Two Bills Drive

‘Today, it’s a new game, hope springs again with the kidnapping of Drew Bledsoe, and with him, the biggest pothole in Buffalo has been filled.’

‘Starting fullback Larry Centers is a capable blocker. But the Bills don’t want to wear him down in all short-yardage and goal-line situations during the year. That’s where Crosby comes in.’

‘"That’s the nature of this game: Guys get hurt. The teams that are successful are the teams that can move on and not lose a step."’

‘This kid, who turns 23 on Thursday, has all the potential in the world and Robertson knows it, coach Gregg Williams knows it and defensive line coach John Levra knows it.’

‘"Any ideas in kids’ heads will rule their world and whether parents want to believe it or not, their kids will make all the big decisions in their lives on their own."’

‘"When they lose, I feel sick to my stomach…"’

‘Bledsoe is determined to do what that hokey song says and eventually lead the Bills to the Super Bowl, where they are overdue to get it right next time. The championship ring he received from New England does not glitter for him. “I’ll be more proud,” he said, “of the one I win here.”‘

Further proof of the decline of western civilization: At Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., fans began parking RVs and campers in stadium lots to start tailgate parties two days before a preseason game.

The coaching staff seemed particularly rough on the defensive line, and a brief look at the one-on-one pass-protection drill showed why. Tyrone Robertson, expected to start, couldn’t get by Tom Schau, who quite likely won’t make the team (unless even more offensive linemen are injured). The only defender who clearly won one on one was James Cotton, who ran around left tackle Kris Farris. Pat Williams redeemed himself after Corey Hulsey pushed him down on their first attempt, and Justin Bannan had the upper hand in a do-over with Marques Sullivan

‘”You’d love to have all those guys out there all of the time,” Bledsoe said Tuesday, following the Bills training camp session in suburban Rochester. “But that’s just not the way it works. Part of being a successful team is that you have to be able to compensate for those things.”‘

While Ostroski was surprised to hear the news, Bills GM Tom Donahoe denied a published report that the team has asked the veteran lineman to take a pay cut. Donahoe said he’s had no discussions of that nature with Ostroski or his agent.

Not only does he have one of the better one-two wide receiver punches with Eric Moulds and Peerless Price, but a spectacular rookie in Josh Reed, college football’s top receiver last year. Kevin Gilbride, the new OC, is using Larry Centers, the NFL’s all-time pass-catching back, downfield instead of exclusively a dink-and-dunk catcher. Bledsoe’s proven skill of hooking up with tight ends is double now with Jay Riemersma and Dave Moore.

Coach Williams has made it clear that Trey Teague will not shift to tackle from the center position. It is unclear whether or not Jennings or Price will be available for Friday’s preseason matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Flies like a missile, that is. In last Friday\’s preseason contest against the Cincinnati Bengals– the first professional game Wire ever attended– he led the team with nine tackles. Keep in mind that Wire played only part of the game, and he did it at a completely new position– strong safety.

Wednesday, August 14 – Quarterback Drew Bledsoe will be taping a segment in the morning for the Jim Rome Radio Show.

‘Expected to be a major special teams contributor this season, Spoon was pegged to back up newly acquired veteran London Fletcher at middle linebacker.’