Two Bills Drive

‘All I know is that Buffalo will be better, and Donahoe can take a bow.’

The Bills were in search of linebackers during the 1979 draft and chose Tom Cousineau with the first overall pick and Jim Haslett in the second round. In short, picking Cousineau didn’t really work out too well. However, a rookie linebacker who did work out for Buffalo was free agent Chris Keating.

‘While the Buffalo Bills have enjoyed an active offseason, the recent string of off-the-field incidents involving players is attention the organization can live without.’

‘Buffalo Bills wide receiver Charlie Rogers avoided yesterday’s municipal court hearing on a charge of assaulting an Old Bridge Township police officer by having his lawyer request the case be referred to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.’

‘Tickets to the night practices are free and limited to six per person. The 7 p.m. sessions will include a 25-minute autograph session involving the entire team after the practice.’

Drew Bledsoe, Buffalo: It still feels bizarre to even write the word Buffalo following Bledsoe’s name, but we all better get used to it, because the Bills and him are married to each other for a while. But what a honeymoon it has been. Bledsoe got the rock star treatment in upstate NY this spring, and I for one think he deserved a nice break after handling the events of 2001 in New England with about as much dignity as anyone could have mustered. I’m not certain that Bledsoe remains among the NFL’s elite QBs, but I think he has found himself an up-and-coming team and I’m convinced that he’ll be infused with a motivation this season that hasn’t been part of his game for several years. What do you bet that Bledsoe goes to bed every night counting down the days until those two late-season showdowns with New England?

‘Pucillo, who played guard and center at Auburn, becomes the fifth of the Bills’ 10 draft picks to sign with the team.’

Four days to Final Showdown: When we finally get in there Sunday and hike the ball for real, I’m sure it will be fun and kind of lighthearted in the beginning, but when it starts to get down to when someone has to actually win or lose, I’m sure the fangs are going to come out.

The Bills today announced that the team has agreed to terms with offensive lineman Mike Pucillo, the first of the team’s four selections in the seventh round of the 2002 Draft and the 215th overall pick. In accordance with club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Clements fits the bill

Cornerback Nate Clements of the Bills is the final breakthrough player, but he started to look like a Pro Bowler in the second half of last season.

The tentative practice schedule with practice times has been released.

‘The Bills today announced that tickets for the team’s two Monday evening practices during the Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp will be available to the public starting this Saturday at 9:00 AM at all participating Tops Friendly Markets locations. Also on Saturday, tickets for the team’s scrimmage with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, August 3 will be available.’

After adding so many new faces (44 on the camp roster), what kind of chemistry have the Bills brewed? The 2000 Redskins (8-8) or the 2001 Patriots (Super Bowl champs)?’

‘Look for Bills starting OLB Keith Newman to be more of a force in the pass rush this season. The Bills used Newman in that role two seasons ago, and he responded by racking up eight sacks. Last season Newman had only 3 1/2 sacks.’

‘The signing of Jackson, a wide receiver and kick returner who played at Syracuse, followed the arrest early Saturday of Charlie Rogers, who was expected to fill those roles for Buffalo this season.’