Two Bills Drive

‘On Monday, Bills coach Gregg Williams asserted, "Steve’s still our kicker." That didn’t need to be said two months ago.’

‘The Saints are interested in signing veteran strong safety Henry Jones, who was released by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Saints general manager Randy Mueller talked with Jones’ agent Jim Steiner on Monday about trying to arrange a visit sometime this week, said Ben Dogra, a partner in Steiner’s St. Louis-based office.’

‘"It’s hard because I hope everybody doesn’t expect me to fill his shoes, because I can’t fill his shoes," said Hill, who coincidentally learned of the news while celebrating his 25th birthday on Sunday. "He’s Henry Jones and I’m Raion Hill. And all I can do is be me."’

‘Two years ago Raion Hill wasn’t good enough to make the Buffalo Bills opening-day roster. As of Sunday afternoon — the day he celebrated his 25th birthday — Hill is the team’s new starting strong safety.’

‘Sunday, the Bills brought in veteran Al Del Greco and young Jon Hilbert for tryouts in the wake of Christie’s disastrous 4-for-11 preseason, but both left town without the Bills’ job. "Steve is still our kicker," Williams said. "He’s made a bunch of kicks in his time, and that always figures in."’

‘After blaming his recent troubles on tall grass in Cincinnati, and the fact that he has a new long-snapper and holder, Christie is now pointing the finger at himself. "It was me. And I’ll take the responsibility for that," Christie said. "I just need to come through now, so that’s that."’

Ask Bills Player of the Week defensive tackle Leif Larsen a question.

He was 1993 Buffalo Bills 1st round pick who has been with the Bears but was released under a change of management. He signed a 1 year, $1 Million deal with Indianapolis Colts.

‘"It wasn’t an easy decision. It’s something we gave a lot of thought and consideration to over the last couple of weeks. We certainly wish all the best for Henry. He’s been an outstanding player here and a better person for the organization and the community. We wish him well."’

‘With the release of veteran safety Henry Jones, the Bills have about $20.5 million in cap space committed to players who are no longer on the team. That means 30 percent of their $67.4 million salary cap total for this year is devoted to invisible men.’

‘The coach had other ideas. No matter how good the Bills were on defense last year, they weren’t as good as the unit Williams had overseen in Tennessee. The Titans’ relentless, swarming defense yielded the fewest yards in the league. They played out of the 4-3, and so would the Bills. If the personnel didn’t fit the mold, well, he’d cram it home.’

‘City officials and representatives from the Buffalo Bills will hold a news conference at noon Tuesday at Emerson Field, next to Emerson Vocational High School on Sycamore Street. They are expected to discuss a $243,000 restoration that will include an improved playing surface, new bleachers and a new scoreboard.’

‘"We’ve got a certain style of defense that we are trying to implement here and it requires a strong safety to play a little differently than maybe the previous defense required the strong safety to play. "The strong safety in our defense plays more like a linebacker, probably more than some of the other defenses in the league so, philosophically, we have a different style of defense."’

‘”Stunned,” said Jones, a 10-year veteran, after his release. “There’s no other word for it. I never saw it coming. There were no hints at all.”‘

‘Without Jones, the most experienced player in the backfield is third-year veteran Keion Carpenter. Backing up Jones on the current depth chart is Raion Hill, who appeared in 16 games last season, mostly on special teams.’