Archives for May 9, 2010

‘The players will be back in one week to begin an offseason conditioning program. Then, they’ll be joined by the entire team when Organized Team Activities start on May 25th.’

‘The next camp isn’t until the end of the month, but the kids will be back sooner. They can’t take their playbooks home but Gailey said they can still be learning, "Just mentally stay into it. They took notes. They can take their notes home and study that. And actually they’ll be back a week from today. So hopefully they won’t forget that much in the short period that they’re gone. I thought it went okay. What you’re trying to do is build on each day. If you have to go back and start over at ground zero every day then a guy pretty much is going to have a hard time playing. So I thought on the whole they were able to pick up and retain what they learned in one practice and take it to the next practice."’

‘”What you’re trying to do is build on each day,” Gailey said. “If you have to go back and start over at ground zero every day then a guy pretty much is going to have a hard time playing. So I thought on the whole they were able to pick up and retain what they learned in one practice and take it to the next practice.”‘

‘"I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am without her," the Buffalo Bills’ rookie nose tackle said. "Every chance I get, I call and thank her and tell her how much I love her. She went through a lot and sacrificed a lot for me so I could be in this position."’

‘The guy would probably mow Gailey’s lawn and edge the sidewalk if they asked him. Only in Buffalo could a quarterback be simultaneously fighting for his NFL life and serving as the fans’ greatest source of hope at the game’s most important position.’

‘"I really like being back there, especially with this 3-4 system," Corto said at the Bills’ minicamp. "I really think it’s a good fit for me. Last year I played linebacker, and I was one of the small linebackers in the league for the 4-3. To go to the 3-4, we made the decision it was probably best for me to go back to safety. So far, so good. I’m knocking off the rust a little bit but I feel pretty comfortable back there."’

‘The Bills, unless they’re considerably better than most NFL observers believe they’ll be in 2010, appeared destined to have an excellent shot to select an elite QB prospect in the 2011 draft, perhaps even top-rated Jake Locker (Washington). Other possibilities include Andrew Luck (Stanford), Ryan Mallett (Arkansas) and Blaine Gabbert (Missouri).’

‘Troup, a big 315 pound nose tackle, was the team’s second round draft pick. He will rotate with veteran Kyle Williams at the nose tackle position, a critical spot in the 3-4. The Bills do not have another classic nose tackle, so Troup will be countedon early to make the transition from college 4-3 defensive tackle.’

‘Bills rookie mini camp had to go inside today thanks to wind gusts over 50 mph.’

Former high-draft pick Croyle got the job to start Gailey’s campaign but was mercifully knocked out in Week 7 by injury. Gailey reorganizes the offense into a spread formation and decides to plug in 7th round pick Tyler Thigpen. They lose a ton of games, but Thigpen brings the offense around, scoring a full seven more points per game than pre-Thigpen.

A question that usually arises when a guy comes out of a school like Troy regards the competition, especially with the crazy numbers Brown posted (6,284 yards, 38 TD, 12 INT last two seasons). The simple numbers don’t bear out an easy answer.