Two Bills Drive

‘It’s too bad Gilchrist is all but forgotten, not only because of his legendary playing career but because he made pro football all-star game history off the field 39 years ago. He not only ought to be remembered for it, he should be celebrated for it.’

‘”Sam played quarterback in the league,” said Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally, who served in the same capacity under Wyche in Cincinnati. “He played under Paul Brown and learned a lot from him. He was with Bill Walsh for a number of years. So he certainly knows all the basics of how to handle a quarterback. I think he’s fired up and ready to go.”‘

‘Coleman saw his first NFL action in 2003 after spending the previous season on the practice squad. An undrafted rookie free agent from Ferris State, he caught eight passes for 69 yards. Bills QB Drew Bledsoe spoke well of Coleman.’

‘Wyche, 58, has been in Buffalo since Tuesday meeting and working alongside Mularkey and his staff in what has amounted to a tryout for the job. Mularkey had indicated he would make a decision on Wyche on Friday, but that did not happen.’

‘If Williams, Buffalo’s head coach the previous three seasons, has a defining style for his defensive teams, it is his stress on creativity and aggressiveness.’

‘Williams’ motto throughout his coaching career has stayed firm: don’t try to make players fit your defense, make your defense fit the players.’

OT Marcus Price: ‘”Earlier in January I had to have knee surgery so I’ve been rehabbing that a little bit. I’ve also been to San Diego rehabbing. I’m just getting my body back and trying to get some rest but enjoying time with family. The next couple of weeks in Texas I’ll get back on my workouts and get prepared for the 2004 season. During Super Bowl week I did some appearances in the area and but I didn’t go to the game. I won’t go to the Super Bowl game until I’m in it.”‘

‘The Bills have a starting quarterback in veteran Drew Bledsoe, but team President Tom Donahoe is interested in acquiring someone who can be groomed to eventually take over. Bledsoe is also coming off one of the worst seasons of his 11-year career, finishing with 2,860 yards passing, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 16 games.’

‘Williams declined to comment on his time in Buffalo. “I’m a Washington Redskin,” he said.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are among the teams that plan on going to Houston to get a look at the former University of Michigan quarterback. He’ll workout next Thursday and all NFL teams are welcome to attend.’

‘”I thought it was going to be pretty inconspicuous when he flew into town because nobody really knew officially that he was the head coach. But when he landed the private plane with the five-foot helmet on the side of the tail, it got out pretty quick around Buffalo that he was in town and we were talking.”‘

‘He’s still being evaluated by new head coach Mike Mularkey to see if his health will allow him to endure the hours coaches put in.’

New England

Feb. 4, 2004

Jan. 19-Feb. 3

Roster addition: FB Phillip Crosby (released from Bills reserve/injured 11/19).

According to NFLPA.org the Patriots have signed 10 free agents for next season, many likely to be sent to NFL Europe for the Spring. The list includes RBs Phillip Crosby, Malaefou Mackenzie and Frank Moreau, safeties Scott Farley and Jason Perry, WR Marquise Walker, cornerback Michael Hall, DE Buck Rasmussen, LB Lawrence Flugence, OL Jack Fadule.

Phillip Crosby was drafted by Bills in 2001 and was released this year after an injury settlement.

‘The Buffalo Bills will be represented at quarterback Drew Henson’s workout next week in Houston, president and general manager Tom Donahoe said.’