Two Bills Drive

‘"This is why we did this (move to Rochester)," said Lynch, pointing to a media credential with the name of the Syracuse Newspapers written across it. "The only way we can survive is as a regional franchise. It’s the only way it can work."’

‘”It’s a clean environment. Everything is fresh and new,” he said. “In Fredonia, there wasn’t much to entice you to stay after practice.” That isn’t the case here. On the artificial turf field next to the practice fields, the Bills have set up The NFL Experience, a football-themed fun land geared for children. Kids could get timed in the 40-yard dash, field punts and passes tossed by modified pitching machines, kick field goals or run through an inflatable obstacle course. But probably the most popular of the Experience activities was a giant, inflatable slide that entertained a constant stream of boys and girls of all ages. “It’s obviously more appealing to the kids,” said Lisa Plukas of Irondequoit, who is originally from Angola. Her three kids slid, stumbled and dove down the slide, then quickly scrambled to the steps for another trip down.’

‘Phillips didn’t mention strong safety Henry Jones and defensive end Phil Hansen by name, but he didn’t have to. With 10 years each with the Bills, the leadership mantle automatically falls to them. "I guess I won the title by default," Jones said after the first training camp practice Friday at St. John Fisher College. "It feels a lot different not having Bruce and those guys around. I’ve always had somebody here older than me to look up to and listen to. But now, I’m that guy people are coming to for advice." "It’s really hard to believe that Bruce, Thurman and Andre are gone," added Hansen. "They were such a big part of our success for more than a decade. Now it’s time for guys like myself and Henry to take a more prominent role."’

‘Tillman admitted to having some anxiety over the drawn-out negotiations, which threatened to keep him out of training camp. "I was getting a little worried because it was very important for me to be here on time to get out and start working again," he said following the morning session. "I just told my agent I wanted to be here, and I wanted him to make it happen."’

‘”It wasn’t because when I first signed here and got to be in this locker room with all these players, you kind of forget about that,”; said Thomas, a likely Hall of Famer. “The only time you’re reminded about it is when (the media personnel) ask me.”‘

‘The official kickoff yesterday of the Buffalo Bills’ first training camp workouts in Rochester provided a peek into what lies ahead for the team, on and off the field. Though inclement weather and a work day kept attendance to moderate numbers and far below what officials predicted, it didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm. From the moment 81-year-old team owner Ralph Wilson walked onto the practice field at 9:30 a.m. to warm cheers, the party was on. "I could never have envisioned all of this, but who could?" said Wilson, glancing at the carnival-like scene of corporate tents, merchandise sales and interactive games.’

‘Daryl Porter realizes that for as long as he lives, the horrible memory will remain deep in his mind. "I still haven’t gotten over it," Porter said yesterday when asked to recall Homerun Throwback, the miraculous 75-yard trick kickoff return that Tennessee executed last Jan. 8 which doomed the Bills to one of the most heartbreaking losses in their history. "That will be something that’s in the back of my mind for the rest of my life."’

‘Butler called talks "ongoing" but gave no positive indications that a deal would be struck soon. Bills vice president of business administration Jim Overdorf is handling the details with agent Eric Metz. One issue is that Metz has numerous other clients he’s trying to get signed with other teams and hasn’t been devoting total attention to Flowers. It’s believed the Bills and Metz are talking over a deal similar to the one last year’s top pick, Antoine Winfield, received: $7 million over five years with a $3.5 million bonus. However, unlike a year ago, the Bills are struggling to find salary cap room that can accommodate a large bonus for Flowers. "It’s got to meet terms, length, money," Butler said. "He (Metz) has a client to take care of, and we have a club to take care of."’

‘"This place is fantastic," said Miller, who is spending two weeks with his sister and brother-in-law in Niagara Falls. "Everything about this facility is first class. The sight lines are great. "We’ll probably come back one more time before we head back." Miller, his wife and four of their children are all registered members of the Southern Cal Bills Backers club. He hasn’t had a chance to register 5-month-old son Jacon yet. The family usually watches the Bills play on Sundays at a sports bar near their home.’

‘"For me what was more disappointing than the loss (to Tennessee in the wild-card playoff game) was to see all the players go in the offseason," Hansen said. "I thought we were on the verge of something special last year. "Those were major contributors to this team. That team will never be together as a team again."’

‘"I just have to stay away from getting hurt," Johnson said. "A lot of quarterbacks get hurt. The hits you take with the size of the guys that are hitting you, you are going to get bumps and bruises. "But you have to stay away from the major wounds." Johnson’s frailties are part of the reason the Bills don’t mind having Flutie waiting in the wings. It also is why in his heart, the former Argo believes he’ll get another shot at starting.’

‘Flowers’ agent Eric Metz refused to comment on negotiations when reached by The Associated Press. "I can’t really talk about it right now," Metz said. Bills general manager John Butler simply said talks are "ongoing." All of that leaves coach Wade Phillips in a bit of a lurch. "I want to say one more practice and he’s got to be here," Phillips said, worried about Flowers falling behind. "Each individual’s a little different as far as how long they could go without hurting them and consequently hurting the football team." Asked if Flowers will benefit from the time he spent attending the Bills’ two spring minicamps, Phillips said: "He was doing fine, but he won’t be OK for a while. I want him in here as quickly as he can."’

‘Those who are wondering who are the Bills’ "Next Three" better consult their spellchecker. Marcellus, Antowain and Peerless.’

‘The tough part for both Flutie and Johnson is that the subject remains so uncomfortable. They don’t have answers for the reason why Phillips made the switch at that time, and while they can peacefully coexist now that Johnson is the starter, both quarterbacks won’t feel comfortable again until the season ends and the results are in.’

‘It is down to the final two players. Jim Kelly vs. Steve Tasker. Who should survive? Who is most deserving of the title: Mr. Buffalo Bill. Here are the opinions of two fans. You decide who is right.’