February 28, 2006

2006 NFL Draft: Mock Draft Picks

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 29 & 30th. That doesn't mean it's too early to take a look at some projections for the Bills. Buffalobills.com has searched the internet and flipped through numerous draft publications to compile a list of mock draft picks for the Buffalo Bills.

Former Tech, NFL star eyes inn

The Virginia Tech Foundation could be teaming with a former Hokie football star to bring a multimillion-dollar, mixed-use development to Blacksburg. Bruce Smith Enterprise LLC will conduct a feasibility study on a proposed redevelopment of the former Red Lion Inn site at U.S. 460 and Prices Fork Road.

Moulds headed for exit

Wide receiver Eric Moulds is expected to be an ex-Buffalo Bill by the end of the week. The last link to the Marv Levy head coaching era, Moulds will likely be released after a last-ditch effort to resolve issues with his contract failed Monday.

Moulds turns down Bills request to slice his pay

The Buffalo Bills and representatives for star veteran wide Eric Moulds started talking Monday about what it would take to keep the club's second all-time receiver in the fold for 2006 and beyond. It was not a promising conversation. According to agent Harry Henderson and personal adviser Greg Johnson, the Bills asked Moulds to take a "substantial" cut in pay. That's not going to happen, Henderson and Johnson said.

Levy starting to put his touch on Bills

Two weeks ago, Buffalo Bills’ general manager Marv Levy told the team’s print media that the franchise’s salary cap was in good shape and that it would be active in free agency. And the first step occurred last week.

Bills Hope Draft Prospects Measure Up

No doubt about it, Mike Williams was a bust. We all agree on that now, four years later. Omygosh, how could everybody be so wrong about this guy? His measurements were most impressive; 6-6, 375 pounds. It’s those things that can’t be measured that are the problem.

February 27, 2006

Moulds rejects Bills offer

Buffalo Bills WR Eric Moulds has turned down the club's offer Monday to restructure his hefty contract, a decision that could force the team’s hand to release its veteran receiver by as early as this week.

Bills Keep the Corners Covered

Over the last two seasons, the Buffalo Bills have found consistency at the cornerback position. And, general manager Marv Levy plans to keep it that way.

February 26, 2006

Breaking News: Agreement on CBA on the Way?

An NFL source has told Scout.com that the 2006 salary cap will be announced on Monday, February 27. 2006's cap, according to this source, will be $95 million. This is on the high end of what was expected - most estimates were anywhere from $92 to $95 million.

No pay cut for Moulds, agent says

The chances of wide receiver Eric Moulds staying with the Buffalo Bills were already slim. Now his departure appears a virtual certainty. Moulds' agent, Harry Henderson, said his client has no intention of taking a pay cut to remain with the Bills.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

GM Marv Levy, coach Dick Jauron and his staff are focusing much of their attention on offensive and defensive linemen at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine which runs through Tuesday.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Dick Jauron continued his raid of the St. Louis Rams former coaching staff, hiring Matt Sheldon as linebackers coach. Sheldon reunites with Bill Kollar (defensive line) and Steve Fairchild (offensive coordinator) in Buffalo. Sheldon, who played at the University of Minnesota, served as special assistant for the Rams from 2001-05.

Bills report: Inside slant

After hiring a defensive-minded head coach in Dick Jauron, general manager Marv Levy is now trying to give Jauron the tools to do the job. Levy's first order of business was to slap the franchise tag on unrestricted free agent cornerback Nate Clements, one of Buffalo's best players who is just 26. NFL teams had until 4 p.m. Thursday to designate franchise and transition players.

Marv Levy - Thurman better than O.J. ?

O.J. in 1973 had the single greatest individual season in Bills history and one of the five-best in NFL history. In 14 games, he rushed for 2,003 yards and averaged 6.0 yards per carry. Thomas went to five Pro Bowls. He never led the NFL in rushing but he led in yards from scrimmage four straight seasons. The Bills were 124-68 and played 21 postseason games in his 12 years with the team.

NFL Combine Notes: Everybody shaking about CBA

Combine Notes: NFL may drop ball on crop of receivers

Combine notes: Some tight ends make waves as two-sport talents

February 25, 2006

The Latest on Eric Moulds

The Bills are still undecided on Eric Moulds. But his agent, Harry Henderson told WIVB Buffalo "If they pay him, there's a chance of staying. But if they don't want to pay him and want to reduce him, then I guess the odds are against him staying. I don't think a pay cut is in the question."

QB spot anyone's to win

The Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback job is up for grabs, and the competition may not be limited to J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb. General Manager Marv Levy suggested that a third candidate could be added to the mix. It won't be a high draft pick or a high-profile free agent like Drew Brees, but Levy is considering bringing in someone capable of competing with Losman and Holcomb for the starting job.

NFL Combine Notebook- Pro Football Weekly

Combine notebook: The great unknown?

NFL Combine notes: Vanderbilt QB could change the draft order

No NFL combine in the future for Reggie Bush

NFL Combine Notes: Labor deal elusive

QBs Leinert, Young match skills at combine

February 24, 2006

Bills Alum Hired as Head Coach

Earlier this month, former Bills linebacker John Holecek was hired as the head football coach at Loyola Academy in Chicago. Holecek will also serve as one of the school's assistant athletic directors. "John Holecek brings a great understanding of the intricacies of playing the game of football from his playing days at the University of Illinois and in the NFL," Loyola Athletic Director Patrick Mahoney said on the school's website.

Moulds to Philly?

Of course, Moulds would be more of a traditional No. 1, with a bigger price tag - he caught 81 passes last season for 816 yards, raising his 10-year totals to 675 catches for 9,096 yards. He is signed through 2007, but he has a $10.85-million cap figure this year and the Bills have made it plain he will need to restructure to stay in Buffalo.

Bust stops here: Bills cut Williams

Move over Walt Patulski and Tony Mandarich. You have a new member to the list of the biggest busts in NFL history. Mike Williams officially joined that infamous company following his release by the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Bills release former first-round pick Williams

Offensive lineman Mike Williams was released by the Bills on Thursday, ending an disappointing four-year tenure in Buffalo for the former No. 4 draft pick. The move allows the Bills to save more than $3 million in salary cap space for next season. Williams had two years left on his contract, was due a $3 million roster bonus in July and was scheduled to count about $10.8 million against the cap next season.

Bills release Williams; Ferguson as his replacement?

Thursday, new Buffalo Bills GM Marv Levy made his first major roster move by releasing offensive tackle Mike Williams. The fourth overall pick in 2002's NFL draft, Williams' era in Buffalo was riddled with injuries, portliness, and inconsistency. Williams was scheduled to make $10.8 million in 2005. Obviously, had the Bills wanted to retain Williams, restructuring his contract would have been a requirement. By releasing Williams, the Bills save $5.6 million on their 2006 salary cap.

February 23, 2006

Buffalo Bills Release OL Mike Williams

 The Bills Thursday announced that the team has released offensive lineman Mike Williams. “We are announcing today that we have released Mike Williams,” Bills general manager Marv Levy said. “We appreciate his efforts and wish him well in what lies ahead in his career."  Releasing Williams allows the Bills to save more than $3 million in salary cap space for next season. Williams had two years left on his contract, and was scheduled to count about $10.8 million against the cap next season. Williams was due a $3 million roster bonus in July

Bills slap franchise tag on Clements

Now that the Buffalo Bills have placed the franchise tag on cornerback Nate Clements, they face the difficult task of signing him to a long-term contract. The Bills have until March 17 to sign Clements to an extension and not lose their franchise designation for the life of the contract. If a deal isn't struck by then, negotiations will likely be put off until July 15, a scenario that also would allow the Bills to avoid losing their franchise designation for the contract's duration.

Bills put franchise tag on cornerback Clements

Marv Levy has said it more than once since taking over as general manager of the Buffalo Bills last month: Defense wins championships. Levy, putting owner Ralph Wilson's money where his mouth is, placed the franchise tag on young veteran cornerback Nate Clements on Wednesday, a day ahead of today's 4 p.m. deadline.

February 22, 2006

Allaire Ready to Trim the Fat

Running a strength and conditioning program is nothing new for Bills new strength and conditioning coordinator John Allaire. He was in charge of the University of Tulsa's program for almost six years. But the opportunity to run an NFL program is a dream come true.

Bills Stay Busy in the Community

The NFL season may be over, but many of the Bills have remained active in the community during the offseason. Bills kicker Rian Lindell participated in the 42nd Annual Charity Sports Banquet on Wednesday, February 8, 2006.

Strong Start for NFL Europe Pair

Buffalo's quarterback prospects, Craig Ochs and Tory Woodbury, turned in strong outings during the combined NFL Europe scrimmages held at Tampa Bay's Skyway Park on Tuesday.

Buffalo Bills Designate Clements as Franchise Player

The Bills Wednesday announced that the team has designated cornerback Nate Clements as its franchise player. “We are announcing today that we have placed the franchise tag on Nate Clements,” Bills general manager Marv Levy said. “We consider Nate a valuable member of our defense and believe he will play an important role in re-establishing our defense as one of the toughest units in the league. At the same time, we remain optimistic that we will be able to work out a long-term deal with Nate in the foreseeable future.”

Bills - (Moulds + Williams) = free agents

The Buffalo Bills are going to have money to spend on free agents this offseason, but they're eventually going to have to cut some salaries to get it. The two most obvious casualties are their two most expensive players - receiver Eric Moulds and tackle Mike Williams. Moulds has a cap figure of $10.85 million, and Williams' is $10.81 million. For financial reasons alone, it's hard to envision either of those players being back with the Bills this season unless they agreed to big pay cuts.

Bills name linebackers coach and another assistant

The Buffalo Bills hired Matt Sheldon as linebackers coach on Tuesday, completing the staff of head coach Dick Jauron. Sheldon spent the past five seasons as an assistant with the St. Louis Rams, focusing mostly on defense and special teams. The Bills also formally announced the hiring of DeMontie Cross as a defensive/special teams assistant. Cross, who had accepted the job last week, spent the past five years coaching outside linebackers at Iowa State.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

GM Marv Levy said fixing Buffalo's offensive line is a top priority. "The offensive line needs improving, it's obvious," Levy said. How does tackle/guard Mike Williams figure into the picture? That's up to him, Levy indicated.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Coach Dick Jauron said he hoped to have a starting quarterback picked between veteran Kelly Holcomb and third-year pro J.P. Losman before training camp opens in July. "I will say on the first day of camp, there's a first team penciled in there but if somebody beats you out, they're going to get the job," Jauron said.

Bills report: Inside slant

New general manager Marv Levy and coach Dick Jauron have a long ways to go before they get a firm handle on the roster they inherited from Tom Donahoe and Mike Mularkey. Unfortunately for the Bills' new brain trust, time isn't on their side in all instances.

February 21, 2006

Bills add Sheldon as LB coach

Sheldon brings seven seasons of NFL experience to the Buffalo Bills, five as a coach. Most recently, Sheldon held the title of special assistant for the St. Louis Rams and was with the Rams from 2001-2005. Sheldon’s duties with the Rams were varied – he assists defense,special teams, as well as special projects. While working with the special teams unit, he worked with and under current Buffalo Bills special teams / assistant head coach Bobby April.

Bills Hire Cross as Defensive/Special Teams Assistant

The Bills Tuesday announced that the team has signed DeMontie Cross as defensive/special teams assistant.

Bills Sign Sheldon to Coach Linebackers

The Bills Tuesday announced that the team has signed Matt Sheldon to become the team’s linebackers coach.

Combine is Update Time for Scouts

The Bills like other NFL teams have sent their scouting department, coaching staff and medical staff to the league's annual college player Combine in Indianapolis (Feb. 22-28). About 350 of the top college players will be put under the microscope for the better part of a week and the collective eyes of Buffalo's scouts, coaches and physicians will be hard at work.

February 20, 2006

Bills once again boast the top special teams unit

According the to the Dallas Morning News, the Buffalo Bills are once again tops in the league in terms of special teams. The local Dallas newspaper, which puts out a special teams ranking point system which is highly regarded around the league, put the Bills' special teams unit well ahead of its closest competitors for the second straight year. With 217 total points, they were nearly 50 points ahead of 2nd place New York Giants.

February 19, 2006

Bills To Franchise Clements

According to the Sunday edition of the NY Post, the Buffalo Bills are definately going to place the franchise tag on cornerback Nate Clements. By doing so the former first round pick will not be able to test the free-agent market.

Bills nearly pull off the Special Teams Grand Slam

The good news about the Buffalo Bills' special teams is they have kept one of the top position coaches in the NFL in place by retaining Bobby April. And most of the key members of their special teams unit should be back, including Pro Bowl punter Brian Moorman.

Five shopping months left for Bills

The Buffalo Bills are hoping they can make a relatively quick turnaround from their 5-11 season. In introducing Marv Levy as the team's new general manager, Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. said, "As far as I'm concerned I have to hark back to what was said by George Allen, who Marv worked with at the Redskins: "As far as we're concerned, the future is now for the Buffalo Bills.' "

Knee jerk is not the way to judge coach

Which brings us to Dick Jauron, the Bills' new coach. He hasn't yet coached a down here and is still only a third of the way through getting acquainted with his new players, but the letter writers and radio show callers are already unhappy with him. They wanted a bigger name with a glossier resume.

February 18, 2006

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

GM Marv Levy said fixing Buffalo's offensive line is a top priority. "The offensive line needs improving, it's obvious," Levy said. How does tackle/guard Mike Williams figure into the picture? That's up to him, Levy indicated.

Bills report: Inside slant

New general manager Marv Levy and coach Dick Jauron have a long ways to go before they get a firm handle on the roster they inherited from Tom Donahoe and Mike Mularkey. Unfortunately for the Bills' new brain trust, time isn't on their side in all instances.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Coach Dick Jauron said he hoped to have a starting quarterback picked between veteran Kelly Holcomb and third-year pro J.P. Losman before training camp opens in July. "I will say on the first day of camp, there's a first team penciled in there but if somebody beats you out, they're going to get the job," Jauron said.

February 17, 2006

Q&A - Offensive Line Coach Jim McNally

Buffalo's offensive line coach, Jim McNally, has been busy evaluating free agent linemen around the League and working with new offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild and the rest of the offensive staff to develop the playbook terminology. One of the most highly regarded position coaches in the NFL, McNally took time out of his busy schedule to share some of his thoughts on Buffalo's personnel and what plans the Bills have in regards to the offensive line.

February 16, 2006

ISU Assistant Football Coach Headed for NFL

Iowa State outside linebacker coach DeMontie Cross is the fifth member of head coach Dan McCarney's staff to head directly to the National Football League since 1997. Cross, who just finished his fifth season at Iowa State is leaving to become a defensive and special teams assistant coach with the NFL's Buffalo Bills. Cross becomes one of seven former McCarney assistants currently on an NFL coaching staff.

Hearing Set for Thomas

A Buffalo Bills player wanted by Chatham County investigators for failing to pay thousands of dollars in child support for his three-year-old son is closer to resolving his situation.

Can old pro Levy bring the Bills back to the future?

What have they got to lose? That’s as good an explanation as any for why 87-year-old Ralph Wilson decided to go with a youth movement and hire 80-year-young Marv Levy as the Bills’ vice president of football operations 24 hours after he tied the can to the far too imperial and far too unsuccessful Tom Donahoe a week after a sixth straight season ended without the Bills reaching the playoffs.

Jauron has no worry about special teams

There is at least one special thing about the Buffalo Bills. Special teams. If special-teams play really is one-third of the secret to success for a winning NFL team, new coach Dick Jauron should only be 67 percent worried.

Cowboys should pursue Moulds

With all of this speculation circulating about the Dallas Cowboys being a possible suitor for Terrell Owens, one has to wonder, aren't there other proven receivers that "America's Team" can go after? The answer to that is definitely yes. One of them happens to have a connection to Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe

New Buffalo Bill Says He's No Longer A Wanted Man

Jason Thomas says he's no longer a wanted man. Last month, the Bills signed Thomas as free agent offensive lineman. Thomas is a Savannah, Georgia native who's played for the Baltimore Ravens and in NFL Europe.

February 15, 2006

Q&A - Offensive Coordinator Steve Fairchild

Q: How does it feel to come back to Buffalo? Is there a sense in your mind that there's unfinished business here for you?

Steve Fairchild: "It feels good just because I know a lot of the people and what good people there are in this building and what a good organization it is. I also have a real good feeling about the talent level and maybe the kind of team we'll have next year."

Jauron wisely opts for a quarterback competition

Tuesday, Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron indicated that he intends to have an offseason quarterback competition between youngster J.P. Losman and ten-year NFL veteran Kelly Holcomb. Both quarterbacks started eight games last season, with Losman posting a 1-7 record, and Holcomb posting a much more respectable 4-4 mark.

Clements lucky to get franchise tag

Clements would be fortunate to be paid as a top five corner, if even for one year. The fact is, he wasn't that good last season. He had a mediocre year for a bad defense that couldn't stop opponents in the red zone. He got torched by Chris Chambers in Miami, and by numerous receivers in San Diego. Teams were much more willing to throw his way, and Clements wasn't a difference-maker, especially in road games.

Hope goes on

Tuesday marked the ninth annual observance of "Hunter's Day of Hope for Children" by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill. The first such event since the death of its namesake carried on with the message "Love Endures."

NFL hopes to run delay on 'season'

The NFL free agent market is scheduled to open March 3, but it could be pushed back until April 1 if there is enough progress made in the next couple of weeks in negotiations for an extension of the collective bargaining agreement.

USC's Seto spurns Bills offer

Trojan assistant coach Rocky Seto, who was recently moved from working with the linebackers to defensive backs, has said that he will remain at USC instead of taking a job with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.

February 14, 2006

Jauron takes a look at the Bills’ future

It’s been a dizzying month for newly-hired Buffalo Bills’ coach Dick Jauron as he begins work with the team’s new general manager, Marv Levy, puts together a staff and assesses the roster. But Monday afternoon at the team’s administration building, he took some time to meet with the print media to talk about issues that face the team.

Jauron wants QB battle

Quarterback J.P. Losman won't be handed the Buffalo Bills starting job for next season. This time, he's going to have to earn it. Newly hired coach Dick Jauron said he'll open the job to a competition between Losman and veteran backup Kelly Holcomb this spring with the hope of having a starter "penciled in" by the start of training camp.

Clements may get franchise tag

The Buffalo Bills will be active in pursuing free agents this offseason, beginning with one of their own. General Manager Marv Levy said keeping cornerback Nate Clements is a high priority, and the Bills are prepared to use the franchise tag on him to make sure that happens.

Clements, Moulds in Bills' plans

New Buffalo Bills general manager Marv Levy and coach Dick Jauron are far from finished analyzing the roster they inherited during last month's demolition of the front office and coaching staff. But one thing the two men already agree on is doing all they can to keep unrestricted free agent cornerback Nate Clements and veteran wide receiver Eric Moulds.

Levy, Jauron Eye 2006 Bills Season

Bills training camp is still a few months away, but after spending some time doing lengthy one-on-one interviews with new Bills coach Dick Jauron and gm Marv Levy on Monday in the Bills Fieldhouse, there are some thoughts I’d like to share in this space. One bit of news coming out of the interviews is that Levy made it clear the Bills plan to retain cornerback Nate Clements, even if they have to slap a franchise tag on him. Levy says he’d rather not have to do it that way, but he and Jauron agree that Clements is a key part of the “d” for 2006.

February 13, 2006

Bills Hire Three More Coaches

New Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron added Turk Schonert, Charlie Coiner and Alex Van Pelt to his staff on Monday. Schonert will be the team's quarterbacks coach, Coiner the tight ends coach and Van Pelt joins the staff as the offensive quality control coach.

Bills Sign Van Pelt as Offensive Quality Control Coach

The Bills Monday announced that the team has signed Alex Van Pelt as its offensive quality control coach.

Bills Sign Schonert as Quarterbacks Coach

The Bills Monday announced that the team has signed Turk Schonert as quarterbacks coach. Schonert brings 10 years of NFL coaching experience to the Bills as he most recently held the same title with the New Orleans Saints in 2005.

Franchise Tag an Option for Clements

Marv Levy, General Manager/Football Operations, said Monday that the Buffalo Bills would like to retain free agent cornerback Nate Clements and that placing the franchise tag on the 2005 Pro Bowler would be a consideration.

As I See It: One Thing Good That's Happened:

One good result that I am seeing happening as a result of the blatantly one-sided officiating in the Super Bowl and the uproar that fans--not just of the Seahawks--have been in afterwards has been that it has forced the media to finally stop glossing over how bad the officiating was and to begin addressing the need for the NFL to improve it's officiating overall.

Initially, after the game, I kept hearing the same old thing from the media: "Yeah, the officials made a few mistakes, but the Seahawks didn't deserve to win because they didn't play well enough to overcome those mistakes. There are always going to be some bad calls, but the better teams find a way to win." Yadda-yadda-yadda


But with fans refusing to buy that same old BS answer, Mike Holmgren having the guts to stand up and say that he felt his team was forced to play against both the Steelers and the officials (knowing that he will be fined for doing so), and coaches like Bill Parcells saying, as he did on WFAN's "Mike and the Mad Dog", that he would definitely have been very upset by the holding call on Locklear "because it had an impact on the outcome of the game" on Monday, the song began to change in the media.


After hearing his pal Parcells, Mike Francesa, who had talked his partner Chris Russo into accepting the line that the Seahawks didn't deserve to win because they weren't able to overcome the penalties, suddenly was very silent and began to acknowledge that some of the calls in the game did change how the game was played afterwards, which could have changed the outcome.


By Tuesday morning many of the other media outlets were following Francesa in backing off the BS a little or even changing their stories altogether. Suddenly, there was a lot of talk about the 4 controversial calls (there were actually 6 if you count the holding calls on the punt returns that most in the media ignored) and how they could have changed the outcome. There was the outright admission that at least two of the calls--the holding call on Locklear and the illegal block call on Hasselbeck's tackle--were flat out bad calls that hurt Seattle. And, most importantly, there was the almost universal admission, even where there was a rejection of the notion that the officials may have influenced the outcome of the Super Bowl, that the officiating in the NFL was horrible this year, has been bad for some time, and needs to get a lot better. Play-it-safe NFL analysts like ESPN's Mark Schlereth and Sean Salisbury were making blanket statements that the NFL had to do something to address the bad officiating around the league.


This is good news for those of us who love the game of football and potentially great news for teams, like the Buffalo Bills, who for years have felt that they have been on the receiving end of bad calls by the referees far more too often.


The one thing that the NFL and its corporate sponsors cannot afford and fear is when "the natives are restless". It's bad for business and will ultimately reflect itself in the all-important "bottom line". For years they have relied on their partners in the media and the former players and coaches who shill for them and can't afford to lose their well-paying jobs to gloss these kinds of things over and provide sufficient rationalizations to keep the vast majority of their fan base quiet. But, this time the calls were so outrageous (if you can't go through a blocker below the waist to tackle a player with the ball, you may as well be playing touch football!) and it was so obvious that they had an impact on the course of the game and influenced its outcome that the outrage of fans who watched the game could not be assuaged by the usual explanations and the media has been forced to run for cover or lose all credibility with its audience. Rather than risk its own "bottom line", the media has now joined the chorus demanding better officiating.


Without the media to cover its back, the NFL--which is still in denial thus far--will ultimately be forced to at least address the issue of bad officiating. While the NFL will try to ignore the problem or deny that the referees made any mistakes, it cannot afford to ignore the issue or gloss over the complaints as insignificant or being just coming from a few partisan fans who are sore losers. Too many fans around the country saw what happened during the Super Bowl, know that it was wrong and realize that officiating like that could ruin their team's chances of winning too. The question is whether the NFL will try to get by with making a few cosmetic changes meant to pacify the passions of the moment, a common tactic in America today that has worked in far too many situations, or whether the NFL will attempt to seriously address a problem that has plagued the league for years.


While it is likely that the NFL will try to get by with the former solution rather than the latter, those who want to see the games played fairly can only hope that, seeing how angry its fans are, the NFL will have the courage and foresight to take a more complete and innovative approach to correcting the problem. If the NFL is interested in continuing and expanding its prosperity, it should recognize that, while there is always going to be human error involved, it must do everything in its power to eliminate not just most officiating mistakes, but the power of officiating to influence the outcome of a game--the rules must be applied consistently and fairly to both sides.


Allowing more calls to be challenged would be a start, but would not be enough. The same for having independent replay officials who do not have to be concerned that overturning a call in replay may upset a fellow official that they will have to work with in the future. Hiring year-round officials will be nothing more than a cosmetic change unless the league uses the additional time in the off-season to give its officials more training: classroom and simulated game situations in the period between the end of the season and the beginning of the NFLE season and additional experience in during the NFLE season and preseason should be part of the program.


Rather than seeing the uproar over the bad officiating in this year's Super Bowl as a marketing problem to be swiftly overcome with PR and a few cosmetic changes in the rules or the way it hires its referees, the NFL should view this as a chance to improve its product and renew its bond with its customers by insuring that they can have confidence in the outcome of its games--which is, after all, their product. They cannot do this if they assign the task to the same old faces who have refused to acknowledge that there really is a problem to begin with or who are afraid to "rock the boat" and prefer to use PR and cosmetics to address the issue. It would be in the best interests of the NFL and all of its teams to look to fresh minds who are capable of coming up with innovative ideas and aren't afraid to offer broader or more radical solutions to correct this problem. Working in conjunction with some of the experienced hands who see the need to make corrections, they may be able to put together a program that will insure vast improvements in officiating in the NFL that will benefit the league itself, its teams and the fans who have so much passion (and at times money) riding on the outcome of their games.


Admitting its mistakes and making a serious effort to correct the problem is the right thing for the NFL to do. Fans and everyone who loves the game of football can only hope that the NFL will choose to do the right thing rather than choose expediency in dealing with this issue.

Seto could be latest coach to leave

USC could lose its third assistant coach to the NFL because secondary coach Rocky Seto was offered a job with the Buffalo Bills. Seto has until Tuesday to accept the job from new Bills coach Dick Jauron. He might take it because USC coach Pete Carroll switched him from his natural position of linebackers to safeties last week during a reorganization of the defensive coaching staff.

Bills hire Coiner to coach Tight Ends

Sunday, the Buffalo Bills made clear that they will be hiring Chicago Bears assistant special teams coach Charlie Coiner as their tight ends coach. Coiner spent the last two seasons working with the Bears' special teams unit.

Moorman shines in Pro Bowl loss

Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman made the best of his first Pro Bowl appearance Sunday in Hawaii. Despite the AFC succumbing to the NFC 23-17, it wasn’t due to poor field position as a result of special teams.

February 12, 2006

Moorman Shows Skills in Hawaii

Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl punter Brian Moorman, making his first trip to Hawaii, nearly placed in the Open Field competition as part of the annual Pro Bowl Skills Challenge. Moorman took fourth in the obstacle course competition, taking a shortcut in the course that eliminated a heavy obstacle and resulted in a 5-second penalty.

Jauron expects no control problems with Levy in charge

Dick Jauron is feeling a lot more secure with his job and his boss in Buffalo than he did in Chicago. The proof is in his contract to be the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Jauron confirmed he has nothing in his contract about having control of the 53-man roster. He expects to have as much control of it as he wants, but he also expects to work closely with General Manager Marv Levy on all football decisions.

February 10, 2006

Evaluating the Bills' offensive personnel (Part II)

Quarterback- Ten-year veteran Kelly Holcomb started eight of the Bills' games last season and did a solid job. The former Cleveland Browns' backup compiled a record of 4-4, with a solid QB rating of 85.6 However, he does not possess the arm strength to go deep, or the legs to pose a threat as a runner. Verdict: The Bills' new offensive coordinator, Steve Fairchild, has an affinity for J.P. Losman and that will more than likely lead to Holcomb returning to his duties as the team's backup quarterback.

February 09, 2006

Evaluating the Bills' offensive personnel (Part I)

Quarterbacks- Youngster J.P. Losman spent the second half of the 2005 season as the backup behind veteran Kelly Holcomb. Unfortunately, during that period of time, Losman was unable to properly develop. The Bills would be in much better shape with Losman raring to go for 2006. Thanks to the buffoonery of ex-coach Mike Mularkey, the former first-round selection out of Tulane still has much to learn when it comes to on-field tactics. Verdict: Losman and Holcomb will certainly compete for the starting job, but Losman ought to be the one to nail it down. Frankly, Holcomb is nothing more than a solid backup. Despite popular opinion, Losman has the tools to become one of the league's best quarterbacks.

February 08, 2006

Evaluating the Bills' defensive personnel (Part II)

Defensive ends- Aaron Schobel emerged as one of the AFC's best pass-rushers in 2005, tallying 12 sacks. He was the only legitimate threat to pressure the quarterback on the Bills' roster, and he certainly earned the big money that he is currently being paid. In 2006, expect Schobel to get even better. Since he entered the league in 2001, Schobel has improved gradually each season. Verdict: Undoubtedly, Schobel should and will return as the Bills' starting right end in 2006.

Bills name four as vice presidents in front office

The Buffalo Bills announced the appointment of four vice presidents Tuesday in the restructuring of its business operations department. The restructuring includes a redefinition of job roles for several other staff members.

Bills promote four to VP status

The Buffalo Bills have announced the appointment of four vice presidents in the franchise's restructured business operations department.

February 07, 2006

Bills Announce Restructuring of Business Operations

The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has restructured its business operations department. The restructuring includes the appointment of four new Vice Presidents as well as a redefinition of job roles for several other staff members.

Road to Hall looks bumpy for Reed

As you might have surmised, I wasn't pleased with the Hall of Fame voters for snubbing Thurman Thomas on his first try. But at least Thomas is a near-lock to get in soon. That's more than you can say about his former Bills teammate Andre Reed. Based on the events of Super Bowl week, it looks as if Reed has a long, tough road ahead.

Evaluating the Bills' defensive personnel (Part I)

Defensive ends- Ryan Denney. In 2005 Denney was the only backup end that the Bills had on their defense. He's an adequate player who can fit in during certain situations. The former second-round draft choice has great height (6'7), but his slim figure hurts him because he can't bully his way past opposing linemen. Verdict: Denney will be retained in 2006 because he signed a contract extension prior to last season. He'll remain a solid backup for the Bills' defense.

February 06, 2006

Shoop on Jauron's radar for Bills job

DETROIT -- Former Bears offensive coordinator John Shoop, who has discussed the Oakland Raiders' head-coaching vacancy with owner Al Davis, is under consideration to return to the coordinator's role under Dick Jauron in Buffalo.

February 05, 2006

Thurman deserved football's top honor now, not later

Thurman wore his anger like an overcoat. He played his entire career with a chip on his shoulder pads. It was part of what made him great. But it's sad to think of him sitting in some hotel room Saturday afternoon, devastated by the news that he had been rejected by the Hall of Fame in his first opportunity.

Thurman must wait for Hall's call

Thurman Thomas got positive support from selectors Saturday but did not get enough votes to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Buffalo Bills' great running back was among the 15 finalists for induction and advanced to the final 10 candidates in the first round of voting during the selection meeting. However, when it came time to trim the list from 10 to six candidates, Thomas was eliminated.

'I wanted to be a coach'

The late afternoon sunlight has dissolved to the color of weak tea, pushing the shadows deeper into the living room, and Lou Saban is still going strong after three hours of talking about football. He sits on a couch in his Myrtle Beach home, soft jazz murmuring on the stereo and Lola, one of his two miniature poodles, perched on a cushion behind his left shoulder.

'What ifs' haunt Tasker, other Bills, fans

Eleven years later, Steve Tasker still occasionally loses sleep over the Buffalo Bills' four consecutive Super Bowl losses. "I must have replayed each of those games at least one hundred times in my mind," says the special-teams-star-turned-network-football-analyst. "I think about what I might have done differently on this play or that play that perhaps could have changed the outcome."

February 04, 2006

Thomas Not Part of 2006 HOF Class

Former Bills running back Thurman Thomas will have to wait another year to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Quarterback Troy Aikman, linebacker Harry Carson, head coach John Madden, quarterback Warren Moon, defensive end Reggie White, and tackle Rayfield Wright make up the the six-man class that was elected by the Hall of Fame’s 39-member Selection Committee.

CBA talks going in reverse

As the NFL celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Super Bowl, a dark cloud is hovering over the league that could affect how it does business in the future. Negotiations between the league and the NFL Players Association on extending the collective bargaining agreement have stalled to the point that neither side is optimistic of a breakthrough anytime soon.

Emmitt Smith endorses Thomas for Hall

The NFL's all-time leading running back has no doubts about Thurman Thomas' worthiness to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The retired Buffalo Bills running back received a strong endorsement from fellow great running back Emmitt Smith on Friday.

Bills again need linebackers coach

Add linebackers coach to the spots Dick Jauron must fill on his new Buffalo Bills staff of assistants. The Bills have allowed Johnnie Holland, hired last week to coach linebackers, to leave the team and take the same position with the Houston Texans.

February 03, 2006

Wilson Makes Contribution to Detroit YET Center

In conjunction with a major press conference yesterday, Mr. Wilson took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Detroit NFL Youth Education Town and the "Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Field" that will be built adjacent to it. Mr. Wilson donated $100,000 to support the construction of the athletic facility.

Thomas Was Truly an All-Purpose Back

The Buffalo Bills' fast-paced, no-huddle attack that led the team to an unprecedented run of four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s is perhaps best known for the aerial assault led by quarterback Jim Kelly. However, it was the versatility of running back Thurman Thomas that made it possible for Buffalo to develop one of the most potent offenses ever to play in the NFL.

Is Thurman Thomas a first ballot guy?

On Saturday, former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas will find out if he will be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Thomas is one of 15 finalists who are anticipating the announcement, which will be made at a press conference in Detroit at 2 PM EST.

Jauron to run 4-3 defense next season

Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron said Thursday he will run a 4-3 defense and employ a scheme in the mold of the successful defenses in Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and Chicago. Jauron has his coaching staff almost in place after a flurry of hirings the past week.

Reaction to Jauron offers insight into our community

In this community, the Bills function as painkillers. A successful football team helps us forget about all the real problems we face. With this in mind, you would think that the community would mobilize all its positive energy toward embracing and supporting the new regime. You, of course, would be wrong.

Cost to 'franchise' Clements drops by $2.91 million

It will not cost the Bills as much as expected to use a franchise tag on cornerback Nate Clements, if they choose to use it to retain his rights. The NFL Players Association on Thursday released the values for the franchise and transition tags for prospective free agents this offseason.

"Marvelous" Marv Anything But So Far

What we’ve seen, so far, of the Marv Levy administration in Orchard Park isn’t very encouraging. While it is easy to criticize the direction of Levy’s predecessor, Tom Donahoe, at least the ousted general manager had a direction. Finding Levy’s course is as difficult as locating those pesky Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq.

Thurman's motor drove Bills to top

From the time the Bills chose him with the 40th pick overall in the second round of the 1988 draft, until he signed a one-day contract in 2001 so that he could properly retire as a Bill after a brief dalliance with arch-rival Miami, Thomas was the ultimate team player.

February 02, 2006

Thomas awaits Hall vote

As a football player, former Bills running back Thurman Thomas was always in control. But now, with enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at his fingertips, all Thomas can do is watch helplessly as others decide his fate. Thomas, if elected to the hall, would become the sixth player in Bills history to be enshrined.

Levy inspires young pups of Steelers

Dick Hoak and Dick LeBeau heard the rumors before the regular season ended. The Buffalo Bills were going to fire their old boss, Tom Donahoe, and bring back Marv Levy to be general manager at 80. The Pittsburgh assistants were shocked and gratified at the same time. "Hey, we're just a couple of young guys," Hoak told LeBeau. "This means we'll stay around for a long time." No one knows how Levy will do as a GM. But for Hoak and LeBeau, he's an inspiration.

Parker's first steps to stardom happened in Buffalo

Who is Willie Parker? The Buffalo Bills were asking the same thing after Parker ran for 102 yards, including a 58-yard sprint to set up the game-winning field goal, in the 2004 finale against the Steelers. That coming-out party provided the impetus for a breakout second season for Parker, who ran for 1,202 yards. "That Buffalo game was a turning point for me," Parker said Wednesday. "It let me know that I could play in the NFL."

ESPN special goes beyond 'Wide Right'

It is three days until Super Bowl Sunday, so you know what time it is. It is time to watch, over and over again, Scott Norwood's 47-yard kick sail wide right in the Bills 20-19 Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. It has been an annual event for 15 years. There can't possibly be anything more to say about the Norwood miss, can there? Well, yes, there can. At 9 p.m. today, ESPN Classic carries a convincing, fast-paced, half-hour documentary special, "Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame Scott Norwood for the Bills Losing Super Bowl XXV."

A Super visit from an NFL alum

Mark Campbell has a very unique perspective on the game of football. He starred at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, went on to win a national championship at the University of Michigan, and has played seven years in the National Football League. Campbell, a member of the Bishop Foley Class of 1994, stopped by his old school Tuesday morning. His visit included a talk with coach Paul Stanton's football team.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

Coach Dick Jauron jumped head first into the process of assembling his staff, plucking Steve Fairchild as his offensive coordinator and Bill Kollar as his defensive line coach off Mike Martz's old staff with the St. Louis Rams. Fairchild began his NFL coach career with the Bills in 2001 as Gregg Williams' running backs coach, and helped develop Travis Henry into a Pro Bowl runner.

Bills report: Inside slant

The Bills went for experience when selecting a head coach. But veteran Dick Jauron's choices for offensive and defensive coordinator are virtual newcomers to play-calling roles in the NFL. After tabbing Steve Fairchild, who had only 11 games of play-calling experience as the St. Louis Rams' offensive coordinator the past three seasons, to lead his offense, Jauron hired Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Perry Fewell as his defensive chief.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Coach Dick Jauron's staff is about complete. He retained six of Mike Mularkey's aides while making six new hires overall. Kept on board were offensive line coach Jim McNally, running backs coach Eric Studesville, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, special teams coach Bobby April, defensive assistant Chuck Lester and conditioning assistant John Allaire. Hired along with coordinators Steve Fairchild (offense) and Perry Fewell (defense) were Bill Kollar (defensive line), Johnny Holland (linebackers), George Catavolos (defensive backs), and Larry Zierlein (assistant offensive line). --Three assistants were given promotions.

Bills Add Fewell to the Fire as Bills Organizational Facelift Nears Completion

The Bills poured the last dose of fuel on what has quickly become a blaze of apathy amongst fans. That fuel came in the form of Perry Fewell, the Chicago Bears defensive backs coach this past season. The hiring rounds out the main structure of the new look Bills.

February 01, 2006

Jauron plucks coach from Bears' staff

The Bears couldn't avoid losing an assistant defensive coach after all. The Buffalo Bills wanted to talk to Bears linebackers coach Bob Babich last weekend about their defensive coordinator position, so the Bears blocked the move by promoting Babich to assistant head coach in charge of linebackers.

Player profile: Former Bills cornerback and Murfreesboro native Robert James

Who: The former Buffalo Bills cornerback, a Pro Bowl selection from 1972-74, is a Murfreesboro native who attended Fisk. He's currently an assistant principal at Riverdale High School

Bills' Jauron finishes assembling defensive staff

Tuesday, Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron completed his defensive staff by hiring a defensive coordinator, linebackers coach, and defensive backs coach. The news of the hiring's was scattered throughout the day, with all three names being surprises. For the most important coaching position on the defense, the coordinator spot, Jauron hired former Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Perry Fewell.

Let's be upfront about offensive line

You see, after all these years, I'm convinced that offensive line play is the most important thing in the sport. It's hard to recall a Super Bowl champion - or even a loser - that didn't have a superior offensive line. The O-line was the foundation of the Bills' Super Bowl teams. So it's no accident that the combatants in Super Bowl XL are teams that excel on the offensive line, teams with fearsome running games. Seattle was third in the NFL in rushing, Pittsburgh fifth.

Bills hire a pair of assistants

Perry Fewell, the Buffalo Bills' new defensive coordinator, gained some seasoned assistance Tuesday with the addition of two NFL coaching veterans. The Bills announced the hiring of George Catavolos as defensive backs coach and Johnny Holland as linebackers coach. Both worked under Dick Jauron last season when the new Bills head coach was defensive coordinator and interim head coach with the Detroit Lions.

Fewell hired by Bills as defensive coordinator

Perry Fewell has left the Bears after one season as defensive backs coach to become the defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. Fewell, 43, joins the staff of new head coach Dick Jauron, who held the same job with the Bears from 1999-2003. Fewell coached the secondary in Jacksonville in 1998 when Jauron was the Jaguars' defensive coordinator.

Three Defensive Hires

Buffalo made three coaching hires on the defensive side, including the coordinator. He is Perry Fewell. The former defensive backs coach with the Chicago Bears is a seven year NFL coaching veteran. This is his first shot as a coordinator.

Back, to "The Future"

The "new" philosophy of the Bills as bespoken and laid out by Ralph Wilson and Marv Levy is that "the future is now" translating to "everything will be done to win in the current season." Obviously new head coach Dick Jauron was brought in after getting on board with such a philosophy and quite possibly why Mike Sherman, clearly a much better option, may have been cast aside.

Bills Hire Fairchild as Party Line Once Again Trumps Reality

The latest hiring of Steve Fairchild is once again fraught with risk in keeping with this offseason’s general theme. Wilson taking a role, Levy returning, Jauron coming on board, and now Fairchild as the OC all have significant elements of risk associated with them.