Two Bills Drive

‘Gildon is a two-time Pro Bowl selection who’s production has tailed off the last two years. After registering 13½ sacks in 2000 and 12 in 2001, he combined for just 15 in the past two seasons. That included just six last season, his fewest since 1997.’

‘Gildon is entering his 11th year in the league and had spent his entire career with the Steelers. He was released following the season.’

‘Buffalo also released linebacker Dilibe Acholonu, an undrafted free agent the team signed in April.’

‘The Bills today announced that the team has signed cornerback Gerald Dixon and rookie free agent safety Jonathon Palafox.’

‘Fans had to write an essay about their favorite Eric Moulds moment on or off the field, how it affected them personally, and why it was special to them. The hundreds of entries on memories provided by the longest current tenured Bills player were whittled down to a group of four finalists.’

‘The Buffalo Bills already are on the verge of selling out four home games this season – even before individual tickets go on sale to the general public – and they’re confident they will sell out all eight games for the second year in a row.’

‘Gildon, who excelled in a 3-4 alignment, could be a pass rusher off the edge in a 4-3 but the Bills expect to get more out of Jeff Posey (5.5 sacks) in that role now that he’s got a year under his belt in Jerry Gray’s system. Rookie free agent Dilibe Acholonu, who had a big career rushing the passer at Washington State, will also be given a good look in camp.’

‘President and GM Tom Donahoe said "very legitimate" contract offers are out to starting left tackle Jonas Jennings, defensive end Aaron Schobel and defensive tackle Pat Williams, who each becomes a free agent in 2005.’

‘The Bills are leaving no stone unturned during the organized team activities, devoting plenty of time to special teams, along with offense and defense. "They’ve been addressed about special teams, the best players will be on the field; starter or non-starter, rookie or 10-year vet," coach Mike Mularkey said. "The best guy who can do the job on each play will be on the field."’

‘SS Coy Wire is getting a look at free safety. Wire, who’s physical and instinctive, is competing against starter Izell Reese. Wire must prove he has the range and know-how to pass Reese, a smart player who’s rangier than Wire but not as physical. Whoever starts must make more big plays.’

‘Despite his problems in the last year and a half and the fact that the Bills picked another quarterback in the first round of this draft, Drew Bledsoe is still Buffalo’s quarterback of the present, at least in the estimation of ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski. “I probably looked at 10-12 Bills games last year,” said Jaworski, a former Pro Bowl quarterback with the Eagles. “I saw no decline in his physical talent, his ability to throw the football and throw ropes 40-45 yards down the field.” As Jaworski sees it, Bledsoe will get better once his protection improves.’

‘Changing head coaches plus half the starting lineup usually is a prescription for a rebuilding year. So that’s either very good news for Mularkey or the Bills are overestimating their roster.’

‘All that experience is something Teague has wanted to share with area high school players for several years. After much planning, he’s finally worked out dates for a football camp for linemen and tight ends on July 16-17 at USJ from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It’s called ”Trey Teague’s Trench Warriors” and is for linemen in grades 9 through 12.’

‘”We like all three guys,” offensive line coach Jim McNally said this week as the Bills wrapped up another three days of organized team activities. “They will get a chance to show what they can do.”‘

‘The Bills invited LaCarte, a three-year starter for the University of Pittsburgh, to a group tryout in mid-May. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder excelled during the 20-yard dashes with Buffalo offensive line coach Jim McNally supervising.’