‘Euhus’ agent William Heck said his client was pleased with how easily negotiations went, wrapping the deal up within a day.’
BillsBeat - May 19, 2004
BillsBeat - May 18, 2004
Jim Ritcher Answers Fan Questions
‘Q: What was the most important aspect to your success as a player for the Bills?
JR: Being surrounded and having great coaches and great teammates always. Through high school, college and with the Buffalo Bills. I was always surrounded with good people.’
Lee Evans Decides On No. 83
‘Tight end Mark Campbell, who picked up No. 83 after Dave Moore left this offseason and wore it during the team’s first two mini-camps, will switch back to No. 84, the number he wore during the 2003 season.’
BillsBeat - May 17, 2004
Bills Alumni Spotlight: Bill Brooks
‘"You just had to go out there and do your job," Brooks said. "Steve Tasker got a chance to play and show everyone how good of a wide receiver he was. Everyone always looked at Steve as a special teams guy, but we saw Steve every day in practice and Steve was a great receiver. He went out there and played well. The guys stepped in and did their jobs. That’s what you have to do if you’re backing-up or you’re the third or a fourth receiver or whatever. When your time is called, just be ready. That’s what I was trying to do, not try to do more than what I can, just stay within myself and do my job. Give credit to the coaches for putting me in the right situations at the right times for my ability."’
Chandler Stands Tall Among Bills QBs
‘"I have faith that God is in control, that has always helped me through whatever happens," Chandler said. "I want to be a Buffalo Bill. I have a great coaching staff ahead of me, directly being under Sam Wyche who is a great offensive coach and quarterback coach."’
SWAN SONGS: Off-season list of NFL's retiring players
BRUCE SMITH, defensive end – 19 seasons
Buffalo Bills (1985-99), Washington Redskins (2000-2003)
Career in a nutshell: Though some critics moaned that Smith stuck around too long with his eye solely on the all-time NFL sack record, no one can argue the fact that he was one of the best defensive ends of the last quarter century. Last season, he finally passed Reggie White for the all-time record and Smith is the only player with 200 career sacks. Under coach Marv Levy, Smith was a cornerstone of the fabled Bills teams that reached an unprecedented four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s.
BillsBeat - May 16, 2004
For new starters, it's ready or not
Getting after the passer is what San Diego needs Otis Leverette to do and Buffalo expects the same from Ryan Denney in Buffalo.
Backup Plan
Blake would give Buffalo a fairly safe middle option, should starter Drew Bledsoe continue to struggle or go down with an injury, and first-round pick J.P. Losman prove to be at least a year away, as everyone expects.
Cornelius Bennett Inducted into Alabama Sports HoF
“Starring for the Buffalo Bills, Bennett was named NFL Rookie of the Year. He played in five Super Bowls, appeared in five Pro Bowls and was named second team on the NFL All-Decade Team.”
Open Market Not Kind to Collins
Drew Bledsoe recognized the youth movement around the league and renegotiated his contract to buy time for J.P. Losman to eventually replace him in Buffalo.
Donahoe facing tough decisions on three linemen
‘Left tackle Jonas Jennings, right defensive end Aaron Schobel and defensive tackle Pat Williams are entering the final year of their contracts.’
Wilson gives a primer on sharing
‘"The sharing of revenue is really the foundation of the NFL, and it dates back to George Halas in the early days of the league," Wilson said during a session at the league owners meetings in Florida. "It’s what sets the NFL apart from the other leagues, who don’t share hardly anything. . . . We have something special now. Let’s keep it that way."’
Practice With The Pros A Hit
‘The Buffalo Bills were represented by Josh Stamer, Ross Tucker, Lauvale Sape, Ryan Neufeld, Jon Dorenbos and kicker Rian Lindell.’
BillsBeat - May 14, 2004
The Influence of Numbers
‘"I think it’s always going to be that way," said Williams of his stature. "Just being at my size is something that has kind of always been a knock against me, and people are going to look at it as long as I’m able to play football. It’s just something I’m going to have to deal with."’
Playing on Perseverance
‘"He’s an overachiever," said Bills scout Joe Haering who was impressed with Lamar’s work ethic, "and he’s a physical corner. He’s intelligent. He’s got football smarts."’