February 28, 2005

A Look Back – The Stubborn Guard

Billy Shaw was a stubborn man; that’s just a fact of life. If he hadn’t been he may have ended up playing in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, the alleged “America’s Team”. Billy was an All-American offensive tackle at Georgia Tech where he also played defensive end. He didn’t appreciate Dallas’ plan to select him in the 1961 NFL draft in order to move him to linebacker, a position he’d never played.

So he came to the AFL and played on the offensive line of the Bills. During his nine-year career with the Bills, you can see how good he was consistently. Shaw lead Cookie Gilchrist around the corner, he would move anyone out of his and his players way. That was one of the most permanent sights in Buffalo history.

Shaw had it all, his skills were great, his technique was perfect and he had the composer of a seasoned veteran quarterback. Shaw's speed, strength, and natural ability made him the main guy on the offensive line. Short-yardage scoring plays were his forte, he would pull out from his left guard spot followed by heavy-duty runners Cookie Gilchrist and Wray Carlton.

Bills' quarterback Jack Kemp or his sub Daryle Lamonica generally followed the trio of blockers many times untouched into the end zone. The Bills teams of 1962, 1963, and 1964 still rank second, third and fourth in the team record book for most rushing touchdowns scored in a season respectively.

Shaw played in eight AFL all-star games, and just missed playing in the Pro Bowl by a year. He retired in 1969, one year before the Bills went to the NFL. He is the only Hall of Fame inductee to have spent his entire career in the AFL.

Bills GM Donahoe's thoughts on drafting "Tweeners"

For years, when he was the Steelers' director of football operations, Buffalo Bills general manager Tom Donahoe analyzed undersized defensive ends by projecting how they might play as outside linebackers in Pittsburgh's 3-4 front. His uncanny ability to identify such hybrid players produced a string of Pro Bowl performers such as Greg Lloyd, Jason Gildon and Joey Porter.

"Clearly, with so many more teams playing the 3-4 now, it puts a bigger premium on those types of players," Donahoe acknowledged. "It upgrades good players who, maybe because of size or speed issues, couldn't really be pigeonholed into one [position]. I think you can see here [at the combine] that some of that is going on."

Former Bill, Carl Taseff Dies

Former Bills DB Carl Taseff died of pneumonia in Florida. Taseff played for the Bills in 1962. He also saw action in Baltimore, Cleveland and Philadelphia.

Bills Team Report

LT L.J. Shelton's recent visit shows that the Bills are seriously considering another alternative to free agent Jonas Jennings. The Bills don't want to lose Jennings, but they aren't going to overpay for him. It is believed Jennings is seeking a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid players at his position. That's a demand the Bills aren't likely to meet. Shelton has become an option because the Cardinals have given him permission to seek a trade. Player-for-player trades are rare in the NFL, but the Bills could ship Henry to Arizona in exchange for Shelton. Such a deal would help both teams. Shelton would fill a key spot on the Bills' offensive line and Henry gives the Cardinals the starting running back they need now that Emmitt Smith has retired. Shelton has four years left on a contract that averages $3 million per year, so he would come a lot cheaper than Jennings. . . .

Shane Matthews: Bills Would Like Him to Back Up Losman

Update: The Bills want someone with starting NFL experience that will come at a modest price ($1 million a year) to be the backup to new starter J.P. Losman, according to The Sports Xchange. Their first choice is retaining their own unrestricted free agent, Matthews, an 11-year veteran with 22 starts who hits the market on Wednesday.

Recommendation: Matthews knows coach Mike Mularkey's offense and just as critical, he knows the brash Losman. Matthews will either accept Buffalo's offer to return and mentor Losman, or he'll retire for a second time. If Matthews does decide to retire, GM Tom Donahoe won't panic -- there are plenty of options out there -- though it seems as if Matthews will be Buffalo's most preferred option.

Bills report: Inside slant

--As expected, the Bills did not place the franchise or transition designations on left tackle Jonas Jennings or defensive tackle Pat Williams, their two most important unrestricted free agents, who are free to test the market starting Wednesday. Williams' agent, Angelo Wright, declared the Bills "on the clock." Consummating a trade that sends former starter running back Travis Henry to Arizona for tackle L.J. Shelton would eliminate the need for the Bills to retain Jennings at a salary they wouldn't be happy with given his history of injuries. It would make retaining Williams a lot easier.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The majority of Bills fans have met the switch to J.P. Losman with support, but there is one fear factor: durability. Whereas Drew Bledsoe started 48 consecutive games for Buffalo, the third-longest streak in team history, Losman already has a major injury on his resume, breaking his leg in training camp last summer on a three-quarter-speed jog around end when he collided with CB Troy Vincent. The Bills want to take advantage of Losman's mobility, but they don't want him to be Michael Vick, tucking and running on every pass call. Meanwhile, they have to plan for the very real possibility he won't start all 16 games if he can't rein in his reckless play. The backup job has suddenly become important again.

Bills report: Notes, quotes -The Sports Xchange

The Bills had a full contingent of scouts and player personnel folks at the annual cattle call of college prospects, also known as the NFL Combine, which concludes Tuesday in Indianapolis. The Combine, once a few days long, now lasts a week. The merits of the Combine can be debated, but as Buffalobills.com points out, prospects invited to the Combine have a superior chance of hearing their name called on draft weekend than those who aren't. Since 1998, only 13 of the 667 total picks on Day 1 of the draft did not take part in Combine workouts. Over the past 12 years, 64 percent of Combine participants have been drafted (2,487 of 3,319). The Bills follow the norm. Over the past seven seasons, each of their Day 1 picks were scouted at the Combine.

Budget crisis could change the future of the Bills

Is a lease agreement between the Buffalo Bills and Erie County in jeopardy because of the budget crisis? It's a question many of you, are asking because it could affect the status of the team. 
The budget crisis has reached out into the sports world and may change the future of the Buffalo Bills. The county has a lease agreement with the team for maintaining their facilities, but now some question if the county will be able to hold up to its end of the bargain.

Versatile prospects moving up draft boards

The Patriots have a saying, or more of a credo, that helps define the accomplishments the team has made in the last four years. "The more you can do, the more you can do," is what VP of personnel Scott Pioli said Bill Belichick told him the day he hired Pioli as a gopher/chauffeur with the Browns in 1993.

Simple as it seems, the Patriots have lived by those words, which can be applied to virtually any walk of life. It's especially pertinent around draft time, when teams are scouting more than talent. Versatility and the ability to successfully contribute at more than one position has become a more coveted commodity. You don't have to blame the Patriots, but give them some credit. Two years ago, Pioli and Belichick settled on Illinois CB Eugene Wilson in the second round. Wilson has started two Super Bowls at free safety, a foreign position to Wilson before he hit New England and replaced Lawyer Milloy. The Patriots have thrown TD passes to LB Mike Vrabel and used Dan Klecko, a defensive tackle in college, at fullback and linebacker, too.

PFW- Henry-Shelton snag

Rumors of an even-up swap of Cardinals OT L.J. Shelton for Bills RB Travis Henry continued to swirl, but Cardinals head coach Dennis Green has always seemed to favor speed backs such as Robert Smith and Michael Bennett, and our sources believe Henry just isn’t particularly well-suited for the style of offense Green has in mind.

Bills, Verizon Wireless renew sponsorship

The Buffalo Bills and Verizon Wireless have extended their marketing deal for another three years. The contract pays the team a low seven-figure amount annually.

Donahoe Methodology

Prior to the past season ending, news of a pending Commander Tom extension filled the regional media. Whether or not that extension is forthcoming remains to be seen.

NFL free agency - A look at the needs of teams in the AFC

The skinny: A lot of what the Bills will be able to do rests on their ability to trade disgruntled running back Travis Henry. If Buffalo can work out a deal with Arizona for tackle L.J. Shelton, the Bills could let free agent Jonas Jennings go and try to re-sign defensive tackle Pat Williams. Tight end Mark Campbell was having a decent year before undergoing knee surgery, but the Bills should look for an upgrade -- possibly Jermaine Wiggins. Shane Matthews likely will be re-signed as a backup QB, but the Bills also will be in the market for a backup to running back Willis McGahee.

February 27, 2005

Bills see little risk in Losman

Buffalo Bills head coach Mike Mularkey and team President and General Manager Tom Donahoe held a captive audience during their question and answer session with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Bills' offseason has been a hot topic here this week with the release of quarterback Drew Bledsoe, the impending free agency of offensive tackle Jonas Jennings and defensive tackle Pat Williams and the anticipated trade of running back Travis Henry.

Living in the past with Bledsoe

So here's the deal in Big D. Drew Bledsoe lost his starting quarterback job in Buffalo to J.P. Losman. He lost his job in New England to Tom Brady. Tom Brady wasn't the starter at Michigan during his junior year because Drew Henson beat him out. And now Henson has been eased out of the starting job in Dallas because the Cowboys signed Bledsoe after he was released by the Bills.

Makes you wonder what Bill Parcells is thinking.

Sure Parcells likes veteran players, people with whom he's familiar. He brought all those Giants with him to New England when he took over the Patriots in 1993. Then he brought a bunch of former Patriot players and coaches to the Jets. But familiarity doesn't always breed success. This could be one of those situations.

Day Three At The Combine

Ohio State sophomore running back MAURICE CLARETT ran between 4.72 and 4.85 in the 40 today, as he participated in several other pre-40-yard dash events, but opted to sit out the remaining positional drills after the 40-times were complete. He looked visibly upset after he ran the 40, and said that he had worked for over a year and had run better times leading up to this day. There have also been conflicting reports about whether he will workout at Ohio State's upcoming Pro Day or wait until later in the month, so he can schedule a private workout for himself with the chance to get back down to the 4.6 range. One positive note is that his total body fat was down from 17% a year ago to 11.4% this year.

The proposed trade of Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle L.J. SHELTON to the Buffalo Bills for running back TRAVIS HENRY is supposedly being held up because Henry would like to have his contract re-structured by the Cardinals front office before the trade goes through, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Test helps to remove questions on prospect

Michael Callans swears he doesn't usually cause men to quake at his mere sight. After all, he stands only about 5-7.  Callans is the president of consulting for Wonderlic, the company that administers the Wonderlic Personnel Test each year to potential NFL draftees. The test that measures intelligence and problem-solving abilities has been a staple of the combine evaluation process for the past 20 years, after originally gaining popularity as an assessment tool used by the Dallas Cowboys.

Clarett's big day turns into disaster

Maurice Clarett came to the NFL Combine this week hoping to wow the scouts enough to go from being a likely second-day pick to a projected first day.

How about third day?

That's what Clarett is looking at now after a horrendous showing Saturday on the track at the RCA Dome. Though exact times were only made available for the top five running backs, the former Ohio State star unofficially was clocked at 4.82 and 4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Combines often make or break NFL prospects

David Pollack celebrated Saturday. A tape measure confirmed that the defensive end arrived at the Indiana Convention Center standing 6 feet, 2 inches tall.

''I don't know how I do it,'' Pollack marveled, tongue in cheek. ''Maybe it's because I've been sleeping upside down.''

Pollack, like the rest of the 336 college football standouts here, knows that every fraction of an inch matters. The NFL scouting combine is a place where rulers rule. Players are weighed, examined, timed, measured and all but thumped like a melon as NFL scouts check them for ripeness. The scouting combine, which has existed in its present form since 1985, runs through Tuesday. It features invite-only college standouts showcasing their skills and physiques in hopes of persuading an NFL team to take them highly when the draft begins April 23.

February 26, 2005

Bears enter Shelton fray

Buffalo has competition in a possible trade for Cardinals left tackle L.J. Shelton. The Bears, attracted by acquiring a left tackle who makes $3 million a year, are willing to offer a draft choice to the Cardinals. The Bills are considering a Shelton-for-Travis Henry trade, and Cardinals coach Dennis Green has gone on record as saying he'd like to acquire draft choices. The only problem with the Bears is that they will be having trouble meeting Green's desire for a second-round choice.

Cardinals shopping for a running back

The NFL scouting combine not only gives the team an opportunity to sort through one of the deepest running back drafts in a few years, but also the chance to figure out if trading for Travis Henry of the Buffalo Bills might be a better solution.

Former Bills TE Jay Riemersma released

Riemersma, 31, signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent from Buffalo in 2003. He had one year left on a deal that would have earned him $1.3 million in salary this season and cost the Steelers $1.583 against the cap.  He caught seven passes for 82 yards (11.7 avg.) and two touchdowns as Jerame Tuman's backup at tight end in 2004 before suffering a season-ending Achilles' heel injury on Dec. 5 at Jacksonville. Riemersma played in 11 games while battling injuries as the starter at tight end in 2003.

Gash To Start A Coaching Career

WGR Sports Radio 550 has learned that the Jets are hiring former Bills FB and WGR football commentator Sam Gash to be assistant runningbacks coach and special teams coach.

Bills GM Tom Donahoe is at the Indianapolis combine this week. He's told numerous media outlets that the Bills won't be able to get Jonas Jennings or Pat Williams signed before free agency hits March 2nd. Donahoe has not ruled out resigning either one after free agency begins

February 25, 2005

Immobility sends Bledsoe on the move

Despite passing for almost 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, the ex-Washington State University quarterback and former first overall pick in the NFL draft was destined to be a backup to, and mentor for, J.P. Losman, the Bills' first-round pick last year. "I want to make it clear: We did want Drew to come back," Bills general manager Tom Donahoe said yesterday at the NFL scouting combine. "We offered him the opportunity to do that."

Bills' Henry still on Cards' list

The Cardinals remain interested in trading for Buffalo running back Travis Henry, and the Bills have given permission for the Cardinals to arrange a visit for Henry.

February 24, 2005

Bills ready to let veterans Jennings, Williams walk

The Buffalo Bills are prepared to let starters Jonas Jennings and Pat Williams become free agents next week unless they lower their contract demands. "We'd like to get both back if we can, but it may not be cost effective," Bills president Tom Donahoe said at the NFL combine in Indianapolis Thursday.

Bills GM gives Henry permission to visit Arizona

INDIANAPOLIS - One day after the Minnesota Vikings agreed to trade Randy Moss to Oakland, Donahoe was asked about a possible deal to send running back Travis Henry to Arizona for offensive lineman L.J. Shelton. Shelton has already visited Buffalo, and Donahoe said the Bills have given Henry permission to visit Arizona altough that has not yet happened.  "That's as far as the talks have gone," Donahoe said

Bills in the NFL's Top 50 Players

Takeo Spikes is the new Ray Lewis. No one can match his intensity, and the passion that he plays the game with. As you can see, I have him at number 5, and you also may have noticed that he is the first defensive player on the list. If you have seen him play, you know he brings it, and is worthy of the top 10 at least. His numbers say a lot about the type of playmaker he is. Spikes is #3 in the NFL in forced fumbles with 4. He is the #1 linebacker in the NFL for interceptions this past season with 5, and #4 amongst all NFL players including defensive backs. Spikes was number one in the NFL in defensive touchdowns last season. He is the #1 linebacker in pass deflections with 17, and number six in the entire NFL in pass deflections including defensive backs. We are talking about the definition of a true play maker and it’s a shame he wasn’t considered for defensive player of the year honors. Spikes is a stud, and the best LB in the NFL.

Miami Dolphins Release Quarterback Fiedler

The Miami Dolphins have released former starting quarterback Jay Fiedler and three defensive players in an attempt to get under the NFL salary cap. Fiedler won 36 of 59 games over five years with the Dolphins, but the 33-year-old lost his starting position to A.J. Feeley last season. He hopes to line up a job as either a starter or back-up with another NFL team, his agent said.

Blame Big Bill for another miss at Cowboys quarterback

Bledsoe is a good person who was temporarily unemployed. He was looking for work in his chosen profession, applied for the revolving door of a job opening in East Irving and, as of Wednesday, was hired by his old boss. You can't fault Bledsoe for that. The blame goes to Big Bill.

Bills like Matthews as their backup to Losman

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe couldn't lead the Buffalo Bills to the playoffs during his three seasons as starting quarterback, but say this about the 12-year veteran: he could be counted on to show up for work.

Cardinals reportedly seeking trade for Henry

The Arizona Cardinals are close to a deal to acquire unhappy running back Travis Henry from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for left tackle L.J. Shelton, Sportsline reported Thursday.

Bledsoe is newest headliner in the Parcells reunion tour

On Tuesday, we first got word that the Days of Drew are at hand at Valley Ranch. Only it is Drew Bledsoe, the ancient one, not Drew Henson, the forgotten one. Let's say it right out. Bill Parcells wants his old guys here, end of story, and owner Jerry Jones will do nothing to rein him in.

Bledsoe tries Cowboy karma on for size

Drew Bledsoe set passing records and reached the Super Bowl as a young quarterback playing for Bill Parcells in New England. Nearly a decade later, the duo will try doing it again with the Dallas Cowboys.

February 23, 2005

Close…but no cigar

The 2004 Buffalo Bills came from oblivion at 0-4, to missing the playoffs by a single game. This is not the first time the team that the team has come close, yet failed to qualify for the post season. It has actually happened several times in the forty-four year history of the franchise. Listed herein are a few of those years, along with the particular circumstances of each.

The 2004 Buffalo Bills came from oblivion at 0-4, to missing the playoffs by a single game. This is not the first time the team that the team has come close, yet failed to qualify for the post season. It has actually happened several times in the forty-four year history of the franchise. Listed herein are a few of those years, along with the particular circumstances of each.

1962: 7-6-1 Third, AFL East

Probably closest in similarity to 2004, the 1962 season began with five consecutive losses, mostly due to poor quarterbacking. During the slide, Coach Saban decided to shake up the team. He traded away team Captain Laverne Torczon, waived quarterback Al Dorrow. and claimed the injured Jack Kemp from San Diego for a one hundred dollar waiver fee. After Kemp heals, the fortunes of the team begin to change. The Bills win seven of their final nine, and Kemp’s passing, opens holes for running back Cookie Gilchrist, who finishes the year with 1096 yards rushing. Unfortunately, it’s too little too late, as dual losses to the Oilers result in Houston winning the East.

1973: 9-5 Second, AFC East

The Bills finished the 1973 season at nine wins, and five losses. Although they didn’t know it at the time, no loss would be more critical than a November 11th contest with the Cincinnati Bengals at Rich Stadium. Horst Muhlmann’s thirty-three yard field goal lifted the Bengals to a 16-13 victory, which at the end of the season would prove fatal to the Bills playoff chances. Cincinnati who posted a 10-4 record, edged out Pittsburgh for the AFC Central crown via tiebreaker. Pittsburgh then had to settle for a 10-4 Wild Card spot, leaving the Bills outside looking in.

1975: 8-6 Third, AFC East

After a promising 9-5 season in 1974 that produced an AFC Wild Card spot for the Buffalo Bills, the team was on a roll. They came into training camp in the summer of 1975 with their offense still in tact, only now it was better balanced. Joe Ferguson had developed into a very accurate passer, which kept defenses from keying solely on OJ Simpson. The Bills started out 1975 with a vengeance, scoring 42, against the Jets in the season opener, 30 against the World Champion Steelers in Pittsburgh, and 38 each against the Broncos and Colts respectively. Then they fell back to Earth. Two Monday Night losses followed, as well as two losses to the Dolphins, which, by 1975, was becoming an annual habit. Those, coupled with a loss to the eventual Division Champion Colts, sunk the Bills playoff hopes for 1975.

1982: 4-5, Fourth, AFC East

Again for Buffalo, two very successful years were followed by a departure from post-season play. Of all the close calls, 1982 was probably the toughest to swallow. The Bills started the season 2-0, with home wins over Levy’s Chiefs, and Grant’s Vikings. Then, as fate would have it, the players went on strike for seven weeks. When play resumed on November 21st, the Bills came back disjointed, and out of shape. It showed on the field. Their only wins down the stretch were against an aging Steeler team, and the Colts. Two losses to the Dolphins, one to the Packers, and one to the Buccaneers, set the Bills up for a one game elimination at New England. The winner was rewarded with a spot the NFL’s special post-season tournament, the loser was out. With all this on the line, the Bills could barely muster up nineteen points in a 30-19 loss at Foxboro.

1983: 8-8, Tied for second, AFC East

After his retirement from the NFL, wide receiver Ahmad Rashad once reminisced that the 1974 Bills team could score from anywhere on the field. They just couldn’t stop anyone else from scoring. The 1983 team was the opposite. While they usually held opponents to under twenty points, they had trouble scoring any themselves. Knox’s departure for Seattle left a huge coaching void, one that Bills owner Ralph Wilson would fill with former player, Kay Stevenson. Stevenson was a good quarterback’s coach, but he wasn’t ready for the top job. The result? An aging 8-8 team, comprised mostly of holdovers from the Knox era, which were prone to injury. In fact the Bills lost 192 man games to injury in 1983, most in the entire NFL. Despite all that, they were still in position for a Wild Card, when in week 15, they were defeated by the Joe Montana led 49ers, 23-10 at Rich Stadium. Final elimination came in Atlanta the final week, 31-14.

1987: 7-8, Fourth, AFC East

Another strike, this one a mere three weeks in length, severely hurt Buffalo’s first chance for a playoff spots since 1981. This time, the Bills went into the strike 1-1. Unlike 1982 however, the ensuing games were not cancelled. The league, in it’s need to prove to the television networks that the games could go on despite a player walk out, hired replacement players, to fill the teams’ rosters. To add insult to injury, the games would count in the standings when it was all said and done. Buffalo lost game one to the Colts 47-6, and game two to the Patriots, 14-7. Levy regrouped, and with the help of a few veterans that crossed the picket line, rallied to defeat the Giants 6-3 in game three. The returning Bills regulars were different too. Veterans like Fred Smerlas, who had been through the ’82 strike knew the need to keep team unity, and to keep in shape. Buffalo came back from the strike to win in overtime at Miami, before losing at home to the Redskins. The following week, the Bills defeated the defending AFC Champion Broncos, 21-14, before losing to the Browns in Cleveland. Divisional wins against the Jets, and again against Miami put the Bills at 6-5 with four to play. Unfortunately, the Bills ran out of steam in week fourteen, and just as in the strike-shortened season of 1982, another loss to New England, kept them from a playoff berth.

2000: 8-8, Fourth, AFC East

After a highly questionable ouster from the playoffs the previous January in Tennessee, The Bills avenged their loss with an opening night victory over the Titans, 16-13. That set the tone for a season highlighted by a four game November win streak, which, after eleven weeks, left the Bills in good position at 7-4. The following game in Tampa, the wheels fell off. In the second quarter, the Bills lost three defensive starters, on three consecutive plays, and eventually, the game. That, combined with some abhorrent special teams play, sent the Bills into a four game slide, out of the playoffs. While the team finished the season on a high note, defeating the Seahawks in Seattle, it was not enough to salvage Wade Phillips job.

Bills Get Ready For NFL Combine

Virtually everyone in football operations makes it to Indianapolis in late February to see the invited college eligible players. The Bills are certainly not the exception to the rule.

Cowboys reunite Bledsoe and Parcells

Drew Bledsoe set passing records and reached the Super Bowl as a young quarterback playing for Bill Parcells in New England. Nearly a decade later, the duo will try doing it again with the Dallas Cowboys.

Somewhat Sad, Somewhat Glad

Being a fan of the Buffalo Bills really stirs up your emotions. We have lived through more feelings during the past than most NFL fans ever experience. We’ve had morale from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. The Bills have taken their fans to the edge more than any other team. The Buffalo Bills have also knocked the wind out of sails of more fans then the average person needs to endure. That said this is the first time in a long while the deepest emotions have been aroused personally. I have been anticipating this day since about the mid point of the 2003 campaign as you may have been too. But when Mike Mularky and Tom Donahoe took to the podium recently to announce that Drew Bledsoe was no longer the QB for the Buffalo Bills, the finality of it all came crashing down.

The emotions that have been running through the Bills community recently are ranging from pure glee and exuberance to down right sorrow and sadness. I myself have had my heart at both levels. Somewhere inside me is a voice that wants to scream from the rafters and bounce off walls. Elsewhere there’s one that is almost weeping, not quite, but on the brink. Then the reality sets in that the future is now here, and it’s time to move on. The good feelings I do have today do not compare to the happiness I felt when Drew Bledsoe was first traded to the Buffalo Bills.

When Buffalo made the trade for Drew with the New England Patriots, I echoed the global Bills backers and eagerly awaited the 2002 season. From the very first game of Drew’s career in Buffalo he had us hanging by the edge of our seats. As I recall his debut outing was a loss to the New York Jets in OT. A game in which we witnessed him drive the team down field for the tying score with just a few clicks left on the clock. Welcome back to the edge. Oops, watch your step there now. Hope you enjoyed that game, there’s more of this to come over the next few years. Even though it was a loss, Drew made a statement with that game that he still had a vast amount of fire in him. He wanted to prove that he can almost get it done.

Right from the beginning of the 2002 campaign it was exciting to be a Bills fan. Drew Bledsoe ignited a spark in us that hadn’t been fired up in a long time. It was a season with more highs and lows. OT games and last minute drives kept our hopes up, especially following the crappy season the Bills were coming off of. The season quietly faded into a nice .500 kind of year. We were happy fans. The future looked good. Little did we know how much our patience was going to be tested.

Drew Bledsoe may have been the field commander, but Gregg Williams was the general. However, Drew was the scapegoat when things went wrong. If the coaching was better, Bledsoe may have had a chance to take his game to the next level. The anger that should have been directed at Williams was being thrown in Drew’s face. The fans wanted someone to blame. Both Williams and Bledsoe were targets of our rage. If the Buffalo Bills had a better coach, one like Mike Mularky, when Bledsoe originally signed, the tone and end result may have been different, but that’s hindsight. Drew did what he could for the team, albeit in an addling and frustrating way and it didn’t work, so it’s time to move on.

That brings us back to present day which is another time of mixed emotions. You have to admire what Drew Bledsoe tried to do for the team, but he kept coming up short. I wish him well in his future endeavors. It’s time to put this period of Bills history behind us and look to the future. The ride to the top of the emotional roller coaster has begun once again. What does the future hold for us fans? Only time will tell. But I can say one thing for sure being a Buffalo Bills fan, the ride will be exciting.

Building a Defense, Buffalo Style

The Bills defense was largely built on free agents, including four that came in one off-season. Among the 13 players who made major contributions to the Buffalo defense, only five came through the draft, with four as starters. Unrestricted free agency provided the Bills with six starters, including all three linebackers and a pair of Pro Bowlers: DT Sam Adams and LB Takeo Spikes. Throw in S Lawyer Milloy, who signed with the Bills after being released by the Patriots at the start of the 2003 regular season, and this is a defense built on free agency.

Cap leaves Bills some spare change

The Bills are expected to have about $7 million to $8 million in cap space when the NFL's free agency season begins next Wednesday, according to Buffalo News calculations. That is less than previous projections but a little more than they had last year. It still should be enough to do whatever reasonable shopping coach Mike Mularkey and President and General Manager Tom Donahoe desire.

Cowboy up! Bledsoe agrees to terms

Drew Bledsoe didn't need long to find a new job, agreeing to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys within hours of his formal release by the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, according to several reports.

Henry's status affects Bills' strategy

The Buffalo Bills are aggressively trying to complete a rare player-for-player trade that would send disgruntled running back Travis Henry to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for young veteran left tackle L.J. Shelton. A deal could be struck at the NFL's Scouting Combine, which starts today in Indianapolis. "There's a lot of activity on it, is all I can say," said Arizona-based Eric Metz, one of Shelton's agents.

Bledsoe, Cowboys Reach Agreement

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe wasted no time finding a new team, reaching a tentative contract agreement with the Dallas Cowboys yesterday that will reunite him with Coach Bill Parcells. The deal, which likely will be announced today, was confirmed by an NFL source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the signing was not officially completed. Bledsoe's agreement with the Cowboys came on the same day that he officially was released by the Buffalo Bills.

Cowboys reportedly to sign Bledsoe

Drew Bledsoe was released by the Buffalo Bills yesterday and within hours, according to several reports, agreed to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Bledsoe will be reunited with coach Bill Parcells, who drafted the ex-Washington State quarterback No. 1 in 1993 and guided him to the Super Bowl in New England.

Cowboys lasso Bledsoe

Several media outlets cited sources willing to confirm that Bledsoe would be reunited with Bill Parcells, his head coach with the New England Patriots. Bledsoe, 33, foreshadowed such a reunion last week during a conference call with reporters: "Dallas is intriguing for obvious reasons. Playing for my old coach and then looking at the weapons they have offensively, that's intriguing.

February 22, 2005

Bills Officially Release Drew Bledsoe

Following up on their press conference held last Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills officially released quarterback Drew Bledsoe from the roster.

Today was the first day that the Bills could officially release him.

NFL Europe Proves To Be Valuable

The NFL Europe League training camp is now underway in Tampa Bay, Florida, and so are the pro football careers of many young players. The Bills have allocated linebacker Kellen Brantley, tight end/long snapper Mike Gomez, defensive back Jonathon Palafox, kicker Owen Pochman, quarterback Kevin Thompson, and wide receiver LaDaris Vann.

Henry Traded?

Sirius Satellite NFL Radio and the NFL Network are reporting that the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals have agreed in principle to a Travis Henry for LJ Shelton deal, pending physicals. The trade can’t be announced until March 2nd, the NFL imposed starting date for trades.

The disgruntled former pro bowl Bills running back, Travis Henry, has been seeking a trade from the team since losing his starting job to 2003 first round selection Willis McGahee. The Cardinals’ LJ Shelton, an offensive tackle, was their first round selection in 1999. Shelton has struggled with retaining his starting role with the Cardinals after being hit with nagging injuries last season. Leonard Davis replaced him at left tackle making Shelton and his $3 million per year salary expendable.

Shelton was in Buffalo earlier in the week meeting with the Buffalo Bills at their One Bills Drive facility. The acquisition of Shelton probably signals that the Bills will not be aggressive in retaining LT Jonas Jennings, who is a free agent. With Seattle and St Louis retaining Walter Jones and Orlando Pace in earlier deals, Jennings had become the premiere OT on the market, and out of the Bills’ price range.

BillsZone’s own capologist, Robert Balestreri, has proposed how the Bills may possibly work LJ Shelton under the salary cap.

If the Bills do a simple restructure of Shelton's $3 million salary, the trade is cap neutral because both players are in the top 51.

Henry’s cap number: $1.35 million ($1.25 million salary + $100,000 pro-ration).

Shelton's cap number: $3 million each of the next 4 yrs.

Shelton's minimum salary for his NFL experience is $665,000.

If the Bills convert $2.335 million ($3 million - $665,000) to signing bonus. It gets prorated over 4 yrs at $583,375/yr. Shelton's 2005 cap number is now $665,000 + $583,375 = $1,248,750

Cap savings from Henry: $1.25 million

Cap hit for Shelton: $1,248,750

Bills save $1,250 on cap, have addressed LT situation, and subtracted a potential locker room distraction.

Subject matter is curious for Bledsoe basher

There's a column posted on the Web site of a national publication, authored by a prominent NFL writer, that strips Drew Bledsoe bare, ties him to the whipping post and proceeds to administer the most public of floggings. It's a piece with agenda coursing throughout, which leads one to wonder, who's agenda might that be?

Bills Enter Free Agency In Good Shape

When the season ended, the Bills had 44 players under contract for 2005, taking up just under 76 million dollars in cap room. The top 51 players count towards each team's cap in the off season and the projected cap number for 2005 is 85 million dollars. Since the season ended, the Bills re-structured and extended Eric Moulds contract, clearing some 3 million dollars in cap space and by releasing Drew Bledsoe, will save another 2.2 million under the cap. However, Mike Williams base salary will increase to 4 million dollars and Nate Clements will get a pay raise to 2.5 million for his base(both due to incentives reached) so that pretty much wipes out the room created by the moves with Moulds and Bledsoe. The Bills have around 9 million dollars in cap room.

February 21, 2005

The Buffalo Bills Offensive Line: In Depth

It’s appearing that the chances of the Bills bringing back left tackle Jonas Jennings are becoming less and less likely. It has been reported that he is asking for a signing bonus in the $10 million range. Now that Ryan Diem has been signed to a seven-year deal worth a little more than $36 million, it appears that Jennings will get something similar to that if not more. Included in the deal are signing and option bonuses in excess of $10 million a year. What Diem has done, and Jennings will do, is take advantage of Orlando Pace and Walter Jones not being on the market. There is no doubt that Jennings is now the premier guy available.

The Bills Offense: Marvel or Myth?

There has been a lot of enthusiasm generated at the additional three wins over last season’s record, and on that basis alone for the most part, it has been determined that the Bills are truly an improved team. It should be interesting in hindsight to take a look at the particulars of the season in that light.

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Time right for Buffalo to dump Drew

When the Buffalo Bills announced Drew Bledsoe's pending release last week, there was some gnashing of teeth from fans wary of heading into 2005 with a very raw quarterback running the offense.

Anyone who believed the Bills were going to get any better with Bledsoe under center apparently missed the season finale.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

After QB Drew Bledsoe is released on Feb. 22, the Bills will be in the market for a veteran backup for J.P. Losman. Their first option, said coach Mike Mularkey and GM Tom Donahoe, is to talk Shane Matthews into returning to the team. The 11th-year pro was coaxed out of retirement last year after Losman broke his leg and Travis Brown injured his knee and was released. He appeared in two games, throwing a pretty 33-yard TD pass to rookie Lee Evans in a blowout win over San Francisco.

Bills report: Inside slant

Coach Gregg Williams got three years. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe got three years. See a pattern here? It wasn't easy for Buffalo Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe to release his hand-picked coach after the 2003 season or his hand-picked quarterback this offseason. But both moves were obvious to outside observers and to Donahoe's credit, he put the long-term future of the Bills ahead of his ego.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

--The Bills four Pro Bowl representatives did well in the AFC's 38-27 victory over the NFC. CB Nate Clements and LB Takeo Spikes had interceptions, DT Sam Adams had a strong day pass rushing, and KR specialist Terrence McGee totaled 126 yards on five kickoff returns. During the week's off-field festivities, Clements finished fourth in the Fastest Man competition and Spikes tied for second in the Strongest Man event, bench pressing 225 pounds 31 times. Dallas Cowboys DE La'Roi Glover did 32 reps.

February 20, 2005

Better without Bledsoe

A very significant story for the future of Drew Bledsoe in Buffalo happened, of all times, during the coin flip before the season's last game against Pittsburgh.

Shelton drawing interest

With the window for NFL trades about to officially open, it looks like the Cardinals will find a way to swap tackle L.J. Shelton, who asked permission to seek a trade earlier this month. 
Shelton has visited the Buffalo Bills, a team looking to deal running back Travis Henry. Among the other teams reportedly expressing interest are Denver, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Chicago.
 

Premium Players

Insurance experts say interest in policies for star college athletes spiked after Jan. 3, 2003, the night Miami running back Willis McGahee suffered a major knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State.

Two weeks before that bowl championship series title game, Lerner began securing $2.5 million of coverage for McGahee through Lloyd's of London, which underwrites the vast majority of policies secured by college athletes.

McGahee's policy went into effect just before the Fiesta Bowl, and his family breathed a sigh of relief later that night at the hospital. But the 2002 Heisman finalist never collected. After undergoing reconstructive surgery, he was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 23rd pick in the 2003 draft and signed a four-year contract that reportedly could be worth more than $15 million if he reaches all incentives.

Quarterbacks and teams are ready to deal

It's quarterback shopping season, and the market is heating up. Let's start with Bledsoe. The 33-year-old quarterback was saddened and angered last week when Buffalo revealed it will waive him after three seasons in exchange for J.P Losman. A second-year player out of Tulane, Losman saw action in four games last season, completing three of five passes for 32 yards. But the 23-year-old Losman is mobile and has a strong arm, and clearly is the Bills' quarterback of the future.

JP Losman:The Right Choice?

Drew Bledsoe was brought into Buffalo to be the savior of the team and turn the QB situation around. Having had the Rob Johnson/Doug Flutie controversy going on for three seasons, the Bills found it timely to bring in someone to solidify that position. The Bills even went to the extent of sending a first round pick to obtain their QB for the next 6-8 years. Drew Bledsoe was everything the Bills could dream and imagine of. He played beyond everyone’s expectations. The only problem: he only did this for 8 games.

A tough drop for Bledsoe

The Buffalo Bills asked Drew Bledsoe last week to accept a backup role behind untested J.P. Losman -- a request that led to Bledsoe's impending release -- because coach Mike Mularkey decided he needed to shift away from the drop-back, downfield passing that Bledsoe represented to the more quick-striking offense the Patriots have turned into an art form.

February 19, 2005

Cards tackle Shelton visits Bills

The Buffalo Bills have begun looking at alternatives to Jonas Jennings at left tackle.

Six-year veteran L.J. Shelton of the Arizona Cardinals visited the Bills on Thursday, according to league sources.

Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe was unavailable for comment.

Shelton, 28, was given permission from the Cardinals to seek a trade earlier this month. The Bills are a possible destination because Jennings is an unrestricted free agent and is seeking a contract that would make him one of the highest paid offensive tackles in the NFL. The Bills aren't expected to meet those demands.

The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Shelton would be an appealing option

Co-owner Kelly enjoying a new game

Jim Kelly was sunburned and hoarse. And having a great time. The Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback is in his first season as a co-owner of the No. 34 Dollar General Chevrolet on the NASCAR Busch Series, and he has spent the week supporting his team in the garage and trumpeting it in interviews in and around Daytona International Speedway.

Cards tackle Shelton visits Bills

The Buffalo Bills have begun looking at alternatives to Jonas Jennings at left tackle. Six-year veteran L.J. Shelton of the Arizona Cardinals visited the Bills on Thursday, according to league sources.

Cards' Shelton visits Bills; deal for Henry could follow

Cardinals offensive tackle L.J. Shelton met with Bills coaches and officials Thursday in Buffalo, a visit that could lead to a trade for running back Travis Henry.

February 18, 2005

Chuck Knox donates $1 million to alma mater

After he logged 22 years as an NFL head coach, hindsight proves Knox made a solid decision. But his passion for learning and a connection with his alma mater always remained. The former Buffalo Bills coach recently donated $1 million to establish the Dr. Charles R. and Shirley A. Knox Chair in History at Juniata, a 1,400-student liberal arts school in Huntington, Pa., tucked into the Appalachians 120 miles east of Pittsburgh.

Bills to swap Henry for Shelton?

Arizona Cardinals tackle L.J. Shelton visited the Buffalo Bills Thursday to help to possibly facilitate a trade between the two teams. The Bills were given permission early this week to meet with Shelton, who was told he could shop his services in exchange for a draft choice in the first day of April's draft. The Bills are looking for left tackle options because they aren't expected to re-sign their starting left tackle, Jonas Jennings, who is an unrestricted free agent.

For What It's Worth

• The translation of Drew Bledsoe’s remark at his press conference about not being a back-up, “especially to JP” depends on where you stand in the whole Bledsoe debate. Supporter translation: “especially a first year starter like JP”. Neutral party translation: “especially someone who I’ve watched every day in practice and I think I’m better than right now”. Hater translation: “especially an arrogant little snot like JP who runs like a girl at the first hint of pressure and couldn’t carry my jock”. It all depends on how you see Drew Bledsoe.
• There’s no truth to the rumor that when Donovan McNabb’s NFC Pro Bowl team mates saw him throw an interception directly into the arms of Joey Porter they were the one’s dry heaving.
• Don’t look for Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow to be co-hosting Saturday Night Live anytime soon.
• Agree or disagree with the decision to start Losman, it’s a bold move. Most Bills fans want to see playoffs next year and if the Bills don’t make it, Losman will likely be the reason. So he needs to deliver. The safe move would have been to build on last year’s strong finish with Bledsoe and expect at least one step forward which would mean a playoff appearance for a playoff starved fan base. By going with Losman now Mike Mularkey and Tom Donahoe are manning the trapeze bar without a net.
• It used to be baseball was the national pastime with football, basketball and hockey all occupying the national attention in their respective seasons. Now football is the 1000 pound 365/24/7 gorilla, baseball is a distant second but in a steroid induced blue funk, professional basketball is losing ground, particularly with white fans that can’t relate to the players hip-hop culture or the physical style of play, and hockey, which has seemingly punched a one way ticket into irrelevance. Who said change was good?
• There’s no connection between the Bills having a defibrillation machine on hand at RWS and the Bills decision to start JP Losman. But you could see some fans and coaches holding their breath each time JP dives head first for a first down, particularly if Shane Matthews is holding the clip board on the sidelines.
• Props to Eric Moulds for making a deal from which both he and the Bills can benefit. But it will be interesting to see how happy Moulds remains if his skills continue their slow decline and Evans continues to improve. The warning signs appeared last year when it was hinted Moulds complained about not seeing the ball enough while at the same time suffering with problems catching the ball and getting consistent separation from defenders.
• I look for Jonas Jennings to bolt Buffalo for a large pay day. If that happens, don’t be surprised if the Bills give Trey Teague a long look at left tackle and move Ross Tucker over to center. I would also be surprised if the Bills did not sign a free agent guard.
• One plus for Bledsoe if he does go the Cowboys is they won’t have to get used to blocking for an immobile quarterback. Testaverde could be the only QB in the league that could make Bledsoe look fast by comparison. *But it’s a safe bet that if Bledsoe does land in Big D there won’t be a parade in his honor like there was in Buffalo what seems like a long time ago but was actually only three years. Good luck Drew- you’re moving on but here’s hoping both you and the Bills have success in the future.

Six Points: QB carousel

I don't know if J.P. Losman is ready to start for the Buffalo Bills. We're in an era of the NFL where you never really know if a young quarterback is ready. The only way to find out is to move veterans out of the way and let the young guy play. Look at what the Cincinnati Bengals did after almost making the playoffs two years ago. They had an effective starter in Jon Kitna but demoted him so Carson Palmer could play. Toward the end of last season, Palmer looked great and started playing like a No. 1 overall pick and former Heisman Trophy winner. How is Losman supposed to get better if he's not getting any playing time?

Matthews pegged as backup candidate

Bills' general manager Tom Donahoe said Wednesday that he would like to sign Shane Matthews to serve as the backup for new starting quarterback J.P. Losman. "We'd love to get somebody with some experience, starting experience," Donahoe told the Buffalo News. "I think that's why Shane Matthews is so attractive to us. Shane has started in this league. He was here last year and really did us a favor because he was pretty much out of football (before he signed with the Bills)." Matthews played in three games last season.

Milloy going for the money had ring of reason

Buffalo Bills safety Lawyer Milloy is taking a beating in the media. He is being portrayed as a greedy, get-all-I-can player who thought money was more important than winning. Guess what? It is.

Losman Speaks After Bledsoe Announcement

The new starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills had a chance to talk on ESPN radio. Here are some of J.P. Losman’s comments. “I really just don’t feel any pressure, I feel comfortable. A lot of guys have called me and said they were behind me and they’re ready to get going. The thing I realize is, I’m not the answer to this problem we’re having and I don’t think there’s an answer to it. I’m just a guy and I want to be a part of something special.”

February 17, 2005

Bledsoe might join Cowboys

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe finds himself looking for a team after the Buffalo Bills announced their intention to cut him. And he said the Cowboys are one of the possible landing spots he finds "intriguing."

Disappointed Bledsoe didn't see sack coming

"When I had the conversation with (coach) Mike (Mularkey) and first found out the direction they were going to go was with J.P., I was beside myself. I was very disappointed, very angry, all those things. But since then, I've kind of gotten around to where I'm excited about finding out what the future holds and moving on to the next challenge."

Offensive mobilization prompts QB switch

The desire for a more potent offense and the potential for a more mobile, playmaking quarterback prompted the Buffalo Bills to hand their quarterbacking job to J.P. Losman.

Pocket change will pay off for Bills

Guys, this was good news. Sure, there are some bummed Bledsoe fans out there, but many Bills fans are celebrating his release. Yeah, Bledsoe is a decent guy, a class act who pleaded with reporters to print his comments about loyal Buffalo fans.

Bledsoe considers Cowboys

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe finds himself looking for a team after the Buffalo Bills announced their intention to cut him. And he said the Cowboys are one of the possible landing spots he finds "intriguing." Bledsoe also made it clear he is not signing with the Cowboys, or any team to help groom a young quarterback or be an insurance policy. He said he will sign only to be the starting quarterback.

Bills decide to take a pass on keeping Bledsoe

Just as the Patriots paved the way for the Tom Brady era by trading quarterback Drew Bledsoe to the Bills after the 2001 season, Buffalo is prepared to pave the way for the J.P. Losman era -- and again Bledsoe is the odd man out.

Release Buffaloes Bledsoe: QB didn't see it coming

It was a rout of epic proportions. Determining a winner and loser from the April 21, 2002, trade that sent quarterback Drew Bledsoe from the Patriots to Buffalo didn't take long. The only question was how long it would take the Bills to stop the bleeding. That answer came yesterday, when the Bills announced that Bledsoe would be released next Tuesday.

February 16, 2005

Finding the right places for Bledsoe, Garcia

The Cowboys have been looking for a reliable starter for years, and while Bledsoe won't be confused with Troy Aikman, he's an upgrade from Vinny Testaverde. OK, so that that's not saying much when you're comparing the guy to a 41-year-old passer, but Bledsoe offers Dallas a chance to do what it couldn't last year: Improve itself at the most important position on the field.

Bledsoe Out as QB

I first just want to say that it has been my privilege and has been my honor to be a part of the Bills organization. The fan loyalty and the national following that the Bills have was truly something to experience. With the exception of maybe Green Bay, there is not a place like Buffalo with the fan loyalty and their devotion to the team. It was really special to be a part of that. When and if the Bills ever win a World Championship, I will be a fan along with all of those people, just because of the experience that I had there.

Bills won't add much risk going with J.P.

The Buffalo Bills' decision to make young J.P. Losman their starting quarterback carries some risk, but not much more than they would have taken by sticking with Drew Bledsoe for another season. Losman is raw. He has plenty of rough edges. He will make the kind of mistakes all first-time starting quarterbacks make. And the Bills will have to deal with the consequences, some larger than others. But the Bills also would have traveled a dangerous road with Bledsoe as their starter. Nothing he showed at the end of last season made a compelling enough case that, in the short run, he would have been a better choice to start than Losman, who obviously offers a far better long-term solution.

Bills crown Losman, cut Bledsoe: 'It's a sad day for me'

The Buffalo Bills have handed untested quarterback J.P. Losman the keys to the car after announcing today that the team planned to release three-year starter Drew Bledsoe next Tuesday.

Bledsoe Era Over

The Drew Bledsoe era is over with the Buffalo Bills, the team announced on Wednesday they will release the 12-year veteran next Tuesday.

Bills Part Ways with Drew Bledsoe

The Bills officially announced their intentions to release 33-year-old veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe during a press conference Wednesday at One Bills Drive. Technically, Bledsoe cannot formally be released until next Tuesday, which league rules stipulate is the first day this off-season that players can be cut.

Bills to Release Starting QB Drew Bledsoe

Drew Bledsoe will be released by the Buffalo Bills, a move that that upset the 33-year-old quarterback, who started every game for the team the past three seasons.

The Bills will waive the 12-year veteran on Feb. 22, the first day NFL teams are allowed to officially release players, head coach Mike Mularkey said Wednesday. J.P. Losman, a first-round draft choice last April, will be next year's starter.

Buffalo, Bledsoe to part ways

Orchard Park, NY (Sports Network) - The Buffalo Bills announced during an afternoon press conference that they will release quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

Buffalo cannot officially release Bledsoe until February 22, but the team made the decision at this time as a courtesy to him. Cleveland acted in a similar fashion on Monday with Jeff Garcia.

"It's a sad day for me," Bledsoe said in a conference call. "I came to Buffalo with the intention of being a part of building an organization, winning a world championship in Buffalo. Didn't get it accomplished. Now, I won't have a chance to."

Pasquarelli- Bills discussed Bledsoe trade with Dallas

With the Buffalo Bills poised to elevate second-year quarterback J.P. Losman to the starting job for 2005, ESPN.com has confirmed that the team will announce the release of 12-year veteran Drew Bledsoe on Wednesday afternoon, allowing him to become a free agent and continue his career with another team. Club officials, particularly in discussions between Bledsoe and coach Mike Mularkey last week, afforded the classy veteran the opportunity to consider returning to the team as a backup, and at a reduced salary.

	Drew Bledsoe Quarterback Buffalo Bills Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS Att Comp PaTD RuTD Int Rat 450 256 20 0 16 76.6

After deliberating over the weekend, Bledsoe told the Bills he preferred to be released. The team, which is very sensitive to Bledsoe, respects him greatly, and certainly wants to do right by him, will honor his wishes. It is believed that Bills owner Ralph Wilson will attend the press conference.

ESPN.com has learned that there were discussions between the Bills and Dallas Cowboys officials in recent days about a potential trade. It is not known if the Cowboys opted not to pursue those talks or if Bledsoe advised the Bills he did not wanted to be traded.

Bills call news conference; Bledsoe release expected

The Buffalo Bills have called a 1 p.m. news conference Wednesday amid reports that quarterback Drew Bledsoe is about to be released.

Bills set to give Bledsoe his release

The Buffalo Bills are expected to announce the end of their Drew Bledsoe era today. The Bills can not make it official with the NFL until Tuesday, which league rules stipulate is the first day this offseason that players can be cut. However, in deference to Bledsoe, sources told The News the Bills plan to announce their intention to release him ahead of time.

QB Controversy Over

The Bills organization does deserve some credit for pulling the strings quickly, instead of letting the situation drag deep into the off season. Having Bledsoe around would’ve more than likely just hurt Losman’s development in the off-season as a starter. Now that he strongly knows that it is his team, he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder with tremendous pressure. On the other hand if he isn’t ready for the responsibility, time will soon show.

Veteran QB Bledsoe declines reserve role with club

The Buffalo Bills have handed quarterback Drew Bledsoe his walking papers, several sources reported late Tuesday, and an announcement from the team could come as soon as today. At least the Bills had the heart to wait until after Valentine's Day, Bledsoe's 33rd birthday

Pending release of Bledsoe could affect Chargers

It was originally thought that Bledsoe would be released during training camp, a strategy that ensured Losman was ready for the reigns. The benefit to San Diego would have been Dallas still looking for a quarterback and with two first round draft picks they had the ammunition to get it. Drew Brees, an unrestricted free agent who will be franchised by the Chargers, was seen as a perfect fit for the Cowboys. Now that appears remote as Dallas can keep both picks and get a quarterback to lead their team.

Shane Matthews receives honor

NFL quarterback Shane Matthews and his father, Bill Matthews, took home separate honors for the All-American Football Foundation's 67th annual Banquet of Champions.

Cowboys might turn to Bledsoe

The question of what to do at quarterback has dogged the Cowboys this off-season. Do they re-sign 41-year-old Vinny Testaverde? Do they go with inexperienced Drew Henson? They might choose option No. 3. The Buffalo Bills will hold a news conference today to announce they are releasing quarterback Drew Bledsoe, ESPN.com reported.

Bills parting ways with QB Bledsoe

Bledsoe reportedly was offered the opportunity to return to the club as a backup for a reduced salary, but he declined after a series of discussions with Mularkey, who assured Bledsoe that his decision to go with Losman next fall was final.

Bledsoe could wind up with Cowboys

The Buffalo Bills apparently are ready to grant Drew Bledsoe his wish. ESPN.com is reporting the Bills will release the veteran quarterback on Wednesday afternoon. According to the report, the Bills made a decision a few weeks ago to turn the starting job over to J.P. Losman, a 2004 first-round pick who missed much of his rookie season with a broken leg.  

Former Bills LB Sam Cowart demands trade from Jets

Jets veteran middle linebacker Sam Cowart, who lost his starting job to rookie Jonathan Vilma after suffering a sprained left knee in Week 2, has asked the club to trade or release him, a team official said yesterday.

Campbell Builds Bears and Spirits at Hospital

Bills tight end Mark Campbell greeted patients at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo with a Valentine's Day surprise on Monday.

Report: Bills to release QB Bledsoe

With the Buffalo Bills poised to elevate second-year quarterback J.P. Losman to the starting job for 2005, ESPN.com has confirmed that the team will announce the release of 12-year veteran Drew Bledsoe today, allowing him to become a free agent. Losman, a first-round choice in 2004, missed most of the season with a broken leg. ESPN said there were discussions between the Bills and Dallas Cowboys about a potential trade. It is not known if the Cowboys chose not to pursue those talks or if Bledsoe told the Bills he did not want to be traded.

Bledsoe could wind up with Cowboys

The Buffalo Bills apparently are ready to grant Drew Bledsoe his wish. ESPN.com is reporting the Bills will release the veteran quarterback on Wednesday afternoon. According to the report, the Bills made a decision a few weeks ago to turn the starting job over to J.P. Losman, a 2004 first-round pick who missed much of his rookie season with a broken leg.

Bills set to release Bledsoe

The Buffalo Bills will announce the release of quarterback Drew Bledsoe this afternoon, ESPN.com reported last night, allowing the 12-year veteran to become a free agent and sign with another team. The Bills have decided to elevate second-year QB J.P. Losman to the starting job.

Greer proud of Jackson and mom

No matter which way Jabari Greer looked, people were pointing at him. They were lining up to meet him; to have their picture taken. Without fail, Greer would flash that million-dollar smile to everyone who wanted a handshake or a hug. All this attention wasn't because the South Side graduate plays for the Buffalo Bills and pulls down six figures.

February 15, 2005

Channel 2 Sports Confirms Bledsoe Release

A source confirms to Channel 2 that the Bills will release veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe, and that Bledsoe has been informed of the decision. President and General Manager Tom Donahoe would not comment on the situation when approached by our crew Tuesday night. The source tells us Bledsoe has had several converstations with Bills Head Coach Mike Mularkey recently, and the decision is final.

What Does Bledsoe’s Imminent Departure Mean?

Losman’s presence will mean extra work for Willis McGahee to carry the burden. In the 2003 season, Humpty played as poorly as he ever has played while Travis Henry carried this team on his shoulders entirely and for nearly half a season with a broken leg. Henry was on pace for over 1,500 yards had he played the entire season. So the expectations for McGahee are at least that.

Line of Scrimmage: Ten Burning Offseason Questions

Will Drew Bledsoe be back in Buffalo? It doesn't look good for Bledsoe, who wasn't awful in the season's second half but was the face of the Bills' ultimate failure in the eyes of most Buffalo fans. The team invested a first-round pick on the very green J.P. Losman in last year's draft, and it appears that head coach Mike Mularkey is ready to let the far-more-mobile Tulane product sink or swim. The Bills will have to get an experienced caretaker (Jeff Garcia, Kurt Warner, Vinny Testaverde, and Jeff Blake are all unrestricted free agents) to help ease Losman's transition. Bledsoe, meanwhile, will shop for a No. 1 job in a quarterback market that may not have much use for a 33-year-old quarterback with declining skills

Bills to release QB Bledsoe

FOXSports.com has learned the Bills have decided to release quarterback Drew Bledsoe, and they are expected to announce the decision Wednesday, likely at a press conference. Due to league rules, Buffalo can not officially release Bledsoe until Feb. 22, but the veteran has already been informed of the decision.

Bills Players Allocated to NFL Europe Teams

The results of the NFL Europe Allocated Player Draft and Free Agent Draft were announced on Monday, February 14. NFL teams have allocated a record 266 players to play in Europe this spring. Of those, 102 were assigned to NFLEL teams, with a further 141 being selected in the annual NFL Allocated Player draft.

Hall-of-Fame induction highlights Matthews career

Bill Matthews said he experienced many thrills during his 11-year career as head football coach at Pascagoula. He will add another chapter to that list today. Matthews and his son Shane, a former Panther great and current Buffalo Bills quarterback, will both be inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. The ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. at the Biloxi Grand Casino.

'Limbo With Jimbo' enlivens day of hope

Jim Kelly and the children were doing the "Limbo With Jimbo" on Monday evening during Hunter's Day of Hope in the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse. As Glenn Colton of Orchard Park sang from the stage, Kelly held out a limbo stick for the children to dance under.

Clearly, Bills’ QB position is clouded

The countdown appears to be on for the termination of Drew Bledsoe’s tenure as the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback. He seemed to secure his position starting on Halloween as he led the Bills to eight wins in nine starts — including a six-game streak heading into the season finale against Pittsburgh at “The Ralph.”

Huge Turnout for Hunter's Day of Hope

The county budget crisis forced a popular, annual event to move indoors, but it may stay that way. The Buffalo Bills fieldhouse hosted the event tonight that raises money to fight Krabbe Leukodystrophy. Former Bills Quarterback, Jim Kelly, started the event when his son, Hunter, came down with Krabbe when he was just four months old. The fatal disease attacks the nervous system.

Bledsoe's likely out by month's end

The Buffalo Bills are likely to part ways with quarterback Drew Bledsoe by the end of the month, the Buffalo News reported. The move has been speculated since the team’s disappointing season-ending loss to Pittsburgh on Jan. 2. The Bills want to give first-round draft choice J.P. Losman a full shot at winning the starting quarterback job, league sources told the newspaper.

February 14, 2005

Bledsoe out in Buffalo, will be released

According to a source in Bills management, Bledsoe was informed last week that he was out as the starting quarterback for 2005. General manager Terry Donahoe told Bledsoe that J.P. Losman, who will enter his second season in the fall, would be the No. 1 quarterback.

Palafox is back with Bills to play for NFL Europe

Jonathan Palafox, a former star player at both Sweet-water High School and An-gelo State University, is once again a member of the NFL's Buffalo Bills. The 26-year-old Palafox, a defensive back, was recently one of six free agents signed by the Bills and assigned to play this spring for NFL Europe.

Losman era shouldn't open with excuses

Drew Bledsoe's days here are over and the J.P. Losman era is primed to begin. Just remember, Bills fans, this is the way most of you wanted it. Be ready to wring out every last drop of patience, what little there is left, if the kid plays like a kid and it becomes six straight years out of the playoffs.

Video- Takeo Spikes and Sam Adams at the Pro Bowl

Sporting news- Bills Team Report

By agreeing to a contract extension last week, WR Eric Moulds secured his future with the Bills while also providing some salary cap relief for the team. His new deal, which runs through 2007, includes a $5 million signing bonus and $1.5 million in base salary. His base was $5.5 million under the old contract in addition to a $1 million roster bonus. More important to the Bills, the new contract drops Moulds' 2005 cap figure from $8.6 million to $5.16 million. Moulds, 31, is still an elite receiver capable of beating double teams with his strength and route running. His work ethic will continue to set an example for the team's young receivers, especially rookie sensation Lee Evans. . . .

Bills Contribute to AFC Pro Bowl Victory

Buffalo's four Pro Bowl representatives played a large role in AFC's 38-27 victory over the NFC on Sunday. Cornerback Nate Clements and linebacker Takeo Spikes each intercepted passes while return specialist Terrence McGee accumulated 126 yards on five kickoff returns and defensive tackle Sam Adams provided strong pressure on the NFC quarterbacks.

Spikes picked off Minnesota Vikings quarterback Dante Culpepper in the second quarter on a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. The Bills linebacker tossed a lateral to Steelers linebacker Joey Porter and the Pittsburgh all-star advanced the ball 28 yards to the NFC's 29 yard line. Six plays later Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning connected on a 12-yard touchdown pass to San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates to give the AFC a 28-7 lead. Spikes also added five tackles.

Buffalo looks to dump Bledsoe

THE DREW BLEDSOE era in Buffalo appears to be over. A story in yesterday's editions of The Buffalo News said the National Football League team was likely to release the veteran quarterback before March 2, when the NFL's salary cap for 2005 takes effect.

According to several league sources, the Bills want to hand J.P. Losman, their first-round pick in 2004, the starting QB job. Bledsoe, 33, would not be interested in the backup role, two sources close to him were reported to have said

Bledsoe's birthday filled with uncertanty

Happy birthday greetings to Drew Bledsoe (33) and Jim Kelly (45). Speculation is mounting that Bledsoe has as much chance to throw another pass for the Buffalo Bills as Kelly does.

The Bills have to find out if second-year quarterback J.P. Losman can play and Bledsoe probably couldn't accept a backup role in Buffalo or anywhere else. He believes he is still much better than many of us think and it would be interesting to see him try to prove it with another team.

Manning sparks AFC to 38-27 victory

 Peyton Manning was still at the peak of his game in the Pro Bowl, and Michael Vick showed he's only beginning the climb.

Manning threw three touchdown passes to extend his career record in the NFL's all-star game, while Vick led the NFC to 17 points in a second-half comeback that fell short in the AFC's 38-27 victory.

Pittsburgh's Hines Ward caught a touchdown pass and returned an onside kick for a score, and three Chargers stars led the clinching TD drive in the fourth quarter of the AFC's seventh victory in nine meetings.

February 13, 2005

Clements, Spikes help AFC pick off NFC 38-27

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Buffalo Bills defenders, CB Nate Clements and LB Takeo Spikes, each had interceptions in the AFC's 38-27 victory over the NFC Sunday in the NFL Pro bowl at Honolulu, Hawaii. Colts QB Peyton Manning paced the AFC with 3 TD passes in the first half. Steelers WR Hines Ward recorded the first kick return for a touchdown in Pro Bowl history when he returned an onside kick attempt 39 yards for the score. The NFC rallied late in the second half, but a fumble by the Falcons' Michael Vick on 4th down and then a Vick interception at the hands of Clements sealed the NFC's fate.

Bills demote Bledsoe, may soon release QB

What was supposed to be a storybook career in Buffalo has instead ended in a thud for former Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe. According to a source in Bills management, Bledsoe was informed last week that he was out as the starting quarterback for 2005. General manager Tom Donahoe told Bledsoe that J.P. Losman, who will enter his second season in the fall, would be the No. 1 quarterback.

Pro Bowlers visit Pearl Harbor

Terrence McGee of the Buffalo Bills, Tony Stewart of the Cincinnati Bengals and Marcus Washington of the Washington Redskins went on board the USS Santa Fe, an attack nuclear-powered submarine docked at Pearl Harbor, just a Michael Vick pass away from Aloha Stadium, site of the 2005 Pro Bowl.

A Look at Our Great Owner: Ralph “The MAN” Wilson

Let’s be honest, Ralph Wilson, Jr. is a genius, and the greatest man alive. He brought to the world the best team of all time, the Buffalo Bills. Of course I am very biased, but I am allowed to be because of my love for the Bills. He is respected league-wide as an owner and is very passionate about his beloved Bills. Having started his Buffalo franchise in 1960, Mr. Wilson is the only original American Football League owner who hasn’t moved his team. Let’s keep that true!

He has been honoured with many awards,: Pete Rozell Award from the Touchdown Club in New Orleans, the NFL Alumni's "Order of the Leather Helmet" and the "Timmie" Award from the Touchdown Club of Washington D.C.. However, none were more appropriate than the Buffalo News naming him the "Tops Sports Figure" in Western New York in the past century.

Beyond the football field, he has long been recognized for his charitable endeavours. Some of these include; the food banks of Buffalo and Rochester, the Ronald McDonald House, the United Way, S.P.C.A., the Buffalo Philharmonic, Shea's Performing Arts Center, and the Hospice Center of WNY. The Hospice Center recently named a new building wing the “Mary and Ralph Wilson, Jr. Hospice Inpatient Unit”. Also he was awarded the Seymour Knox III Humanitarian Award in the spring of 2003 for his amazing charitable efforts in the Buffalo area. Recently, he established the Ralph Wilson Medical Research Foundation to which he was contributed over $5,000,000 to the effort. The two main benefactors of the Foundation's efforts are Buffalos Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Cleveland Clinic. Damn, what a great guy, we should all strive to be him.

Born in Columbus, Ohio (same place I was born), the family moved to Detroit when Ralph was young. Ralph graduated from the University of Virginia and went to graduate school at the University of Michigan law school, before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. He earned his commission within a year and served aboard mine sweeps in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Ralph was awarded the Commendation Medal.

Even though he owns the Buffalo Bills, he maintains a permanent residence in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan an amazingly beautiful place with his wife, Mary. He has three daughters, two of whom are involved in team business. Linda Bogdan, is the NFL's first female scout as well as the franchise's Corporate Vice President, while another daughter, Christy Wilson Hofmann, serves as a consultant in the merchandising.

While the NFL and its writers won't acknowledge Ralph by putting him into the Hall of Fame, anyone who knows him or follows his teams knows how great a man Ralph Wilson is. For all that he has done for football Ralph deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

If at first you don't succeed …

Andre Reed can empathize with the Eagles' plight. He knows all too well the gut-wrenching despair that comes when you reach the pinnacle of professional football, only to see the ultimate dream lost in the confetti of your opponent's victory celebration. He even draws some comparisons between his Bills teams and the Eagles teams of the last four seasons.

Making quick move on April made season special

The acquisition of Jack Kemp after he was released by San Diego in 1962 was the No. 1 waiver claim in Buffalo Bills history. Getting special teams coach Bobby April after he was released by the St. Louis Rams might have been No. 2.

Bills ready to march on without Bledsoe

The Buffalo Bills are likely to part ways with quarterback Drew Bledsoe by the end of the month. It's a move that has been creeping toward reality since the team's season ended Jan. 2. The Bills think they need to give first-round draft choice J.P. Losman a full shot to win the starting quarterback job, according to several league sources.

February 12, 2005

Eric Moulds makes salary sacrifice for Bills

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Eric Moulds has reworked his contract to afford the team cap releif for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Moulds was signed through the 2006 season, the result of a six year extension agreed to in 2001.  A first round draft pick in 1996, Moulds cashed in with a 6 year, 38 million dollar contract following the 2000 campaign. Moulds had 2 years left on his contract but his cap numbers for the next two years were an eye popping $8.775 million in 2005 and $9.189 million in 2006

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The new deal would allow the Bills to receive salary cap relief for 2005. According to BillsZone.com's residend capologist Robert Balistreri, Moulds' new deal will count $5.5 million per season against the 2005 and 2006 salary cap. Moulds, 31, hauled in a team-high 88 receptions for 1,043 yards and five touchdowns in 2004. The salary cap limit for each NFL team in 2005 is expected to be $86 million dollars.

Eric Moulds is a three time Pro Bowl WR for the Buffalo Bills. After a slow start in his first two seasons, he exploded into the elite of NFL wide recievers. His 67 catches and a Bills single-season record 1,368 yards and 9 TDs earned him a starting spot in the 1998 Pro Bowl. He eclipsed the franchise's single-season record for receiving yards (Andre Reed, 1,312 in 1989), led the AFC in the and finished 2nd in the NFL (GB's Antonio Freeman, 1,424).

Moulds was selected as a starter in the 2000 Pro Bowl, his second appearance in Hawaii in three years. He also established a then-club record with his 94 receptions and his 1,326 yards were the second-highest total in team history.

In 2003 Moulds made his third Pro Bowl appearance after becoming the first player in Bills franchise history to record a 100-catch season finishing with 100 receptions for 1,292 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns.

He is the club's second all-time leading receiver behind Andre Reed in receptons, yardage, and receiving touchdowns.

Salary Cap Page Explanations & Footnotes - Discuss the Bills' Salary Cap Here - 2005 Salary Cap Page

You have to tip your cap to Moulds

Eric Moulds could have left Buffalo four years ago when the Bills star wide receiver became an unrestricted free agent. No one would have blamed him. It's not greed but common sense for NFL players to try and maximize their earning potential. The six-year, $40.5 million contract Moulds got from the Bills in 2001 is hardly chump change, but it's possible he would have gotten more elsewhere.

The 2005 Talent Pool: Offense

The following is a list of the best offensive players that might be made available in the offseason through trades of unrestricted free agency, along with their some possible prime destinations. Free agent season opens on March 2.

DREW BLEDSOE - There are rumblings that the Bills are ready to go with 2004 first rounder J.P. Losman, making Bledsoe an expensive back-up. If he doesn't re-structure his contract, he could be released. Prediction: Will re-do his deal and stay in Buffalo, and will fight Losman for the starting job.

TRAVIS HENRY - The Bills are trying to trade him now that Willis McGahee has taken the starting job in Buffalo. There was some action early, but a flooded market is diminishing his value. Prediction: He will get traded eventually. He'd be a great fit in Carolina's power offence, assuming Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster won't ever be the same.

JONAS JENNINGS (UFA) - A solid if unspectacular player, Jennings will be in demand because he can play left tackle.  Prediction: The Bills need to keep him around and they will find a way.

The 2005 Talent Pool: Defense

The following is a list of the best defensive players that might be made available in the offseason through trades of unrestricted free agency, along with their some possible prime destinations. Free agent season opens on March 2.

PAT WILLIAMS (UFA) - He's proven that he's better in a 4-3 scheme with help inside, but several teams are switching to the 3-4 and want a big man in the middle. Williams is nothing if not big. Prediction: The Bills should have enough to make room for Williams. He's an important part of their excellent defense.

Bills OK 3-year deal with Moulds

Eric Moulds likes Buffalo, and he wants to win. He took care of the former desire and hopes he improved his chances of the latter Friday when he agreed to a contract extension with the Buffalo Bills. The agreement is for three years and keeps Moulds under contract through 2007. His old pact was to run out in 2006, but his salary cap numbers were going to be costly in 2005 and exorbitant in 2006.

Bills, Moulds will restructure contract

Wide receiver Eric Moulds agreed to restructure his contract — the details are expected to be finalized in the next few days — and that maneuver should create an extra $2 million in salary cap room, meaning the Bills would be approximately $12 million under the cap.

February 11, 2005

Source reports Losman will start

After a couple of weeks at home in California, quarterback J.P. Losman arrived back at the Buffalo Bills complex this week to begin offseason workouts, and there is a pretty good reason why the 2004 first-round pick is suddenly the team's early bird in the weight room. The decision has essentially already been made by Bills officials, several sources told ESPN.com, that Losman, who missed much of his rookie season recovering from a broken leg suffered in training camp, will be the starter in 2005.

Eerie Situation for Bledsoe

Not to downgrade Drew Bledsoe but he has had his fair share of chances in the NFL. His career started off phenomenal but over the last six to eight years it has been in a stand still. He did revitalize and strengthen the Bills to an impressive finish, but where was that earlier in the year? Going into the off-season Bledsoe once again is faced with a quarterback battle.

South O'Brien to honor hometown hero

Josh Stamer left South O'Brien High School as a 175-pound athlete, bound for the University of South Dakota to play basketball. That was the spring of 1996, but things have changed drastically for Stamer, now a valued special teams performer for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League.

Bills Pro Bowl Fun Fast Facts

One measure of a player's success is whether he is selected to play in the Pro Bowl. It's not necessary to be a high draft pick to be selected. In fact, you don't even have to be drafted at all, as three all-star selections this year - tight end Antonio Gates (San Diego), fullback Tony Richardson (Kansas City), and guard Brian Waters (Kansas City) - can attest.

You have to tip your cap to Moulds

Eric Moulds could have left Buffalo four years ago when the Bills star wide receiver became an unrestricted free agent. No one would have blamed him. It's not greed but common sense for NFL players to try and maximize their earning potential.

February 10, 2005

Offseason Game Plan: Bills

After starting the season with losses, the Bills stormed back into playoff contention by winning nine of their last 12 games. At 9-7, the Bills had a better record than two NFC playoff teams (Rams, Vikings). Given the strong finish, team officials seem eager to maintain the status quo during the offseason. In other words, we do not expect the Bills to be major players in free agency or on draft day.

Bills Defense Looks to Shine in Hawaii

For just the second time since 1994, the AFC's All-Star defense will include a trio of Bills, with defensive tackle Sam Adams, cornerback Nate Clements, and linebacker Takeo Spikes representing Buffalo this Sunday at the 26th annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. The game will be televised by ESPN at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

Moulds to get new deal

The Buffalo Bills are close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension for receiver Eric Moulds. The deal, which could be finalized in the next few days, would give the Bills relief in their 2005 salary cap and give Moulds more security.

February 09, 2005

NFL to move Draft

After years of conducting its nationally televised two-day college draft from Madison Square Garden's Paramount Theater, the NFL will move the event this year due to its ongoing dispute with the Dolan family, which owns MSG and has emerged as the most vocal opponent of a new stadium for the New York Jets on the west side of Manhattan.

Pochman Looking to Kick Start NFL Career

For the past four years Owen Pochman has attempted to call five NFL cities "home" in his quest of becoming a professional kicker. Now Brigham Young University's all-time record holder for most career field goals is heading to Europe with hopes of fulfilling his life-long dream.

The Shaud Williams Interview

A career without challenges isn't the career for Shaud Williams. During his tenure at Alabama, he worked his way from a runningback by committee rotation in 2002 to a starting position in 2003. When Shaud went undrafted in 2004 after leading the SEC in rushing, he wasn’t crushed, he didn’t fold, it was just one more challenge for him to tackle.

February 08, 2005

Vincent Wins Bart Starr Award

Buffalo Bills safety Troy Vincent received the Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award on Saturday during a pre-Super Bowl XXXIX prayer breakfast. The award was created to honor the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community and is named after Bart Starr.

Bills Form Memorabilia Collectors Club

The Bills’ Archives Department has organized a new group of avid fans and named the group the “Buffalo Bills Memorabilia Collectors Club”. The group will meet several times each year and help the team organize and publicize the popular hobby of sports memorabilia collecting, focusing specifically on the Buffalo Bills and NFL Football.

February 07, 2005

Bills Team Report

Troy Vincent believes he still can be an elite cornerback, but he is prepared to make his move to free safety permanent. Vincent is one of the smartest players in the league, so it was no surprised how quickly he adjusted to a new position. With his range, instincts and ball skills, he and physical enforcer Lawyer Milloy should have be one of the NFL's finest safety tandems. . .

Knox's donation to alma mater adds to fine legacy

Chuck Knox got his first job after his father was laid off from a steel mill in Pennsylvania.

Knox was 16 years old, but he lied and said he was 18 in order to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He made 83¹/2 cents an hour using a torch to tear apart old rail cars into scrap metal.

Fifty-six years later, the former Buffalo Bills head coach donated $1 million to his alma mater, Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa.

February 06, 2005

Patriots Reign, 24-21

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Linebacker joins elite company

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- New England's Mike Vrabel has become one of the most prolific receivers in Super Bowl history. Not bad for a Linebacker.

Pats still Super

Behind a rock-solid defensive effort and a steady offensive attack, the Patriots clipped the Eagles to win their third Super Bowl in four years. Let the dynasty talk begin.

GOLDBERG ON FOOTBALL: Pats Won on Run

New England's third Super Bowl victory in four years came down to the most basic of football rules: The Patriots could run the ball and made sure the Eagles couldn't.

Bills Coach Mike Mularkey Breaks down the big game

Philadelphia beats New England if ... the Eagles don't try and play above their heads. I know some people say experience doesn't matter, but I think it does. If Philly plays the way it has been playing and doesn't try to do any more because of the ma