Two Bills Drive

‘With the departures of players such as Smith, Ted Washington and Phil Hansen, there is an alarming absence of star power on the Bills’ defensive line. The team is desperate for someone to emerge and would be disappointed if it wasn’t Schobel.’

‘Though it’s not very likely he will lead the team in receptions again, Centers is relieved to see new coordinator Kevin Gilbride knows who he is. "It’s always good to be involved," Centers said.’

‘X-rays on Jennings’ ankle were negative but he will be hobbled for some time and may not be able to play in Friday’s preseason game against Minnesota. Compounding the issue is that Price is his backup. Stepping into the starting spot during Monday’s afternoon drills was Kris Farris, who is attempting yet another comeback after breaking his leg last season.’

‘"This year I think it’s up to him to put up or shut up. They got him all the help they needed with Drew Bledsoe and proven veterans. Now he’s got to go out and do it."’

‘Head coach Gregg Williams, defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and defensive line coach John Levra (who announced before camp that he’s retiring after this season) have a little more than three weeks to find an acceptable starting combination around Williams. The contenders at tackle: Tyrone Robertson, Justin Bannan, Leif Larson, Devonte Peterson, Ron Edwards and Demetrious Maxie. At end: Kendrick Office, Bryce Fisher, Ryan Denney, Aaron Schobel, Erik Flowers and Grant Irons make up the depth chart. Impressed? Neither were the Bengals.’

‘The Bledsoe family will hold a free parenting seminar at Buffalo Bills camp on Wednesday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their children.’

‘Price should be back soon, once he woke up he was ready to rejoin the drill but was forced to sit out the rest of practice.’

‘"I thought he played very well in instinctive positions around the run," Williams said, "but we felt that would happen. He had good linebacker stats at Stanford."’

Hey, fans! How is everyone doing after our first preseason game against the Bengals? For our first live situation of the season we did all right. It felt good once we started playing out there and I didn't want to come off the field.

Jennings joins Ruben Brown and Jerry Ostroski on the offensive line injury list. To make things worse Marcus Price, suffered a concussion shortly after.

"Obviously (Farris) is getting more repetitions now with a few of the guys down," said Williams. "He’s technique has gotten better. This is a good time for him to stand up and show us he’s back."

Pat Williams knows all about Wossman High School and the kids who go there. It's not just that the Bills defensive tackle comes home every summer to prepare for the frigid Buffalo winters in the sweltering streets of his home town. It's that he knows how lucky he was to have a high school coach who guided him through the tricky turns of adolescence in a place where young black men frequently bog down.

Bills guard Ruben Brown, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has added another accolade to his collection by earning the fourth annual Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award from Pro Football Weekly.

‘Buffalo Bills’ offensive line, already down two injured starters, suffered another blow Monday morning when both starting left tackle Jonas Jennings and his replacement were hurt.’

”Anyone seen Erik Flowers lately, or for that matter, ever?’

‘Bengals LB Takeo Spikes has a slightly torn chest muscle and is out 2-4 weeks. Spikes got hurt while sacking Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe in the first quarter of the Bengals’ 24-17 preseason victory Friday night. “I caught Bledsoe and I slipped off him and he was falling,” Spikes said. “I was trying to go for the extra effort and pick him up and trying to dump him, and then I just felt like a catch in my chest.”