Archives for March 2010

‘Selected in the fifth round of the 2002 draft by Cleveland, he spent seven years with the Browns, including the past six as a starter. In Buffalo, Davis is reunited with new Bills defensive coordinator George Edwards.’

‘”I’m very excited," Davis told Buffalobills.com. "It’s definitely a great feeling. I’m happy to be here. What closed the deal was the fact that I felt very welcome. It’s a blessing and I’m happy this whole situation is over with. Now I’m focused on helping the team achieve the next step.”‘

‘According to WDVR – Denver sports reporter Josina Anderson, linebacker Andra Davis has signed a two year deal with the Bills.’

‘During a brief availability on Tuesday, Gailey dismissed speculation that safety Donte Whitner is on the trade block by questioning why the team would weaken one of its deepest positions.’

‘”We’ve been in the process of evaluating everybody that’s on the roster and everybody that’s available,” said Gailey. “To me unless something different happens between and now and post-draft, to me it’s an open competition for the job to see what happens. We’ve got some guys that obviously have played well at times and some guys that are unproven that we don’t know, but were well regarded coming out. So to me we’ve got to see who can rise to the top.”‘

‘Davis is one of the most experienced free agent linebackers available in the 3-4 defensive system. The eight-year veteran has 93 career starts to his credit. He played for Denver in 2009 as they shifted to a 3-4 defensive alignment.’

‘Edwards (6’3″ 290) is a seven-year vet coming off one of his more productive seasons with Baltimore where he has spent his entire NFL career. After missing the 2008 campaign due to season-ending spinal fusion surgery the defensive end bounced back in 2009 to reclaim his starting role posting a career high 47 tackles, a sack and a pass break up.’

‘”I had been in contact with the Cowboys mostly prior to the Bills getting involved,” recalled Shaw. “The Cowboys wanted to play me at linebacker. We had lengthy conversations at that point in time. The Bills wanted to play me at either defensive end or an offensive line position. I really wanted to play on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive end. So that triggered a real interest for me (in the Bills).”‘

‘”I know Josh well,” Morris said. “I talked with him a couple of times. He’d be really big for our team. He’s a tough guy. He used to play running back. Just has a really tough guy mindset. I think he’ll bring a lot to the team.”‘

‘Asked what went right with the Vikes last year, Kennedy said: "I’d have to say it was the coaching staff for the most part. My relationship with [defensive line] coach [Karl] Dunbar. He’s a straight shooter. He told me what he expected to be done. I went in there with a clean slate. He told me the 12th pick and all that other stuff was years ago. Right now I just see a football player. Come out here and play football and have fun. That’s what I did."’

‘”I’m definitely capable of handling the position,” he said. “I played nose last year in Minnesota. I played every position along the line. So it’s just about following the scheme and understanding the scheme and just going out there and executing.”‘

‘”Experience,” said DeHaven when asked what’s different about him as a coach as he begins his second go round with Buffalo. “I’ve got another 10 years under my belt having to make decisions on the sideline working with players. Players don’t change a whole lot, but you have to approach this generation of players a little different. They’re a lot more into video, and the media when you talk to them that’s different.”‘

‘Strong safety Donte Whitner, the No. 8 overall pick in 2006, and running back Marshawn Lynch, No. 12 overall in 2007, are two players whose careers hit a crossroads last season and could become bait in trade talks.’

‘Securing Green allows Buffalo to concentrate on the left side of its line, which last year was overwhelmed by injuries. Demetrius Bell and Kirk Chambers were the only tackles left under contract until Green’s arrival. Bell opened last season at LT but struggled with his footwork and then was hit with leg problems.’

‘”I love the Bills. There’s a lot of tradition. I’m glad to have the opportunity to play here and be a part of the pride, history and tradition.” — New OT Cornell Green.’