Archives for September 2, 2010

‘This year is a lot different. They could go 2-14 or 8-8. The offensive line should be a little better and the idea of going to a 3-4 defense is intriguing even though they don’t really have the players to make it work the way it should, but their running game could be a strength and maybe Gailey will have the tools to get something out of Edwards. The key is patience. Gailey and Nix aren’t rushing themselves this season and will bring in the right players when they identify them.’

‘”I’ve heard a lot of people are going to be there,” said Bell who is expecting hundreds of supporters. “The Wayne State colors will be flying big. It’s only about a two-minute or three-minute drive.”‘

‘There’s a growing number of people both in the media and in the fan base that believe that Brohm’s play on Thursday won’t only determine his spot on the depth chart, but his spot on the final roster entirely as well.’

‘Gailey promised a competition for the starting QB job between Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick, last year’s starters, and young pro Brian Brohm, but it never transpired due to Edwards’ progress. Edwards started the team’s first three preseason games and didn’t disappoint, completing 65 percent of his throws for 304 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a 97.1 rating. That would be a good game. In his first three pro seasons (14-17 career mark), Edwards has yet to throw for 300 yards.’

‘Meanwhile, second-year NT Lonnie Harvey was also cut. He joined the team’s practice squad last November after spending time with Carolina and was third on the depth chart behind Torell Troup, the club’s second-round pick who has enjoyed a stellar camp and will man the middle of Buffalo’s new 3-4 defense in a rotation with Kyle Williams.’

‘WR Roscoe Parrish has found new life under coach Chan Gailey. One of the NFL’s all-time leading punt returns, Parrish was an afterthought as a wide receiver under previous coaches Mike Mularkey and Dick Jauron. He was even benched by Jauron last year after muffing a punt that cost Buffalo a game against Cleveland. Despite his rare speed and good hands, Parrish wound up with just three catches for 34 yards. This summer, Parrish has shined working out of the slot and has seven catches for 82 yards and a TD. "In this profession, you never get down on yourself," Parrish said. "Last year was tough and I had to handle myself like a professional and have a good attitude. You never know what tomorrow will bring." It brought Gailey, one of the NFL’s most successful offensive coordinators who knows what speed can do."’

‘"They’ve done a good job," Gailey said of Bell and Simpson. "They’re both very unique runners. They have different styles, but they’ve both done a great job. That’s one of those where we’ve got to take a hard look at when we get to Saturday [and make the roster decisions]."’

‘Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft, started 10 games as a rookie last season. The Lions went 2-8 in his starts, and he completed 53 percent of his passes for 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.’

‘”My mindset has always been to go out there and make an impact no matter when my name is called,” he said. “They know I’m a good running back, but what else can I bring to the table.”‘