two spots – to 30th overall – in the NFL ticket price ranking.’

‘Season ticket prices will increase between $2 and $10 per ticket per game. The Bills once again expect to have one of the lowest average ticket prices in the NFL. The 2010 Bills average season ticket price is over $15 less than the 2009 NFL average season ticket price.’

‘”They basically gave up their lives to make sure we have the things that we have today,” said wide receiver James Hardy. “I have a couple of uncles who are in the military so I’m sort of used to this. To see how they were after they came back home, I got to see how much family means to them. I definitely had to make sure I was here to put a smile on their face the best way I possibly can.”‘

‘”I’m still undecided,” Schobel told Buffalobills.com. “I talked to Chan (Gailey) and we discussed some things. When the time comes we’ll get everything squared away.”‘

‘"We are a quarterback-driven league at this point," Gailey said Thursday during a media session that was designed to introduce his three top coaches, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins, defensive coordinator George Edwards, and special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven. "It hasn’t always been that way," Gailey continued, "but it seems to have become more so in the last decade. You have to have a quality player there."’

‘Here’s how the Bills’ current cast looks in a 3-4 front…’.

‘Johnson has not signed a contract with Buffalo yet, but IU has released him from his contract with the University.’

‘The club announced the addition of DeMontie Cross as inside linebackers coach.’

‘Out of eight total draft picks four became starters for the Bills in Jairus Byrd, Andy Levitre, Shawn Nelson and Eric Wood. Only Detroit (5) had more and the Lions had 10 total draft choices.’

‘The Bills’ personnel isn’t a perfect fit for the 3-4. So what? It’s a good sign that Gailey is willing to make a radical change and isn’t beholden to a bunch of fading defensive linemen who haven’t won a thing during their time in Buffalo.’

‘Prior to joining the Steelers, Whaley was a scout for the Seattle Seahawks for three years.’

‘He joins the Bills after spending 11 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the last 10 as the team’s pro scouting coordinator.’