Archives for January 22, 2015

‘”If we’re talking about how we want to build this team, he can finish my sentence, I can finish his because it’s the same philosophy,” Whaley said. “And it’s a philosophy, I think especially in our division, and where we play, that represents not only the fan base, but the community and the region as a whole. And that’s tough, physical bullies that are going to impose their will on another team. That’s just what I subscribe to.”‘

‘While the Buffalo Bills could certainly come away from the 2015 NFL Draft with a quarterback, the prevailing opinion is that the 2015 Senior Bowl lacks a difference maker at the position. In past years, players like Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson and Derek Carr have been able to steal the show in Mobile. On Tuesday, the best quarterback was probably Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson, who has a chance to play himself into the second day of the draft with a strong showing this week. If the Bills are looking for a mid-round quarterback with some upside, Grayson fits the bill.’

‘An NFL football stadium is too large for any of the three proposed downtown sites. Too many people will come, and they won’t come often enough to justify the type of infrastructure, such as a monorail to a new city of parking, or better yet, a working regional public transportation system, that would be needed to make this thing work.’

‘For instance: Do we really need a new stadium now that the Pegulas have committed to keeping the Bills in Western New York? Who will ultimately decide whether a new stadium is built? Which of the four “shortlisted” locations identified in the report-the Cobblestone District, the Exchange Street site, Orchard Park, or the South Park site-would be best overall for our region? Are any of the non-shortlisted sites worthy of further consideration? Should a new stadium be an open-air, football-focused venue or a domed roof, multi-purpose facility? If the new venue includes a dome, should it be retractable or non-retractable? How much of the development costs, if any, should be shouldered by taxpayers when Buffalo’s residents have so many pressing needs? Etc. Etc.’

‘Gibbons’ contract was set to expire in June, a source said.’

‘Hamlin says his contract is a two-year deal and he will leave for Buffalo this weekend and have meetings next week. Some of his duties as quality control coach will deal with breaking down film and advance scouting on opponents. He said he will get the rest of his duties when he meets with the other coaches Monday.’

‘Lynn was previously with the New York Jets, where he worked as the running backs coach from 2009 through 2014, and earned the assistant head coach title in 2013. Lynn has also coached running backs for the Browns, Cowboys, and Jaguars.’

‘”You leave a place and you just think, ‘Golly I’m going to miss some people.’ The people in Buffalo were great to me, great to our staff,” Lee told the John Murphy Show on location in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. “The greatest thing about being there were the people and you can’t say that about everywhere I’ve been, but you can there and I’m certainly glad to be back. Excited about what Rex is going to do with this entire organization. It’s going to be fun to be part of it.”‘