Archives for July 2011

‘The camp itself was six hours long and was split into two separate age groups. The first group was for younger kids from kindergarten to sixth grade and included a cheerleading camp for girls, while the second was for grades 7-12. The players were then split into different positional groups with Bell teaching the linemen.’

‘Whoever the Bills land, he won’t be a big name. Drew Stanton, still young and having steered the Detroit Lions to a pair of late-season victories, may be a possibility. Hope for Fitz to stay healthy.’

‘”Fisher has made significant alterations to the footprint and we’re going to have to make some modifications (to the way we practice),” said team CEO Russ Brandon. “We’re going to have to work with Fisher to make sure we have the same experience. They went from two fields to one, and that’s significant.”‘

‘Dozens of locals hit the gridiron at the Demetrius Bell Free Football and Cheer Camp Saturday at Kenney Field in the Town of Tonawanda. Bell was joined by several local football and cheerleading coaches for the camp, which benefits the Adopt.A.School Initiative. The initiative supports encouraging youths to participate in after-school sports with hopes of breeding success in the classroom and beyond.’

‘The player that is expected to be atop the depth chart at the tight end position going into training camp is Scott Chandler. Picked up late last season off waivers from Dallas, Chandler has prototype size for an in-line tight end at 6’7″ and 272 pounds.’

‘The Dareus-Williams combination in particular with their penetrating styles could present a true ‘pick your poison’ scenario for Buffalo’s opponents this season.’

‘Once a new agreement is reached and the league’s "new year" begins, each of the 32 teams will have to cram contract negotiating that normally stretches over five months into about three weeks.’

‘”The primary mission behind (the camp) is we know that kids that are involved with sports actually do better in school,” Benton said. “That’s the main premise.”‘

‘”My godfather hates crabgrass. Hates it,” Dareus said. “I’m going to buy him the best crabgrass killer money can buy.”‘

Dear Readers, please excuse this brief diversion from today’s Bills’ news. Bucky Gleason wrote a beautiful piece about my mother who passed away on Sunday. She was a fixture in WNY Harness Racing for over 40 years and I am very thankful to Bucky and the Buffalo News for acknowledging her contributions and recognizing our loss. Thank you – Scott.

‘While the Bills are a small-market franchise, the team’s economic impact for western New York is huge. That’s a big reason why the state – taxpayers – forked over $63 million back in 1998 to help pay for new luxury box seating at Bills Stadium. It represented a sensible economic development investment.’

‘”We knew he was capable of being one of those (starter) type of guys," said Bills offensive coordinator/running backs coach Curtis Modkins. "The injury was unfortunate because he didn’t get reps in our system, but we had studied him from the season before on tape. We knew what he was capable of doing.”‘

‘The camps, which are free and open to youth from throughout Western New York, will be held at Kenney Field, at Brighton Road and Colvin Boulevard. A youth football and cheer clinic with NFL players, open to youngsters in kindergarten through sixth grade, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. A varsity football clinic with NFL players, for students in grades 7 through 12, is scheduled from 10 a. m. to 1 p.m.’

‘Numerous reports indicate the salary cap for each team for the 2011 season will be about $120 million. The Bills’ payroll currently stands at about $82 million for their top 53 players, or $38 million under the cap, according to Buffalo News figures.’

‘"He’s the reason I am in the Hall of Fame," Kelly said of Reed. "I am in there because of No. 83."’