Two Bills Drive

The Atlanta Falcons have reached a contract agreement in principle with unrestricted free agent linebacker John Holecek, a six-year veteran who should aid the team’s transition to a 3-4 defensive front. Holecek, 29, played for Wade Phillips when the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator was the head coach in Buffalo and becomes the second former Bills starter to move to Atlanta in free agency. The team earlier signed safety Keion Carpenter, a three-year veteran.

@ Jones has been with the Bills his entire career and is entering his 18th season with the team. He is recognized around the league as one of the finest, strength, conditioning and nutrition experts in the business. He gained league-wide notoriety for getting the Bills players in top physical condition when Buffalo enjoyed the tremendous success with the "no-huddle" offense in the early 1990’s.

‘Kurt Schulz, who played eight seasons for Buffalo (1992-99) before joining the Detroit Lions as a free agent, could rejoin the Bills soon if the sides can cut through some contract language, his agent said. "We’re trying to work something out," Keith Schulefand said. "Assuming the terms and conditions are right, Kurt would love to come back and play. We’re just trying to break through a logjam."’

‘Only four of the NFL’s 32 teams have been judged not worthy of prime-time exposure: Buffalo, Carolina, Kansas City and San Diego.’

‘Would you rather pay a 10-million dollar signing bonus and a salary to an unproven college player like Joey Harrington, or bring in Bledsoe’s 5-6 million dollar salary and his 30-thousand yards passing, 166 touchdowns, and 3 Pro Bowl appearances.’

‘The last time Buffalo didn’t have a prime time game was in Levy’s first full season with the Bills, 1987.’

‘And the Bills believe Blake might still be looking for a job two or three weeks from now, and will spend that time before the draft in earnest pursuit of a trade for New England backup quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Blake’s agent, Ralph Cindrich, this week faxed the Bills a contract proposal. It called for a two-tiered signing bonus, $1 million this year and then $4.1 million in 2003, but Buffalo is hardly leaping to the phone to respond.’

"Donahoe is beginning to exhibit the front office skills that the national media and NFL insiders knew he had. He could have had several jobs but he chose instead to take the job in Buffalo."

@ Desperate to improve their offensive line, the Bills signed free-agent OT Trey Teague to a four-year, $10 million contract with a two-tiered signing bonus of $3.5 million that will be spread over this year and next. Teague, 27, played his first four years in the league with Denver. He started all 16 games at left tackle for the Broncos last year.

Buchsbaum: At one point, the Broncos felt Teague was going to be a good replacement for Tony Jones at left tackle. But last year as a starter, he really struggled. The Bills feel he?ll be an upgrade over John Fina, and now that he?s got the starting experience under his belt, he?ll only get better. He is a good athlete and he does have good feet.

@ You almost have to feel bad for the Bills, who have an early season schedule against the Jets, Vikings, Broncos, Bears and Raiders that could leave them at 0-5. Don’t look for any Bills sleepers until the second part of the year.

THE EDGE GOES TO . . .

Five winners: Dolphins, Browns, Vikings, Packers, Cardinals.

Five losers: Giants, Bengals, Rams, Bills, Patriots.

‘The Bills’ schedule is tied for eighth-toughest in the league – based on last year’s records, which, of course, is not always a reliable indicator of this year’s performance.’

‘But be honest, aren’t you a little intrigued and encouraged by what’s been taking place out at One Bills Drive?’

‘But the little guy at the little station made a big splash when, disappointed with the Bills’ offensive performances, he criticized the organization for misusing quarterback Jim Kelly. That’s when then-Bills GM Polian made his famous statement, "Marv Levy is my coach. Jim Kelly is my quarterback. And if you don’t like it, you can get out of town." "You’re finally getting your wish," Wander told Polian in the last half-hour of his show. "I’m getting out of town."’

‘All 16 games this year will be on Sunday afternoons.’

‘"What we’re doing is looking at all of our options right now," general manager Tom Donahoe said. "We may sign one, we might not sign anyone. All we’re doing right now is research and trying to figure out what makes the most sense for our team. We’re trying to stay in the loop with these players and see what might happen."’