Archives for July 25, 2012

‘Ferguson (6’3″ 248) made 28 starts in 49 appearances for Mississippi State in his college career with 101 tackles including 17 for loss and three sacks. The defensive end also has a measure of familiarity with the Bills having been one of the club’s tryout players during the Bills rookie minicamp this past May.’

‘Of Buffalo’s 90-man training camp roster, only 17 of them were inherited by current general manager Buddy Nix, hired on the last day of 2009. And among those enthused about the opening of training camp is Bills’ CEO Russ Brandon.’

‘”Yeah I definitely take a little pride in it,” said Moorman, who reported for his 12th training camp Tuesday. “It’s one thing to play 12 seasons in the NFL and it’s another to play 12 seasons with one team. It’s been nice to be part of this organization and the community and everything else.”‘

‘”I think we’re realistic enough to know the first year or two we didn’t have enough depth and enough playmakers to make a difference and probably contend all the way through the year,” Nix said. “But I think the feeling is different now. I think we do.”‘

‘”I don’t think anything has changed as far as the way we look at things and our attitude about things,” general manager Buddy Nix said. “But I do think we’re realistic enough to know that the first year or two we didn’t have enough depth and enough playmakers to make a difference and contend all the way through the year. The feeling is different now; I think we do.”‘

”’People have reason to be optimistic again,” added former general manager Bill Polian. ”It’s a tough row to hoe in that division, but they’re headed in the right direction.”’

‘Buffalo spent big on pass rushers in the offseason, landing prized two-time Pro Bowler Mario Williams and double-digit sack artist Mark Anderson in free agency, and both will be counted on to play prominent roles in the revised scheme.’

‘The best battle for a starting spot on the 2012 Bills will be on offense. Second round draft pick Cordy Glenn will be going up against second year pro Chris Hairston for the left tackle job. Hairston made seven starts in 2011 as a rookie and played like a rookie with some good days and some not so good days.’

‘While many players bring a host of creature comforts from home, Gilmore, who brought his own flat screen TV rather than rent one, said the only thing special he brought was a bible. “It keeps me close to God,” Gilmore told WGRZ-TV.’

‘The parking lot outside of Keough Hall was a steady stream of players arriving to training camp. Defensive tackle Kyle Williams and defense end Chris Kelsay came in together. Players bring all the comforts of home for their three week stay. Rookie TJ Graham brought his playbook in first. Players say this has been a positive off season and hope moves made in the off season will help the team end their playoff drought.’

‘Chan Gailey isn’t going to change the way he plays offense. He will spread them out, use players like CJ Spiller all over the field and try to get as many players involved as possible. But in order for this team to take the next step as an offense and not run into prolonged periods where they can’t move the ball, they need player or two to step up. It will be worth plenty of eye time at camp and the preseason to see who emerges as a Fitz favorite.’

‘”The one place I’m a little concerned is our depth at safety,” said Nix. “We’ve got three guys and we’d like to have four there that can play. Other than that I think we’re pretty deep.”‘

‘Obviously the offseason acquisitions helped, but I still think it was time for us. If we had not gotten Mario (Williams) and Mark (Anderson) it would have still been time to start winning some games. We’ve done some things right, I think, and we’ve probably made some mistakes along the way. But it’s time to close it out and win some games and until we do it is not complete.’