Archives for January 2012

‘Cortez will be formally introduced at a news conference Tuesday.’

‘Cortez, who served as offensive coordinator and associate head coach of the Calgary Stampeders from 2007-09, replaces Marcel Bellefeuille. He was fired following a season in which the Tiger-Cats went 8-10 in the regular season and fell to Winnipeg, 19-3, in the East Division championship.’

‘Cortez spent two years as quarterbacks coach in Buffalo.’

‘The Class of 2012, consisting of 4-7 men, will be revealed on February 5th.’

‘”George did an excellent job during his time with us and I want to offer my congratulations to him in his new role as head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-cats,” said Bills head coach Chan Gailey. “We’re excited for him with this new opportunity and wish him the best of luck.”‘

‘Cortez joins the Ticats after two seasons as the quarterbacks coach with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.’

‘"It’s not the way I wanted this season to end and I felt like there were a lot more plays for me to make and a lot more opportunities for me to take advantage of," Jackson said. "To have that taken away like it was, only added fuel to the fire so to speak. I’m sure there will be a lot of questions about how I’ll come back from it and things like that and again that’s just fuel for the fire and more motivation for me to come out and play well."’

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“There’s no excuse for losing seven games in a row,” the old scout said. “That was a complete downer and a complete surprise. We can make all kind of excuses, injuries and that kind of thing. (But) even with that we should have done better. I think we’ve got a good nucleus. I’m excited in talking to the players. I’m excited about how they feel and excited about a new year. It’s time we step up and get it done and I think we will.”‘

‘The team also formally announced the signing free agent receiver David Clowney, who had agreed to his contract this week. The Bills also re-signed five players who finished the season on their practice squad: offensive linemen Jake Vermiglio and Keith Williams, linebacker Robert Eddins, defensive back Prince Miller and defensive end Jay Ross.’

‘Despite Fitzpatrick leading the NFL in interceptions, it seems as though he is safe and has another year as the Bills quarterback. Like it or not, Chan Gailey has hitched himself to the Fitzpatrick-wagon, and will either live or die with his success or failure. Gailey made it a point to talk about how this whole thing is to get the Bills back to not just the playoffs, but the Super Bowl. So I asked him if he believed Fitzpatrick can be the quarterback to win the big game. Without hesitation, he answered back: “Yes, he is.” Fair enough. You’re looking at your starter in 2012 at the very least in Ryan Fitzpatrick.’

‘Clowney has been out of football since being waived by the Carolina Panthers before the start of this past season. He had six catches for 102 yards in 10 games with the Panthers in 2010.’

‘Most Valuable Player: RB Fred Jackson.’

‘"I’m comfortable wherever they want me," Dareus said. "I don’t think there’s an uncomfortable position on the field for me."’

‘”I think so. Even though as WGR reported last week that they’re $2 million apart, I think that both have fair positions for their number and it’s a matter of cutting it in the middle,” Clayton said. “What they should do is a find a way to sign him to a long-term contract because he’s one of the most important players on the team.”‘