Two Bills Drive

‘Coach Gregg Williams confirmed Monday what most observers presumed since he was hired: He wants the four-man line with three linebackers to be the Bills’ base defense. The Bills gave it a whirl for the first time as they opened their offseason conditioning program with the first of three days of practice on the field.’

‘So, as the Bills began their 16-week offseason conditioning program Monday, Flowers is taking steps to become a lean, mean quarterback-sacking machine.’

‘Three players who aren’t under contract were in attendance, along with all of the team’s regulars. Quarterback Alex Van Pelt, defensive lineman Shawn Price and defensive back Ray Hill, all unrestricted free agents, each were on the field working out on a limited basis. All three are interested in rejoining the Bills.’

‘In a show of good faith and in hopes of landing a job, defensive end Shawn Price was one of three free agents to take part in the Buffalo Bills workout session Monday.’

‘Buffalo safety Daryl Porter, a former St. Thomas Aquinas standout, visited the Dolphins and had a physical exam Monday. Porter, 27, would presumably be a nickel or dime defensive back for the Dolphins. Earlier this month the Dolphins hosted Buffalo defensive back Donovan Greer.’

‘"We’re all trying to reach the goal of the Super Bowl, and I’ll chart my goals up this year and try to make the Pro Bowl at two positions."’

‘Kicking off a three-day camp on Monday, Williams made it clear that he has no patience for "fat guys," wants players training together in Buffalo to build camaraderie, and is preparing to revamp the defensive scheme.’

John Clayton posted this "rumor" yesterday: ‘By Monday, the Bills should complete a one-year, $477,000 deal to have Alex Van Pelt as the team’s backup quarterback. The cap-strapped Bills have the luxury of paying a lot for a backup, and Van Pelt wanted to return and accept an incentive-laden contract. The Bills may also bring in quarterback Pete Gonzalez, who is a favorite of new team president Tom Donahoe. Gonzalez would then be the third quarterback.’

Receivers and defenders listen; Working on snapping; Rob Johnson works out with Alex Van Pelt; Players stretch out; Players limber up; The line listens to instruction.

On overweight players: "Don’t like them at all. At all. What we can’t coach is guys who run fast and move fast. You’re born with that. When all of the sudden your body weight inhibits your way to move fast, no matter how much technique we coach you…"

"The strength coaches have been killing me this past week. I’ve been running, lifting weights, and I’ve got my diet plan going on. I’m just trying to get down to my assigned weight they’ve got for me, and be ready to play on every down!"

Head Coach Gregg Williams said today that John Holecek would remain in the MLB position and Sam Cowart would be moved to OLB.

‘If Flutie truly was the "savior" of the Bills franchise, as many readily declare, season ticket sales for the following year would have skyrocketed. They did not.’

‘The [Buffalo Convention and Visitors Bureau], acting on the advice of president Richard Geiger, decided to use Johnson in the video and in the visitors guide.’

‘…the switch will boost offensive productivity and reduce quarterback Rob Johnson’s alarming sack count. The West Coast offense uses shorter QB drops and quick, short passes to set up the running game.’