Two Bills Drive

‘At a Bills’ tryout in Mid-May, LaCarte’s speed was among the best during running and agility drills. But, while LaCarte refused to wait by the phone, the Bills did not come calling. “The problem was my size, not my ability,” LaCarte said. “I think they just wanted someone around 300-plus pounds and I just can’t carry that kind of weight.”‘

‘Moorman, who lives in Ponte Vidra, Fla., in the offseason, has started the Brian Moorman PUNT Foundation to benefit pediatric cancer research and children facing cancer treatments. PUNT stands for purpose, understanding, ‘ncouragement and triumph. "We started it last year, and we’re trying to expand on it this year,” Moorman said. "We’re trying to put some events together in Buffalo."’

‘As a part of the program, Bills General Manager Tom Donahoe will be hosting monthly meetings with the selected students. They will go behind the scenes of the Buffalo Bills where they will learn about a variety of careers and meet professionals within the organization and community. The Student Leaders will also have the opportunity to attend Bills games, volunteer at community events, assist various Bills departments during select home games and serve as Bills ambassadors to their school.’

‘Koons was a Cincinnati Bengals fan while growing up, and the Bills have hired former Cincinnati coach Sam Wyche as quarterback coach. Koons said he always had a soft spot for the Bills, too, but playing professional football is the primary goal.’

The most interesting dynamic in the division is the head coaching change in Buffalo.

‘”My responsibility is to try and get us to the Super Bowl,” Gray said. “If you go in with an attitude less than that then you don’t have the right focus. We have a team, we have the players. We just have to put it together.”‘

Three new coaches decorate the Bills as they head into 2004. Their new HC is former Steelers OC Mike Mularkey, and the new OC is Tom Clements, also from Pittsburgh.

But the addition of veteran coach Sam Wyche as QB coach could be the key to this team. Wyche is an innovative and creative coach who will serve as a guide to starter Drew Bledsoe and mentor to rookie J.P. Losman. In fact, Losman will eventually be the Bills’ QB, but knowing Wyche, we may see him get some time in short-yardage situations since Losman is a bigger version of the Steelers’ Antwaan Randle El.

Fellow rookie Lee Evans was another good draft pick for the Bills as the most experienced receiver in the draft (he spent six years at Wisconsin). That should help a team that finished 30th overall in total offense score some points. If Mularkey wants to see his team improve, the offense has to get back on track. If they do, this will be an interesting team to watch.

‘"If they’re interested, they may sign him," Conquest coach Rick Buffington said Tuesday at a media luncheon. "He could get as far as the practice squad. They make good money right now."’

‘"This is tremendous opportunity for D. and he certainly deserves it," said Albany Conquest Head Coach Rick Buffington. "If Buffalo likes what they see they could sign him in the near future. D. will fly out from Buffalo to Green Bay to play in our game on Friday night against the Blizzard. He will not miss any practices this week since Thursday is a travel day for us."’

There’s no question that the Bills have all the pieces to have a potent, high-scoring offense. The key will be giving Bledsoe the time he needs to make his reads down the field. With all the weapons Mularkey has at his disposal, it’s tough to imagine the Bills struggling on offense the way they did last season.

On the other side of the ball, status quo wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen to a team that ranked second in the league in total defense. But there’s a fine line between status quo and complacency and the Bills would be wise to toe it carefully.

If Mularkey is able to get the new additions to jell and work out some chemistry puzzles (i.e. Henry and McGahee), there should be plenty of cheers from Ralph Wilson and the patrons of his stadium.

Within two months, Brittany and Robbie have organized fundraisers to purchase old cell phones and prepaid calling cards. They have raised more than $130,000 through these events and their Web site, Cell Phones For Soldiers.

Their efforts have been acknowledged by the White House, members of the military, and Jim Kelly, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. Kelly has also signed on as their celebrity spokesperson.

The Bergquist siblings have been collecting a lot of stuff lately. Like e-mails from grateful soldiers in Iraq and their mothers, wives and fathers in the States; $500 donations from TV stars; backing from former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly; and lots of thank-yous from people all over the country.

‘As long as Eric Moulds stays healthy and Drew Bledsoe stays off his backside, this team will have a chance to post its first winning record in five years.’

‘The Bills have the added challenge of signing two first-round draft picks this year and with training camp opening in less than a month, the clock is ticking on getting wide receiver Lee Evans and quarterback J.P. Losman into the fold.’