Archives for April 2010

‘Nix is tired of looking at game films of the Bills getting pushed around physically; the Bills were one of the worst teams against the run in the NFL, and Nix wants that to change and change right now.’

‘”It’s a great offense and Coach Gailey knows how to use his guys so I’m excited,” Spiller said. “They have two great running backs there so I’m just looking forward to learning from those guys and learning what my role is.”‘

‘Ferguson and Mendenhall, who weighs 223 pounds, could also fill the role of a blocking or short-yardage back. They give the coaching staff some flexibility other than fullback Corey McIntyre (258 pounds) in that role and may be better options as pass receivers.’

‘If you can believe new GM Buddy Nix, the Jets acquisition of WR Santonio Holmes from Pittsburgh and the Dolphins acquiring WR Brandon Marshall from Denver didn’t send shivers through One Bills Drive. Staying the course, not reacting to moves by other teams, is Nix’s style. “I really am not concerned with what other folks do,” he said. “We know the division, obviously, but what they do doesn’t affect us. I’ve got all I can to do without worrying about Miami and the Jets and the trades they make.”‘

‘The 6-5, 280-pound end was projected by some scouting services as the sixth-best player at his position available in this year’s draft (60th overall) and was projected to come off the board in round two. That, of course, didn’t happen, but no matter his position in the draft, Carrington is excited to prove what he can do in the professional ranks.’

‘Entering the 2010 draft, Troup said he was told by scouts he could go as high as the second round and as low as the fourth depending on team needs. He spent the past month doing individual workouts with a long list of teams. National analysts, however, identified Troup as a likely third to fifth round selection.’

‘Though Troup played in a 4-3 system at Central Florida, he’s ready to make the switch in Buffalo. “I have no problem with that at all,” Troup said. “I’m not a selfish player. I’m going to do all the things they ask me to do.”‘

‘”I sat down with my mother and father and out of respect for my dad I decided to change my last name to Troup,” he said.’

‘”He’s a player who creates field position and scores points,” Nix said. “This guy’s got world-class speed and he can help us in so many ways. We’ve got returners, but this guy is going to be in the mix. He can get you field position whether you throw it to him or hand it to him."’

‘ONE OF the few knocks on Spiller is that he may lack the size to be an every-down back, but Nix doesn’t agree. “He’s the same size as (Tennessee rushing star) Chris Johnson and just a fuzz faster (4.32 40-yard dash),” he pointed out. “Chris Johnson gained 2,000 yards … he had to have some of them inside."’

‘Apologizing for fielding “a dull team” for the past decade, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson vows things will change with the addition of first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller.’

‘In addition, Spiller was a three-time All-American in track and field, and in December he received a bachelor’s of science in sociology.’

‘"I really think we’ve been devoid of big playmakers," Nix said, explaining why he selected Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, a pick that surely surprised a large percentage of the team’s beleaguered fan base.’

‘”He’s a playmaker – a guy that creates field position and scores points,” Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said. “He’s exciting. And we need some excitement, somebody who can make a big play and create some things on his own.”‘