Inside The Bills

Stevie judges Tim Hortons Donut Duel

Today, Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop hosted a Donut Duel at their Southwestern Stadium location in Orchard Park. Bakers from five local stores competed with their own creations to win over the judges, one of which was Bills WR Stevie Johnson. Johnson had the opportunity to taste and score all of the donuts.

Stevie Johnson Donut Duel Q&A:

Q: Have you ever judged a “donut duel” before?

A: I’ve never judged a donut duel, but now I want to judge more. I had about 12 free donuts…ha it’s like the best day of my life right now.

Q: What’s your favorite item at Tim Hortons?

A: I like the strawberry banana smoothie or the chicken wraps.

Q: Do you ever get asked for autographs when you go through the drive-through?

A: I’ve done autographs, pictures. Sometimes I get, “can you wait right here so I can get my friend they won’t believe it!” It’s a cool group when I come to Tim Hortons.

Q: Which was your favorite donut?

A: The “Apple Crumble” was my favorite. It had a refreshing taste. It wasn’t overdone.

Q: Second favorite?

A: The strawberry sundae reminded me of ice cream. I enjoyed that.

Q: Third favorite?

A: The crumble crunch supreme. I liked the cream on the inside, the chocolate on top of the peanuts. I liked the taste.

Q: Which donut had the most unique name?

A: I like “Luna Paw” because the proceeds go to Luna the polar bear at the Buffalo Zoo.

Q: Any last words about the duel?

A: It was great. Free donuts, it’s amazing!

The Tim Hortons “Donut Duel” series will be continuing until August, when the Buffalo Zoo hosts the final duel. The winning donut will be sold in Tim Hortons Café and Bake Shop locations for a week, with proceeds helping to keep Luna the polar bear at the Buffalo Zoo.

Hackett: Stevie’s presence helps

Stevie Johnson finally returned to the practice field Tuesday even though it was somewhat random and last minute, but his presence on the field goes a lot further than him being a spectator on the sidelines.

That according to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who has a very young receiving corps in need of some veteran leadership.

“I think the good thing is Stevie has done a great job being out there and supporting everybody,” said Hackett. ”He’s obviously had to have some growing pains in the new system so he’s been able to get a lot of mental reps. I think being out there helping those guys has been critical for all of them. His presence has been out there the whole time it’s just nice to see him in a helmet from our standpoint.”

Hackett also pointed to Brad Smith as a veteran wideout that helps with the younger receivers.

Pettine: Alonso not locked in with starters

As we reported in our practice notes on Monday, second-round pick Kiko Alonso, was getting first team reps on the defensive side of the ball. While defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has liked what he’s seen from Alonso to this point, by no means is the rookie locked in with the first unit.

“It’s a credit to his preparation. He came in and did a good job in the rookie camp,” said Pettine. ”Now, we’re still in the process of rolling guys through, we’ve been alternating.  This is his week to get with the ones so it’s still a work in progress. There’s been no commitment made there. But he’s done a nice job. He stepped in that huddle and he’s not out of place.”

Alonso has primarily lined up as a ’mike’ linebacker on defense this spring.

Stevie back practicing

Bills top WR Stevie Johnson has been held out of spring practices due to a strained back, but he was back in the practice setting Tuesday.

Johnson participated in individual position drills, but did not do any team work.

When asked if he’ll do more in the practices to come, Johnson said they will play it by ear.

Marrone an outdoor practice coach

Practicing outdoors this time of the year is no big deal in Buffalo as the Bills have been outside for most of the past week or so. Come the fall and early winter months during the regular season head coach Doug Marrone intends to practice outside as often as he can.

“My philosophy is going to be to try to get outside as much as possible, whether it’s hot, cold or windy,” said Marrone. ”As much as I have that ability I’d like to be outside.”

Marrone likely understands his team has to make playing in the elements that exist in Buffalo come November and December an advantage. A team does that by practicing in that weather during the week.

Manuel encouraged by rookie QB success in ’12

EJ Manuel was in attendance at the NFL Rookie Symposium in Los Angeles last week and said he had a good time. He also had some comments on why he feels he can be successful early in his playing career at the NFL level.

Manuel, who is acquaintances with Miami QB Ryan Tannehill, Seattle QB Russell Wilson and Indianapolis QB Andrew Luck, admits that their success as rookie signal callers in the NFL has him encouraged about what he might be capable of early in his career with the Bills.

“Seeing Colin Kaepernick, RG III, Russell Wilson, who is a good friend of mine, Ryan Tannehill, who is also a good friend and seeing those guys go out and have great seasons as a rookie, Andrew Luck as well, who is a good friend, he came out of high school with me at the same time. Knowing those guys can go out and do it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward,” said Manuel.

BDC 5/21: Woods Signs Rookie Contract

DAILY REPORT
–The Buffalo Bills announced yesterday the signing of Robert Woods - the first of the team’s two second-round draft selections (41^st overall). Woods started each of his 38 games played at Southern California en route to setting a Trojans record of 252 catches for 2,930 receiving yards – the sixth-most receiving yards in school in school history – and 32 touchdowns. He eclipsed 100 yards receiving in 10 games during his collegiate career. Woods is the seventh of the Bills’ eight draft picks to sign with the team.

–The Bills will hold two Organized Team Activities this week at One Bills Drive.

–Fifty Yard Finish: On Saturday, June 29, participants can take part in a half marathon, 5k or kids 1-mile run that will begin at Ralph Wilson Stadium, continue through the village and town of Orchard Park and finish at the 50 yard line on the field. Follow along with buffalobills.com journalist Hannah Buehler as she trains with Bills Strength and Conditioning Coach Dan Liburd for the race. Details can be found here: Fifty Yard Finish Details

TODAY’S INTERVIEWS
7:00 AM – WR T.J. Graham – Janet & Nick in the Morning (Kiss 98.5 – Buffalo) Listen Here

7:30 AM – CB Stephon Gilmore – The Howard Simon Show (WGR 550 – Buffalo)

1:30 PM – WR T.J. Graham – The Rich Gaenzler Show (Sports Radio 1270 The Fan – Buffalo) 

QUOTES OF THE DAY
ROBERT WOODS, Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver on signing his rookie contract and his style of play:
“First of all I want to say thank you to the organization, but my job is to play football. I hired a good agent. I know he’s going to do his part. My job is to play football, get this behind me and the focus is on the field now. I wouldn’t say I have a distinct style. I can be a possession receiver because I can catch the quick passes and pick up the first down, but I can also make a guy miss and go the distance. So I would say I’m probably more of a complete receiver because I can do it all. I can play inside or outside.” via BuffaloBills.com (5/20) 

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Buffalo Bills second-round draft selection (41^st overall) WR Robert Woods signs his rookie contract following yesterday’s OTA session at One Bills Drive. Click here for a photo gallery of Woods from USC to Buffalo

DAILY LINKS
Buffalo News-Woods, Manuel make connection 

Associated Press-Bills sign 2nd-round draft pick WR Robert Woods

BuffaloBills.com-OTA Practice Notes – Day 4

BuffaloBills.com-Robert Woods signs rookie contract

BuffaloBills.com-Free agent RB Montell Owens visits Bills

BuffaloBills.com-LB Alonso already making a move

Audio/Video/Photo Clip
BuffaloBills.com
Bills Roundup: Woods Signs, Monday Highlights
Bills Focus: Robert Woods Signs
Mario Williams Press Conference
Doug Marrone Press Conference
EJ Manuel on Getting Back to OTA’s
The John Murphy Show May 20
Ian Rapoport’s Thoughts on Mario Williams
Robert Woods Is Learning From Stevie Johnson

 WGR 550
Bills and WR Woods agree to rookie deal 

WIVB
Bills sign 2nd round pick Woods
Montell Owens visits Bills

 WKBW
Bills Sign WR Woods

 WGRZ
Bills Sign Robert Woods

 Additional Clips
Inside The Bills
Bills on the radio, Marrone: Seamless transition with Whaley, Owens update, Marrone on Owens visit, Bills hosting FA RB Owens, Bills not practicing, USC products back at practice, Manuel feels quick on uptake, Win a scholarship to the Jim Kelly Football Camp

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Analyst takes contrarian view, bullish on Bills receiving corps
Woods deal leaves Bills with just one unsigned draft pick
Former Jags RB Montell Owens at Bills practice this morning

 ESPN AFC East Blog
Bills announce Robert Woods signing

 The Sports Network
Bills ink 2nd-round pick Woods

 Around the League (NFL.com)
Robert Woods, Buffalo Bills strike four-year contract

 Pro Football Talk
Bills, Montell Owens visiting

 Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo Bills courting Montell Owens, two-time Pro Bowl specialist

 AFC East Daily
Owens visit could shake up Bills’ special teams

 Yahoo! Sports
Doug Whaley Must Learn from Buddy Nix’s Mistakes as Buffalo Bills General Manager

Bills on the radio

Here’s an update on where you can find the latest scheduled interviews for a Bills players on the local radio airwaves.

Bills top cornerback Stephon Gilmore will be appearing on the Howard Simon show Tuesday morning at 7:30.

Bills receiver T.J. Graham will be on The Fan 1270 AM Tuesday at 1:30 pm

Marrone: Seamless transition with Whaley

Knowing the general manager and head coach of NFL teams typically talk every day there’s a transition that will have to be made by head coach Doug Marrone. He’ll now be talking to new GM Doug Whaley every day about the roster, progress in practice and what additions might be necessary between now and training camp. Marrone, who has already begun the daily conversation with Whaley, is expecting a seamless transition from Buddy Nix to Whaley.

“I think it would be very simple for me,” said Marrone. ”When I was brought into the process, Doug (Whaley) was part of the process of my interviews. Doug was part of the process with the draft and everything that we’ve done. He’s been there step for step with myself and Buddy (Nix) and Russ (Brandon) at the time. So it’s really been a fine transition.

“I’ve talked to him every day over this past weekend. He’s headed down to BLESTO meetings and we’ll talk every day after the practices and we’ll ship him the tapes and I’ll give him my opinion on how we did for the day and we’ll discuss. There hasn’t been any issue and I think it’s because it’s internal. Had it been someone from the outside you’d have to work through some things that might be tougher. But Doug has been there from day one, the first time I’ve ever been introduced to the Bills organization. He’s been there every step.”

Owens update

It looks like the free agent visit by RB and special teams ace Montell Owens to One Bills Drive Monday will be nothing more than that at this point.

Though the Bills remain an option for Owens, the free agent left One Bills Drive this afternoon as he intends to explore other potential opportunities in the league. The 29-year old was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars just last Thursday.

He is a former two-time Pro Bowl special teamer.

Marrone on Owens visit

Bills head coach Doug Marrone, who informed his team that free agent RB Montell Owens was making a visit to One Bills Drive today also commented on what they see in Owens that could be of value to the team.

“You can add depth at the running back position and really be a core special teams player for you. I announced it to the team. They knew this coming in. I’m big on communicating and I try to give them the business of the day and he’s here on a visit,” said Marrone. ”I have not had the chance to sit down and speak with him yet and I’ll do that this afternoon to see where the situation is.”

Bills hosting FA RB Owens

The Bills are hosting FA RB and special teams ace Montell Owens. Full story on Buffalobills.com.

Bills not practicing

Here’s the rundown of Bills that aren’t participating at voluntary OTAs.

Some players are rehabbing offseason surgeries or injuries. Others are not in attendance.

Stevie Johnson
Brandon Kaufman
Jordan Dangerfield
Keith Williams
Marcus Easley
Scott Chandler
Alan Branch
Manny Lawson
Kyle Williams
Marcell Dareus

USC products back at practice

The Bills got some of their rookies back on the practice field with their college classes finally graduating this past week.

USC products Robert Woods and undrafted CB Nickell Robey were both back practicing after missing last week’s OTAs.

Cal’s Aaron Tipoti was also back at practice after missing last week.

Manuel feels quick on uptake

There’s no one that doubts EJ Manuel’s physical abilities on a football field. The big question being a rookie is how quick he’ll be in absorbing and then executing Buffalo’s offense. To this point Manuel feels his learning curve will be a short one.

Appearing on Sirius XM NFL radio over the weekend, Manuel believes the Bills offense will be easier to learn than the offense he executed in college.

“It’s easier to learn than the offense I learned at Florida State,” said Manuel. ”To be honest it’s a true West Coast type progression offense and that’s really what I wanted coming through the pre-draft process where I could just go in and go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and just check it down or run. It’s that simple and I love it. I’ve done great and the learning curve for me is a lot shorter simply because of what I had at Florida State, which is a little harder to catch on and learn.

“But this offense is very simple, and having Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin doesn’t hurt either. And Stevie Johnson when he’s healthy and C.J. Spiller, we’re going to have some fire power on the offense.”

Win a scholarship to the Jim Kelly Football Camp

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is providing 10 lucky Bills fans with a full scholarship to the Jim Kelly Football Camp at Ralph Wilson Stadium June 23-June 27!

Click here to enter your child or loved one. Children ages 8-18 are eligible.

BDC 5/20: Bills Open Week Two of OTAs Today

DAILY REPORT
–The Buffalo Bills announced on Saturday that the team’s Kickoff Weekend home opener on Sunday, September 8^th against the New England Patriots sold out during the day’s season ticket holder individual-game early access period.

–The Bills will hold three of their 10 voluntary Organized Team Activities this week at One Bills Drive.

–Fifty Yard Finish: On Saturday, June 29, participants can take part in a half marathon, 5k or kids 1-mile run that will begin at Ralph Wilson Stadium, continue through the village and town of Orchard Park and finish at the 50 yard line on the field. Follow along with buffalobills.com journalist Hannah Buehler as she trains with Bills Strength and Conditioning Coach Dan Liburd for the race. Details can be found here: Fifty Yard Finish Details

QUOTES OF THE DAY
JERRY HUGHES, Buffalo Bills Linebacker on why he is a good fit for the team’s defense and his transition to Buffalo:
“Just by the way I play football. I’m fast on the field, I’m relentless, I’m always going after the ball-carrier. I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team. Everyone here’s been great, from the fans down to the coaching staff to the guys in the locker room and the front office. Everybody comes in every day with a smile on their face. I’ve been up here sometimes at 7 a.m. and everyone’s treated me well. It’s been nothing but love.” via BuffaloBills.com (5/20) 

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Buffalo Bills staff and members of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy took part in a full-staff volunteer day at Delaware Park on Friday to help restore a section of the park near the corner of Forest Avenue and Rumsey Road. Bills staff members left their Orchard Park offices to assist in the effort by planting trees, laying gravel, repainting a park shelter, safety surfacing the area and making various other improvements to the setting. The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy continually aims to improve the community’s parks system and relies on the support of events like Friday’s. Click here for a photo gallery from Friday’s volunteer day

DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Quarterback gurus in vogue

Buffalo News-A crack in the old-boys network

Buffalo News-For success, Whaley needs to step it up

ESPN-EJ Manuel loves Bills’ offense

Chattanooga Times Free Press-Nix picks right time to cut back

BuffaloBills.com-Jerry Hughes eager to make impact

BuffaloBills.com-Bills-Patriots home opener sold out

BuffaloBills.com-Bills staff members re-grow Western New York

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

WGR 550
What Should Bills GM Doug Whaley Do Next? 

YNN
Bills to implement new defensive scheme in second week of OTA practices
Bills prepare for second week of spring OTA

 KRIV
Mario Williams is now licensed peace officer in Texas

BuffaloBills.com
Volunteer like a Bill
Marcus Dowtin Says Bills Versatility Suits Him
The John Murphy Show May 17

Around the League (NFL.com)
New Bills GM Doug Whaley integral in EJ Manuel pick

WGR 550
I think the Bills may have gotten this right
5/17 Russ Brandon talks Doug Whaley
Joe Buscaglia Wouldn’t Sign Mario if he could go back

Sportsnet
Whaley focused on playoffs

Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
Bills season opener sold out, Spiller hosts annual football camp, Fan Friday 5-17

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
One must hope Doug Whaley’s era with Bills exceeds his mentor’s
C.J. Spiller says he still anchors Bills’ 4×100 relay team
Doug Whaley won’t middle Buffalo’s big wager on EJ Manuel

 The Sports Xchange
Manuel: Bills’ offense simpler than FSU’s

 ESPN AFC East Blog
Poll: Buffalo Bills’ rookie impact
Bills’ rookies can turn around misfortune

 Pro Football Talk
Manuel says Buffalo’s offense is easier than Florida State’s
Bills’ Mt. Rushmore could get crowded
C.J. Spiller not ready to concede spot on Bills track team

Buffalo Rumblings
Bills vs. Patriots NFL Week 1 game is sold out already
As a “bridge” GM, Buffalo Bills’ Buddy Nix was exemplary
Gil Brandt: Bills’ Nathaniel Hackett is “future head coaching candidate”
Sam Young, Chris Scott contenders in Bills left guard competition
Buffalo Bills mailbag: Crezdon Butler, Keith Pough are sleepers
Buffalo Bills’ Nathaniel Hackett, EJ Manuel working on footwork, accuracy

Bills season opener sold out

The Bills first home game for the 2013 regular season is sold out.

That according to Bills President and CEO Russ Brandon, who tweeted that the game was sold out today.

Ralph Wilson Stadium will be electric on Sept. 8. #Bills #Patriots sold out!—
Russ Brandon (@RussBrandon) May 18, 2013

Spiller hosts annual football camp

This weekend, Bills running back C.J. Spiller will be hosting his 2^nd annual C.J. Spiller Life Skills Football Camp at Clemson University.

The camp is for 5-8 grade students focusing not only on football fundamentals but off the field facts as well.

“I always wanted to give back to the communities where I grew up,” said Spiller. “I want the students to learn about nutrition, how to handle themselves off the field, academics and respect.”

Spiller is excited to return to his alma mater, and expects a large turnout.

“It’s nice to go back to Clemson,” said Spiller. “I always receive a warm reception. Everyone always congratulates me on my career. It’s like a home away from home.”

Fan Friday 5-17

Time for the latest edition of your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net and on Twitter @ChrisBrownBills.

1 - Chris,

I don’t see how anybody can say that the Bills are good on the offensive line. The loss of Levitre left a gaping hole there. RT is a question mark, since Pears was injured all last year, and Eric Wood seems like he might be injury prone.

CB: I think your concerns about left guard are legitimate, but beyond that Buffalo has capable players for the starting roles and depth behind them. At tackle you have Cordy Glenn on the left and Chris Hairston on the right. Erik Pears is still limited, but when healthy more than capable himself on the right side.

Kraig Urbik is your right guard with Wood in the pivot. Depth-wise you have Zebrie Sanders as a tackle guard option once healthy. Beyond that it is a green group in terms of playing experience, but that’s the case for most of the league.

2 – Chris,

With the new high tempo offense, can we expect Doug Marrone to try to take a lead by choosing to receive this year?

Please say it is so,

Len in NYC

CB: I’ll have to ask him about that to be sure, but most NFL head coaches have found that the research shows if you choose to defer you typically wind up with the last possession of the first half. Obviously by deferring you also get the first possession of the second half. Those back-to-back possessions are seen as valuable in the eyes of many coaches. However, if your defense is substandard it might be wiser to choose to receive first if you win the toss. I’ll see if we can get an answer on coach Marrone’s philosophy on that.

3 – Hi Chris:
Now that the draft is over and we still need some positional fills, who do you  think the Bills will go after in FA to fill those voids (like OL, LB, CB)?

Thanks for delivering!
Mike from Orlando

CB: I think cornerback could prove to be the most pressing need. Buffalo has some interesting young talent at corner among the undrafteds, but there’s already a good deal of youth at the position. I wouldn’t be surprised if they added a veteran to that group at some point.

4 – Dear Chris,

My questions are about Brad Smith, I have heard he has looked good this spring as a WR. Is this his only role now or could he still be a wildcat/#3 game day QB? Will coach Marrone even employ the wildcat? If not could Smith be on the trade block at some point this off season?

Either way I wish him the best the coming season. He’s a real asset as a triple threat and that seems to be something this new staff seems to value.

I hope to hear from you soon on this as I’m sure I’m not the only fan to be wondering about Brads future here. As always GO BILLS!!!
Thanks,

Scott Kane,
Seneca,Pa.

CB: Yes, Brad Smith is strictly a receiver and a return man at this point. Based on coach Marrone’s comment on the Wildcat after the draft, I highly doubt we’ll see it as any respectable part of Buffalo’s offense.

Smith to his credit has performed well in OTA practices. He and T.J. Graham have probably benefited the most from the absence of Stevie Johnson on the practice field.

As for the trade block, I think we’re a bit ahead of the game at this point. There’s a lot of evaluation that needs to be done by this coaching staff.

5 – Hi Chris,

Firstly, thank you for your coverage. As a Bills fan since 1986 living on the other side of the world, I am more than appreciative of all informed coverage.

Two quick questions: have the Bills had talks with Brandon Moore. if not, why not?

Secondly, it is all but impossible to follow college football from here. However, I have watched Keith Pough’s highlights. Admittedly, highlights can be very misleading, but he looked terrific. Why was he not drafted? What chance does he have of making the team?

Thanks,
Jeff Wallace,
Sydney, Australia

CB: Thanks for the kind words. To my knowledge the Bills have not talked to Brandon Moore. Obviously, Bills head coach Doug Marrone knows him extremely well. He was the Jets assistant offensive line coach, who turned him from a defensive lineman to a very successful guard on the offensive side. So there’s a relationship there. At age 33, he’s probably not what the Bills are looking for knowing they want to build this roster from the ground up with players that will be here for the long haul.

However, if they do not like what they feel they are getting from the guard spot you can’t rule out the Bills making a phone call to the veteran.

As for Keith Pough, he’s a bit undersized and did not perform well at the Combine, especially when it came to his 40 time (4.87). He also played at a lower level of college competition at Howard. That doesn’t mean he can’t make an NFL roster, but it discourages NFL clubs from taking a chance on him with a draft choice. Signing him as an undrafted offers less risk. I do know that the Bills are high on him among their undrafted group.