Two Bills Drive

‘”We like our team,” said Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe. “We think we have a team that has a lot of ability. We’re enthused about the new coaches that we’ve added and also about the ability to retain some very good coaches from the previous staff, so there’s no reason not to be optimistic.”‘

‘"I was fortunate enough to win a championship in New England," he said. "I also know what it’s like to lose one. I’m not into predicting records or anything like that. We just need to believe in ourselves and focus on the tasks at hand. The rest will fall into place."’

‘Tickets for the first of the team’s two Wednesday evening practices during the Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp are sold out and only a limited amount of tickets remain for the Bills scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns on August 7.’

‘The school says its relationship with the Bills has been a good one. “We have a great relationship with them, we really do,” said Allison Bosworth, camp general manager for the school. “It’s been a real benefit to us. People know who we are and where we are now, because this is where the Bills practice."’

‘"This is good a team that I’ve been on, but that doesn’t mean anything," Bledsoe explained. "Last year we started out strong then stumbled. At this point, looking at the guys around me, I feel really, really optimistic about our chances."’

‘"The players really responded to our program this off-season," said Rusty Jones, director of physical development with the Bills. "We did some new things. We added some Olympic-style lifting and a few other exercises. The players are in great shape."’

‘Donahoe realizes there is no logic in trading Henry, at least not this year. Willis McGahee is coming back after nearly two years on the sideline because of a major knee injury. Even if McGahee looks great in training camp and the exhibition games, he still must prove he can stay healthy and effective over the entire season.’

‘Even if the Dolphins do phone to explore the possibility of trading for one of Buffalo’s two ball carriers, Donahoe said, “It would be a short conversation.”‘

‘If the Bills knew Willis McGahee’s repaired knee was 100 percent and ready for full-time duty, Henry-for-Ogunleye would be an interesting proposition, but Buffalo has no such guarantee.’

‘Good arm strength and throws with sufficient velocity, but he is slow in the pocket, slow in his set-up, and slow in his ball fakes to running backs, which makes for a largely ineffective play action pass and disadvantages the offense from surprising opponents. Watch Jets QB Chad Pennington to see how fakes should work. Bledsoe’s judgment has declined. He is fearless, but his slow nature makes him an easy sack target.’

‘Denney may have been the starter in the past, but he is definitely hearing footsteps. Chris Kelsay is ready to be an everyday player and should provide strong competition to land the role. Kelsay was the Bills second round choice in the 2003 NFL Draft and is progressing nicely in his development. He said he’s ready for the challenge of being an every down player.’

‘”We’ve made progress,” Donahoe said updating negotiations with Evans and Losman on Wednesday. “We’re talking each day, sometimes a couple of times each day. We have two players who want to be in camp on time. We are working toward that goal.”‘

‘Pro Park currently manages over 25 parking garages and surface lots in the Western and Central New York region.’

‘The Bills have confirmed to WGR Sports Radio 550 that they have not spoken to Miami about trading Travis Henry there.’

‘The Bills also said parking rates for the 2004 season will not change. It will cost $15 per automobile, early arrival campers will pay $30 while those arriving on game day will pay $25, and limousines and buses will be charged $40.’