Two Bills Drive

‘Even before the deal was announced, the Bills opened their box office to accommodate fans who heard the trade was imminent. Buffalo, which failed to sell out four of its eight home games last season, drew 504,709 fans last year, the lowest since 1987.’

Alex Van Pelt, who showed some promise down the stretch in place of the injured Rob Johnson last season, will be relegated to a backup role. The Patriots drafted Louisiana State QB Rohan Davey in the fourth round Sunday, which signaled something may indeed be in the works for Bledsoe, who was the first pick in the 1993 draft out of Washington State and owns nearly every Patriots passing record.

They neglect to mention the life threatening injury last year.

The Buffalo Bills chose not to sign free-agent Jeff Blake as their next quarterback and, instead swung a deal for veteran Drew Bledsoe. That was smart. But it took a first-round draft choice to get him, and that was too expensive.

‘The Bills thought long and hard (according to Bills not at all) about taking Albert Haynesworth here, but in the end Tom Donahoe opted to go for Williams. He’s a big, powerful player who can play right or left tackle — probably right for the Bills. That will allow them to move Jonas Jennings to guard in what shapes up as a decent line. Grade: B. That defensive line still has a huge hole in the middle.’

The Buffalo Bills are now a playoff contender. There, it’s said. Crazy? Did anyone think the New England Patriots could win the Super Bowl last season? Didn’t think so.

College: Tennessee Height: 5-11.6 Weight: 222

Very quick and active run stuffer… Stays under control knifing through the line of scrimmage… Has good strength to take on the fullback to fill the rush lanes… Uses his hands well when covering the tight ends and running backs in the short area passing game… Has the quickness to string plays wide and prevent the long gain around the outside corner… Adjusts to the flow of traffic and has fluid lateral agility… Could shift to fullback at the pro level.

‘Even before the deal was announced, the Bills opened their box office to accommodate fans who heard the trade was imminent. Buffalo, which failed to sell out four of its eight home games last season, drew 504,709 fans last year, the lowest since 1987.’

College: Virginia Tech Height: 5-8 Weight: 222

Bruising inside runner with good weave-and-hip movement upfield… Changes direction well and has an assortment of moves to cut back outside when turning the corner… Breaks arm tackles easily and has excellent short-area quickness… Has large, soft hands and great ball awareness as a receiver out of the backfield.

College: Fresno State Height: 5-8 Weight: 175

Crisp route runner with an explosive burst off the line ? Can transition quickly, showing a fluid change of direction ? Fearless in a crowd and has the acceleration needed to defeat defenders racing down the sidelines.

[NOTE: writer is slightly confused or in a hurry – they list him as a 6th round pick]

Q: Do you like him as center?

A: We thought that he had the ability to play center. We took him as a guard; at least what we valued the most was him at a guard. He’s a smart kid and has enough athletic ability to add to that spot as maybe a backup or a second at the position. As you know in the NFL especially in the NFL the more positions you can play and the more flexible you are the better. The more things you can do to be the utility guy, especially when you dress 8 guys, you have to have someone who can play at center as well in this league.

The Bills today announced that the team has acquired quarterback DREW BLEDSOE from the New England Patriots in exchange for a first-round pick in 2003

Started every game at right offensive guard… Earned Tiger Offensive Player of the Week honors vs. Mississippi and Florida… Graded 83.5% for blocking consistency and came up with 71 key blocks for an offense that generated 3947 yards, an average of 358.8 yards per game.

College: Auburn Height: 6-4 Weight: 317

Intelligent lineman who compensates for a lack of an athletic physique with sound technical skills… Has effective linear speed… Shows good hand placement and takes excellent blocking angles with surprising quickness, despite his frame… Dominates defenders with his lateral agility, showing suddenness to reach and zone… Knows how to sink his hips to maintain balance… Shows good explosion coming off the snap

‘The Bills landed the best remaining available veteran quarterback, filling their most glaring need in a way that puts them in position to win now. And yes, they’re going to enjoy telling Jeff Blake to take a barrel over Niagara Falls. ‘