‘"We just thought it would be a nice way to kick off the camp and a nice way to welcome the Bills back to Pittsford," said town Supervisor Bill Carpenter. "And we wanted to thank them for choosing our community — we’re fortunate to have this experience here."’
BillsBeat - July 27, 2001
Chargers bring in another former Bills player
‘Holecek is expected to arrive in San Diego on Monday to sign his contract and begin practicing.’
Air Force commitments complete, Fisher prepared for Bills duty
‘That the Bills have waited this long is a good sign. It helps, too, that Buffalo is in desperate need of defensive-line depth, having lost starters Bruce Smith, Marcellus Wiley and Ted Washington over the past two years. "I think I’ve got a great chance," Fisher said.’
Johnson sees plenty of his father in Williams
‘Johnson especially likes Williams’ take-charge approach, something he said was lacking in the three previous years under Wade Phillips, who was fired last January. "I think (players) want to be disciplined. I think they want to have a leader that takes charge".’
Rookies arrive in Rochester
‘The rookies will practice twice on Thursday at St John Fisher. The veterans report to camp on Saturday.’
Bills rookies and select vets report to camp
‘Starting quarterback Rob Johnson is already in camp, and looks to be in great shape.’
Bills' camp begins on the right foot
‘"It’s huge for me", said Johnson.’
They're Rob's Bills now
‘"I really like the people. I love how they get into football. It’s so much a part of their community. I think they feel like they’ve been a little snake-bitten, coming so close to winning a Super Bowl all those years. I think it would be so cool to be a part of the team that finally brings that trophy to western New York."’
BillsBeat - July 26, 2001
No QB controversy here: Johnson the main man for Buffalo
"He takes more hits than any quarterback in the league," says an AFC pro personnel director. "He had guys protecting him last year that would basically be seconds on most teams. Until Rob Johnson can be protected, he’ll never be able to display the talents he has."
Meticulous coach Williams leaving imprint on Bills
‘Two years ago, as the Titans’ defensive coordinator, Williams watched in pleasant disbelief as his team ousted the Bills from the playoffs with a controversial last-minute, trick-play kickoff return in another wild-card game.’
Williams "can't wait" to get started
"Training camp’s not supposed to be easy. It’s tough, as it’s a tough man’s game."
5 QBs under the gun
"Under former coordinator Joe Pendry, who was enamored with the quarterback’s arm strength, Johnson was forced to take seven-step drops and throw down the field far too often. Now, Pendry is gone and Johnson will have the luxury of working from new coordinator Mike Sheppard’s three-step-drop attack."
Bills hit practice field for camp today
‘There will be four practices, including two today (9-11 a.m. and 4-5:45 p.m.), before the remaining veterans report Saturday afternoon. The first full roster workouts are Sunday.’
Fret, sweat and cheers
‘"This is when people start to smell football in the air," Williams said. "I’ve been really appreciative of the last couple days that the weather has popped. Training camp’s not supposed to be easy, it’s supposed to be tough. This is a tough man’s game."’
Top pick Clements missing; all others expected
‘"I expect that he would be here and ready to go. If he’s not, I’ll be coaching somebody who is here. I’m more worried about who’s here than who’s not."’