Two Bills Drive

‘In fact, the Bills’ pre-season opener – Sunday, Aug. 15 against Denver at “The Ralph” – is the latest exhibition start in franchise history.’

‘Gildon, a three-time Pro Bowler with 77 career sacks, is expected to be used as a pass rusher.Gildon recorded six sacks last season, his lowest total in six years. He will be 32 on July 31.’

‘The question: Is Drew Bledsoe over the hill?’

‘Rookie first-round pick J.P. Losman showed enough during offseason drills to conclude that it’s not inconceivable to think he can challenge for the primary backup job as a rookie. “I feel great in this offense,” Losman said. “I think I’m very prepared heading into camp and I look forward to the competition. Some people may think that’s arrogant, but actually I’m just very confident in my abilities.”‘

‘In Buffalo, McNally will get back to his roots, and not just because he’s a Buffalo native. Right tackle Mike Williams, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft, is a player in dire need of some serious coaching to hit his potential.’

‘New defensive backs coach Dave Szabo inherits a unit that intercepted just 10 passes each of the past two seasons, tying the team record low. The big addition is veteran CB Troy Vincent, who has 42 career picks. How do you get turnovers? “You have to practice it,” Szabo said. “You have to emphasize it and you have to get a little luck. Sometimes turnovers are just happenstance … but interceptions are a direct byproduct of putting pressure on the passer. I would say a vast majority of interceptions are from poorly thrown balls more than from the defensive back making a good break on the ball.”‘

‘The big interest with their fans is the offense. Why not? Buffalo finished 30th in the 32-team NFL in overall offense last season. The Bills scored fewer points than any team in the AFC. Drew Bledsoe threw just 11 touchdown passes. In the last three seasons they were 2-25 when they trailed after three quarters.’

‘Gildon, who will be 32 next week, has verbally agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Bills. The deal includes a signing bonus of $500,000, and an additional $500,000 in performance incentives.’

‘Establishing a productive offense will be crucial. Coach Mike Mularkey wants a balanced attack that features a physical running game, and he also will look to exploit matchups in the passing game. Much of the offensive system was installed during the minicamps, so the team will spend training camp sharpening its execution.’

‘In 10 seasons with the Steelers, the 31-year-old Oklahoma State product has recorded 527 total tackles (415 solo) and two interceptions.’

‘"I like how the offense is designed," Shelton said. "The fullback plays a big role and gets to do a lot of blocking. I love playing physical football so it fits my style. I like the power running game."’

‘Clearly these fans are ready for another exciting season of Bills football to kick off.’

‘Gildon can help one of the few weaknesses the Bills have on defense, a pass rush. He will line up either as a pass rushing linebacker on a small defensive end.’

‘Gildon, who turns 32 in July, figures to be used as a situational pass rusher from the strong side behind starter Jeff Posey. The Bills start London Fletcher at middle linebacker and Takeo Spikes on the weak side. However, the reported addition of Gildon gives them the option to use 3-4 alignments with Posey moving inside.’

‘The question is: Can he recapture some of his old form? Gildon has 77 career sacks and made three Pro Bowls – in 2001, 2002 and 2003.’