Two Bills Drive

‘Finding a starter at right tackle was a point of emphasis for the Bills going into this summer. Midway through their second full week of camp, the issue remains unresolved.’

‘Defensive end David Bowens, obtained from the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday for tight end Bobby Collins, passed his physical and was on the field for the afternoon practice at St. John Fisher. Also joining the afternoon practice was wide receiver Reggie Allen, a free agent from Central Michigan.’

‘However, the fullback saw a two things in Buffalo that no one else could offer: The chance to play in an offense that will utilize his pass-catching skills and to get a headstart on a coaching career Centers may pursue when his playing days end.’

‘New Bills Coach Gregg Williams is taking full advantage of Carroll, a field judge in his seventh NFL season; Bob Wagner, an umpire in his 17th; Doug Rosenbaum, a side judge in his first year; and Tom Johnson, a head linesman in his 20th season. Also in camp is Jim Poole, who worked two Super Bowls during his 21 years as an official and who now trains officials for the league.’

‘"When I first got here and studied all the film, I noticed that there was a lot more communicating going on when Bill was in there and and there were fewer technical scheme errors," Williams said. "He’s a very bright center and he was able to get them to play better as a unit."’

‘"I’m going to have to learn on the run, but I’m going to do the best I can to get in the classroom and learn everything I can as quick as possible," he said.’

‘David Bowens arrived at the Buffalo Bills training camp Wednesday, passed a physical and expressed hope that his third NFL team in three years would be his last stop for a while.’

‘The Buffalo Bills, still searching for a kick returner, signed free agent wide receiver Reggie Allen on Wednesday. Allen spent this past year with the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League, where he set a franchise record with 208 yards on returns in one game. This is Allen’s second stint with the Bills after he was cut prior to the start of the 1999 season.’

‘Almost from the time Rob Johnson arrived in Buffalo, he has been fighting an unflattering image that he is nothing more than a California pretty boy masquerading as a quarterback. And, in his mind, a recent article in Sports Illustrated has done nothing to help that image.’

‘"Since our relaunch . . . the Bills have made a statement that they believe in the Internet. They have committed to it 100 percent," she said. "Without the cooperation of upper management – our head coach, our president and general manager, even (owner) Ralph Wilson does chats and Q&A sessions – without their cooperation nothing will work."’

‘This is the second time the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Bowens has been traded in his two-year career. He was a fifth-round draft pick in 1999 out of Western Illinois University by Denver, where he played eight games as a rookie. He was traded to the Packers last year, played 11 games and recorded 48 tackles and four sacks in 14 games.’

‘”I always felt in Buffalo that when I performed well, it created more problems, which was amazing to me,” Flutie said yesterday. “The better I played, the more problems it caused.”‘

‘"The defense that we’re trying to put together, there’s always a need for guys who can get up the field, and we feel David Bowens has that kind of ability."’

‘Sherman said trading Bowens, 24, was a difficult decision, but one he had to make. "He’s well-liked by the players and the coaches," Sherman said, "but we have an immediate need at tight end."’

‘"He’s just not quite big enough to play every snap but Buffalo is using Tennessee’s system and they can get by with a little lighter guys," Hatley said. "I think David will do a nice job for them. He’s got pass rush, a good motor and for a big guy he can play on special teams, which is hard to find."’