Archives for January 11, 2013

‘In a release from the team, Pettine addressed the question of a 3-4 vs. 4-3 defense. “The answer is really yes to both,” Pettine said. “We’ll be a multiple front, multiple coverage defense. The trademark of our defense is we’re going to be smart, tough and relentless. How we configure it is more player-driven. I’ve always believed that you don’t fit your players to your scheme, but you fit your scheme to your players.”‘

‘”Obviously, with the coordinators, we want people that have thorough NFL experience, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Marrone said. “Offensively, we want people with NFL experience. For our coordinators, we want to make sure they’ve been in this league.”‘

‘Fitzpatrick’s future is uncertain in Buffalo, and he’s due a $3 million roster bonus in March. General manager Buddy Nix has already said he plans to select a quarterback in the draft in April. He also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of acquiring one in free agency or through a trade.’

‘”I have worked closely with Nathaniel the past three years and the first thing that jumps out at you is his boundless enthusiasm,” said Marrone. “He has a genuine love and excitement for the game of football, offenses in particular, and that transcends into everything he does. Secondly, he has a great knowledge of offenses for someone his age.”‘

‘”He’s been surrounded by offensive-thinking football all his life and he’s absorbed it. It’s in his DNA,” Marrone said of Nathaniel. “Finally, you hear coaches speak of “everyone being on the same page?” Well Nathaniel is on the same page with me when it comes to the offense, and it’s multiple variations, that we are looking to run here in Buffalo.’

‘Pettine, who turned down a contract extension from the New York Jets early last season, could have waited things out. There are a number of teams that have yet to hire head coaches and therefore a number of staffs have yet to be built. But the 46 year old Pennsylvania native jumped on the Bills offer when Marrone called.’

‘The more significant hire – and one that will go a long way in determining Marrone’s success – was Pettine, who was the highly regarded defensive coordinator of the Jets the past four seasons. His units ranked in the top 10 each of those seasons. Now, admittedly, some of the credit for New York’s success on D belongs to the Jets defensive-minded head coach Rex Ryan. But Pettine spent 10 seasons working under Ryan (first in Baltimore and then, New York) and has learned his lessons well.’

‘Hackett, 33, has been Marrone’s offensive coordinator at Syracuse for the past two seasons. In the 2010 season Marrone began to cede the offensive play calling duties to Hackett, when he was still serving as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.’

‘Pettine will enter his 12th year in the NFL coaching ranks in 2013 and fifth as a defensive coordinator. He served in the same capacity with the New York Jets from 2009-12 overseeing a defense that finished in the top 10 in total defense each year.’

‘”I have worked closely with Nathaniel the past 3 years and the first thing that jumps out at you is his boundless enthusiasm. He has a genuine love and excitement for the game of football, offenses in particular, and that transcends into everything he does. Secondly, he has a great knowledge of offenses for someone his age. Having grown up as the son of coach, particularly the son of a good coach, has certainly served him well. He’s been surrounded by offensive-thinking football all his life and he’s absorbed it. It’s in his DNA. Finally, you hear coaches speak of “everyone being on the same page?” Well Nathaniel is on the same page with me when it comes to the offense, and it’s multiple variations, that we are looking to run here in Buffalo.”‘

‘”The personnel we acquire through free agency and the Draft will not be locked into a defense that plays one particular front or one particular coverage. We want defensive players who are tough and get after it, and, at the same time, play smart football.”‘

‘Coach Marrone is a very well respected coach throughout the NFL. His experience with the offenses is just amazing. To learn that from him first-hand and to work with him very intimately on creating a system while we were there at Syracuse learning all the things that he wanted carried over from the NFL. It not only gave me the foundation in the pass protection and the run game, but just overall how to put everything together to correspond with that-protect the quarterback and run the ball.’

‘”First and foremost was the opportunity to work with a quality coach like Doug Marrone. It was just a whirlwind for me when the opportunities came. When his name popped up people came out of the woodwork to recommend him. He’s pure football. The biggest thing for me is also to coach in an area with passionate fans. I grew up a coach’s son and in a community where it was all about football. It’s great to be somewhere where the fans are so passionate.”‘

‘”I was definitely excited when I read that about him,” Wood told Buffalobills.com. “I’m happy he’s an offensive-minded coach. I think that bodes well for us on offense that he coached a really successful offense down in New Orleans. The way he talked he wants to be innovative on offense and that’s kind of how the league is going these days.”‘

‘McKelvin and other players chosen will receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice.’