Inside The Bills

Bills Daily Charge – July 21

DAILY LINKS

BuffaloBills.com – Chris Brown on the headaches the d-line’s front three – Williams, Edwards and Dareus – can cause for opposing teams

Buffalo News – Mark Gaughan looks at the impact a new labor deal will have on a signing frenzy and the team’s free agents

USA Today – Jarrett Bell ranks the NFL’s best defensive tackles; Kyle Williams tabbed eighth

 CNN – Marcell Dareus talks to CNN about taking care of his godfather’s lawn during the lockout

Audio/Video/Photo Clips

USA Today Photo Gallery  - Top 10 Defensive Tackles; Kyle Williams eighth

WIVB – Bills players await end of lockout; Fitzpatrick and receivers throwing in OP

103.3 The Edge – Bull catches up with Kyle Williams on Wednesday, July 20^th; talks about working out at LSU, contact with Bills teammates, offseason workouts, value of minicamp and OTAs, his new son

103.3 The Edge – Bull catches up with Arthur Moats on Monday, July 18th;  offseason activities included getting married and graduating from school

103.3 The Edge – Ruben Brown hits the road on his motorcycle run;  talks to Shredd and Ragan on Tuesday, July 19^th

WGR550 – Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick Talks Spiller, Stevie and Lockout on WGR  

ProFootballTalk – Luke Russert on the worst five moments in Bills history since ’87

AP – Photo of George Wilson leaving the NFLPA meeting yesterday

Additional Clips

Inside the Bills Blog – Gabriel sees Shep as a starter, Marcell on CNN, Only one end zone to go

ESPN.com  - John Clayton reports the Bills are $35 million under the cap (not including restricted free agents);  4^th highest total in the NFL

FOX Sports – Brian Billick lists Paul Posluszny as the 4^th best free agent LB

Buffalo News BillBoard – Russert nails ‘worsts’

Buffalo News BillBoard – Mark Gaughan compares the price of our A-Turf with the price of the turf at the Metrodome

National Football Post – Dan Pompei cites Andra Davis as a current player who may make a good coach after his playing career is done – ala Mike Vrabel

National Football Post – Greg Gabriel believes Kelvin Sheppard will be a mid-round pick who will be an impact player in 2011

NOTES AND NUMBERS
New Turf Fact of the Day

A-Turf is a locally based (Cheektowaga , NY) national synthetic turf field builder with more than 250 full-sized athletic fields installed across the United States – including more than two dozen fields right here in Western New York.

THIS DAY IN BILLS HISTORY
July 21, 2000 — TRAINING CAMP OPENS AT ST JOHN FISHER COLLEGE
The Bills opened their first training camp at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, NY after 19 years at Fredonia (NY) State.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Finishing touches being applied to the new A-Turf at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Pictured above is a full view of the field with the new blue end zones, stripes at both 20-yard lines and the charging Buffalo at midfield. Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

Kyle ranks 8th

USA Today put together their list of top 10 NFL defensive tackles and Buffalo’s Kyle Williams made the list.

Williams ranked eighth in their top 10. Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata was number one, which might be a bit painful to some Bills fans knowing he went 12th overall in the 2006 NFL draft and the Bills had the 8th pick that year. Anyway here’s the top 10 list.

1. Haloti Ngata – Baltimore
2. Ndamukong Suh – Detroit
3. Vince Wilfork – New England
4. Darnell Dockett – Arizona
5. B.J. Raji – Green Bay
6. Jay Ratliff – Dallas
7. Kevin Williams – Minnesota
8. Kyle Williams – Buffalo
9. Casey Hampton – Pittsburgh
10. Richard Seymour – Oakland

Gabriel sees Shep as a starter

Former NFL personnel man and WNY native Greg Gabriel now writes for the National Football Post. In assessing some mid-to-late round picks that he believes can make an early impact he was drawn to one particular draft choice of the Bills.

Gabriel, who had a 29-year career in scouting believes Bills third-round pick Kelvin Sheppard could be starting for Buffalo sooner rather than later. Here’s what he wrote about Sheppard, who was only one of five players he chose.

Kelvin Sheppard – Linebacker – Buffalo
Buffalo tried to make the transition to a 3-4 defense last year but didn’t have the players to do it at some positions. Sheppard, the Bills third-round pick, is an ideal fit to play inside linebacker in a 3-4. He has size, strength, speed and instincts. He does a good job taking on blocks and holding the point of attack. He should start fairly early for the Bills.

Marcell on CNN

Bills top pick Marcell Dareus was on CNN this morning as they took a closer look at what he’s been up to with football out of the mix to this point.

As most Bills fans know he’s been keeping his godfather’s lawn neatly manicured. Dareus sounds anxious to get back to football and get up here to Buffalo. Here’s a look.

Only one end zone to go

The Bills new turf is almost complete. Just one more end zone to letter and some other detailing and it’ll be good to go. I’ve gotten many requests from fans via email for a closer shot of the end zone lettering. Here’s one courtesy of the Bills media relations department.

Bills Daily Charge – July 20

DAILY REPORT
The Buffalo Bills announced yesterday that the Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation (BBYF) has awarded over $200,000 in grants to 58 local charitable organizations.

The BBYF was established in 1986 and since then has awarded over three million dollars to local charitable organizations to support the Western New York Community.

The 2011 grants awarded by the Bills will go to 58 area charitable organizations.  Grant recipients received a letter from the Bills informing them of their awards last week.

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com – Bills Youth Foundation tops $3 million dollar mark in grants

BuffaloBills.com – Chris Brown: Will Jackson finally carry the load from the start?

Buffalo News – Demetrius Bell is hosting a football and cheer camp on Saturday in Tonawanda

Buffalo Business First – Bills Foundation awards $200K in grants  

Audio/Video Clips
BuffaloBills.com – Top 10 Performances: Fred Jackson vs. Detroit  

Additional Clips
Inside the Bills Blog – Roster numbers by position, Top 10 series features Fred

NOTES AND NUMBERS
New Turf Fact of the Day
The Bills new playing surface has a total of 6 pounds of infill per sq. ft.   (516,000 pounds total)

• 3 pounds of rubber / sq. ft
• 3 pounds of sand / sq. ft.

 QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The Buffalo Bills are proud to support the youth in the Western New York community and assist in providing them with opportunities to become better educated and more physically fit through our Youth Foundation’s grant program,” said Ralph Wilson, Jr., Bills chairman and president, “We look forward to continuing our Bills Youth Foundation grant program and supporting area charitable organizations that do such great work in our community.”

PHOTOS OF THE DAY

It looks like the new playing surface just needs some finishing touches and the tunnel endzone lettering and it’s COMPLETE!  

MORE DETAILED PHOTOS!!

Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

Roster numbers by position

We thought it would be a good time to assess where the Bills current roster numbers are at by position to see where additions might be made come training camp time.

Below is a breakdown of the number of players at each position right now, along with a listing of how many players were brought into camp at that position in 2010.

We chose to include the team’s nine draft choices even though they are not signed at this point. We also counted Scott Chandler and Garrison Sanborn. That would make the current roster total 65.

The Bills would need to add 15 players to get to last year’s roster limit of 80. As you’ll see below the positions that need the most additions based on last year’s camp totals are inside linebacker and cornerback.

QB (2)
Brown
Fitzpatrick
2010 camp (4)

RB (5)
Caulcrick
Jackson
McIntyre
Spiller
White
2010 camp (7)

WR (9)
Easley
Evans
Hubbard
Huggins
Johnson
Jones
D. Nelson
Parrish
Roosevelt
2010 camp (10)

TE (4)
Caussin
Chandler
Martin
S. Nelson
2010 camp (5)

OL (13)
Bell
C. Brown
Hairston
Hangartner
Howard
Levitre
Pears
Rinehart
Urbik
Wang
Watkins
Wood
Wrotto
2010 Camp (15)

DL (8)
Carrington
Dareus
Edwards
Heard
Jasper
Johnson
Troup
Williams
2010 Camp (9)

ILB (4)
Davis
Sheppard
Torbor
White
2010 Camp (7)

OLB (7)
Batten
Coleman
Kelsay
Kirlew
Maybin
Merriman
Moats
2010 Camp (7)

CB (5)
Corner
McGee
McKelvin
Rogers
Williams
2010 Camp (9)

S (5)
Byrd
Corto
Scott
Searcy
Wilson
2010 Camp (6)

Specialists (3)
Lindell
Moorman
Sanborn
2010 Camp (3)

Top 10 series features Fred

Our Top 10 Performances of 2010 has reached part 9 with the featured player none other than Fred Jackson.

We highlight Jackson’s 133-yard rushing day against the Detroit Lions in Week 10, with Bills offensive coordinator/running backs coach Curtis Modkins providing the pro coaching expertise on some of Jackson’s better plays on that day.

Bills Daily Charge – July 19

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com – Searcy to wade into pool of vets

Buffalo News – Bills line up under cap for 2011

Allentown Morning Call – Kelly tosses a big compliment his receiver’s way

ADDITIONAL CLIPS
Inside Bills Blog – Bills New End zone, players already eyeing opener

YNN – WR Hubbard eager for first camp with Bills

NOTES AND NUMBERS
New Turf Fact of the Day
The sand used by A-Turf also comes from only the top suppliers. The sand is round – so not to be abrasive to the athletes.  The shape of the sand also prevents compacting and hardening – keeping the system at its top performance level.

THIS DAY IN BILLS HISTORY
July 19, 1981 — BILLS OPEN FIRST TRAINING CAMP IN FREDONIA
The Buffalo Bills opened their first training camp at Fredonia State College in Fredonia, NY, where they trained through 1999.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

The first row of numbers are being installed on the Bills new playing surface. Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

Bills new end zone

One new end zone at Ralph Wilson Stadium is complete. Second one underway. Here’s a shot of the completed one.

Keep in mind, it was a cloudy here earlier in the day in Orchard Park so the hue of the blue end zone might not be wholly accurate in this photo. On a sunny day it’s likely to appear more royal blue than it does in this photo.

Bills Daily Charge – July 18

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com – A big jump for Troup and Carrington in Year 2?

Associated Press – AP Source: Bills on target to open camp in 2 weeks

ADDITIONAL CLIPS
Inside Bills Blog – Dareus Heading back to Buffalo
Inside Bills Blog – Keep an eye on Rogers 

Buffalo Rumblings- Bills Training Camp Battles: Geoff Hangartner v. Eric Wood

NOTES AND NUMBERS
New Turf Fact of the Day
A-Turf is very particular about the volume, cleanliness, size and shape of the rubber it uses. The Rubber infill for the Bills comes from one of the country’s largest recycler of scrap tires – Liberty Tire and Rubber – Lockport, New York facility.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

One endzone down, one to go… Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

Players already eyeing opener

Bills players aren’t back to work yet, but they’re already salivating at the chance to get a second crack at the Chiefs in the season opener on Sept. 11.

WR Donald Jones shared his thoughts on his twitter account as it is clear that last season’s overtime loss (13-10) still stings.

Dareus heading back to Buffalo

Bills top pick Marcell Dareus is making another trip up to the city he’ll be calling home for the foreseeable future.

Dareus mentioned his trip up to Buffalo on his twitter account today.

Keep an eye on Rogers

Bills seventh-round pick Justin Rogers could very well be the latest of late round picks to pan out for the Bills.

Granted he hasn’t set foot on an NFL practice field, but Buffalo’s defensive staff clearly has a strong faith in his skills and intelligence.

“I think this guy might be the… I don’t want to say surprise of the draft, but I do think this young man has the make up intelligent-wise and physical skills that could be very beneficial for us this season,” Bills secondary coach George Catavolos told Buffalobills.com.

Now a shortened offseason could compromise what Rogers is truly capable of as a rookie with lost practice time this past spring, but the defensive staff is apparently expecting some big things from Rogers sooner rather than later.

Bills Daily Charge – July 15

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com- Rookie CBs provide much needed depth

Allentown Morning Call- Former Bills star receiver Reed to sign autographs in Bethlehem

Video Links
BuffaloBills.com- Top 10 Performances: Kyle Williams vs. Pittsburgh

NOTES AND NUMBERS
New Turf Fact of the Day
The Titan, in combination with the existing e-layer, is expected to have a 12-year lifespan.  The A-Turf system is designed for exceptional drainage – more than 20 inches an hour – keeping the field in top playing condition regardless of weather.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Nearly all of the new playing surface is installed, logos and lettering to be added soon! Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

Bills Daily Charge – July 14

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com- Bills ILB corps has healthy mix

BuffaloBills.com- More to learn about Levi

Allentown Morning Call- Andre Reed ready for a Bills reunion at his celebrity tourney

Pro Football Focus – Ranks Andy Levitre as the Bills’ best blocker last year

ESPN.com (AFC East Blog) – AFC East’s biggest future stars

NOTES AND NUMBERS
New Turf Fact of the Day
A-Turf is being installed over the existing rubber and urethane e-layer, creating a field to deliver ideal shock absorption.  With a G-MAX of 115 to 120, the new field will be equivalent to that of the finest natural grass fields in the world.

THIS DAY IN BILLS HISTORY
July 14, 1988 – THURMAN THOMAS SIGNS
Second-round pick RB Thurman Thomas signed his first professional contract with the Bills.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Head Coach Chan Gailey and General Manager Buddy Nix take a look at the new playing surface being installed. Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

It’ll be about decision making

As we covered on the home page of Buffalobills.com today there is a lot more for the Bills coaching staff to learn about Levi Brown as he enters year 2 with the club. But quarterbacks coach George Cortez believes the tools and the potential are there for Brown to have a lengthy career in the league.

“We have confidence in Levi and he just has to show the mental aspects of the game, which I think he’s pretty good at in terms of transferring it over to the field because he has the physical tools,” said Cortez.

Chan Gailey has always said the two most important traits of a quarterback are accuracy and decision making. Brown’s decision making sounds like it will go a long way in convincing Buffalo’s offensive staff he’s a capable NFL signal caller.

Kyle Top 10 eye opening

For those fans that have actually asked me via email what kind of difference Kyle Williams really makes on the field for the Bills needs to watch our latest installment of Top 10 Performances of 2010.

A lot of times fans naturally just follow the ball when watching a football game. For those that fall into that trap here’s your chance to see just what Kyle Williams is doing to disrupt opposing offenses as we take a closer look at his huge game against the Steelers last season with some expert analysis from defensive line coach Giff Smith.

Bills Daily Charge – July 13

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com – Bills Focus: New Turf Installed  

BuffaloBills.com – New Turf Installation Photo Gallery

Buffalo News – A-Turf installation underway at Ralph Wilson Stadium; old playing surface to be donated to not-for-profit organizations

Buffalo News Video – New Rug at the Ralph  

AP – Ralph Wilson Stadium former turf to be donated

Buffalo Business First – County seeks takers for used stadium turf

WKBW-TV – Sports Blast: Bills Field & Merriman Sighting

WIVB-TV – New turf installed at Ralph Wilson

WIVB-TV – John Murphy: Top ten plays on Old Turf

WGRZ-TV – Recipients Wanted for Donation of Old Bills Turf  

WBNG-TV – Bills Go Green

YNN-TV – New turf installed at Ralph Wilson Stadium

WNED – Bills’ Stadium Turf Made Available for Reuse

WBFO – Astro-turf headed to a new home

Audio/Video Clips
BuffaloBills.com – Top 10 Performances: C.J. Spiller vs. New England  

WGR550 – George Wilson joins WGR550 (Tuesday, July 12)

Krudmart TV (Buffalo) – Stevie Johnson checks in at the Buffalo clothing store and talks about playing in the city of Buffalo, his rap career and clothes

Scout.com – Marcell Dareus talks rookie symposium etc. with reporter Rachel Barbibeau

Additional Clips
Inside the Bills Blog – New turf has new elements, Dareus interviewed at home, Top 10 rolls on with C.J.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY
Jim Dobmeier, president of A-Turf, on the installation of his turf at Ralph Wilson Stadium —  “This is very exciting for me,” Dobmeier told members of the media yesterday. “My wife and I have been season ticket holders for 20 or so years, lifelong Bills fans, grew up in the Buffalo area, want to see the team succeed, and it’s great just to be part of the process.”

NOTES AND NUMBERS
New Turf Fact of the Day
The Bills new playing surface at Ralph Wilson Stadium is the top synthetic turf system available – A-Turf Titan 50.   A-Turf Titan is noted as the industry’s top performing system by providing the perfect balance of traction, foot release and unparalleled durability

PHOTOS OF THE DAY

Here is a look at a blueprint of the Bills new field for 2011.  Check back every day for updates on the installation progress.

THE FIRST TOUCHDOWN ON THE NEW PLAYING SURFACE???

The first touchdown pass on the Bills new playing surface, not surprisingly, was thrown this morning by Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.

A little more surprising was the recipient of Kelly’s touchdown strike, DJ Jickster from 97 Rock crossed the “goal line” into the (yet to be installed) endzone.

The history-making touchdown pass and catch was aired ‘LIVE’ on 97 Rock this morning.

New turf has new elements

The new turf going in at Ralph Wilson Stadium is going to have some new elements.

Bills CEO Russ Brandon mentioned some of them, which appeared on the Buffalo Bills twitter account.