Archives for March 26, 2015

'However, the coach who might very well be the happiest with the recent acquisition of a former Bill is Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints. Payton couldn’t say enough good things about running back C.J. Spiller, whom the Saints signed as a free agent.'

'The issue is figuring out another way to attempt an extra point or go for a two-point conversion besides the one that has been in place for many years: lining up at the 2-yard line.'

'A roll call: Rex Ryan hired as coach, Jerry Hughes re-signed, LeSean McCoy and Matt Cassel acquired in trades, Richie Incognito, Jerome Felton, and Charles Clay brought aboard via free agency, ticket sales pacing at a near record level, widespread praise for the stadium renovation, and the franchise not only thriving under the new ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula, but safely secure right where it belongs, possibly for generations to come.'

'It's not right that people who pay cable and satellite TV fees should be denied the local NFL game, because everybody is paying for it one way or the other. Yes, the NFL is the only sports league that offers its games over free network TV. But again, who still watches three channels with rabbit ears?'

'The statue will be based on a photo of Wilson taken with Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas on the sidelines of the Bills' 30-27 victory over the Jets in 1990. Wilson, who owned the Bills for 54 years, led the franchise to two American Football League Championships and four consecutive Super Bowls. His death led to an emotional year as the team transitioned to new ownership.'

'The Bills are now left with the same offensive line as a year ago plus Incognito. Ryan mentioned the possibility of having Seantrel Henderson play left tackle and Cordy Glenn switch to right tackle, while Whaley expressed some level of optimism in guard Chris Williams, who is returning from injury. The Bills still have time to address the line, but Whaley clearly seems disappointed that Buffalo wasn't able to do more.'

'The decision to commemorate the team's founder and Pro Football Hall of Famer member was the brainchild of new Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, and Wilson's widow, Mary, the team announced Wednesday. The statue will serve as a centerpiece in a newly established Founder's Plaza at Ralph Wilson Stadium.'

'"It just seems so fitting to honor Ralph with a statue in Founder’s Plaza, where fans will have the opportunity to interact and pose for photos. Ralph was so approachable and he absolutely loved the fans and he would have been honored and humbled to stand among them for all-time,” said Wilson. “I think everyone will appreciate the detail in the statue, even to the point that it replicates what Ralph wore to the stadium on game days, and I want to thank Terry and Kim Pegula for honoring Ralph in this special way.”'

'“Mr. Wilson was an icon in both the professional football world and in the Western New York community,” said Bills Owner Kim Pegula. “This is our opportunity to honor his legacy and to allow our fans to share their gameday experience with the man who brought professional football to Buffalo.”'

'“I felt I was one of their guys from the very second I stepped on the plane and just getting the chance to meet and talk with the Pegulas, they’re such down to earth people,” said Clay. “Just getting the chance to meet with them and to fly up with Rex (Ryan) and Greg Roman and Tony Sparano Jr. and just having the chance to talk with them, I was very impressed. They had me excited on the plane before I even got to Buffalo. I was about ready to sign before I even got there, so I was very excited.”'