Archives for January 7, 2011

‘The defense struggled this season after converting to a 3-4 scheme. They ranked last in the league in run defense, allowing 170 yards per game on the ground, and were ranked 24th overall. The Bills finished 4-12.’

‘Buffalo relieved inside linebackers coach DeMontie Cross of his coaching duties Friday. Cross had coached five seasons with the Bills, as he was part of the team’s coaching staff prior to the arrival of current head coach Chan Gailey.’

‘Whether it’s an offensive tackle, a pass rusher, a linebacker, it’s got to be somebody that makes a difference right away on offense or defense.’

‘In Financial Football, which is part of Visa’s Practical Money Skills for Life financial education program, players move down the field and score by correctly answering personal finance questions. The game is available in English or Spanish and can be played online or ordered for free.’

‘"I think everybody on our football team is very excited about Kyle having an opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl," Bills head coach Chan Gailey said in a statement issued by the team. "There’s probably not another guy more deserving because of the year he’s had, because of what he stands for, and how he plays the game. We’re all excited for him."’

‘"Whether I made it first ballot or first alternate, it was going to be kind of a bittersweet deal because of the way our year had gone, but it’s not a bad consolation prize," said Williams, speaking from his offseason home in Louisiana. "I’m excited to go and represent our organization and my teammates and our fans, and obviously my family."’

‘The teams that played to a lower percentage capacity were Oakland (73.7), Tampa Bay (75.1) and St. Louis (81.0). Those three teams also ranked in the bottom three in average attendance, at 46,431 for Oakland, 49,314 for Tampa and 52,922 for St. Louis.’

‘Williams finished with 5 1/2 sacks, second-most among NFL players at his position. He was also credited with 77 tackles. Both were career highs.’

‘Williams will be replacing Oakland’s Richard Seymour on the AFC Pro Bowl roster, and will join Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata and New England’s Vince Wilfork at the defensive tackle position.’