Inside The Bills

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.

BDC 5/17: Bills Employees Volunteer

DAILY REPORT
–Buffalo Bills employees will volunteer at Delaware Park for a full staff park cleanup today. The day of service will focus on refurbishing an area of Delaware Park as part of an ongoing commitment to improving the city of Buffalo. With the help of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, volunteers plan on spending the day planting trees, laying gravel, painting a park shelter, safety surfacing the area and refurbishing a youth sports field.

–Bills RB C.J. Spiller will host his 2013 Football and Life Skills camp today and tomorrow at Clemson University. The C.J. Spiller Football and Life Skills camp strives to develop athletes that are mentally, physically, spiritually and socially grounded. Campers will receive one-on-one and group instruction from former and current superstars. Areas of instruction include football skills, fitness & conditioning, health & nutrition, academic achievement and life lessons.

–The Buffalo Bills announced the promotion of Doug Whaley to General Manager yesterday. In addition, the team hired Jim Monos as Director of Player Personnel and Kelvin Fisher as Director of College Scouting. The team also promoted C.J. Leak to College Area Scout and Pete Harris to BLESTO Scout. Chuck Cook will now serve as a National Scout and Doug Majeski will add National Cross Checker to his Coordinator of College Scouting title.

–Buffalo Bills season ticket holders have early access to purchase additional individual game tickets. Details for season ticket holders can be found here.

–The Bills will hold three of their 10 voluntary Organized Team Activities next 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

7:30 AM – Russ Brandon – The Howard Simon Show (WGR 550 – Buffalo)

7:40 AM – Doug Whaley – Brady and Lang (Sportsnet 590 The Fan – Toronto)

8:00 AM – Doug Whaley – Janet & Nick in the Morning (Kiss 98.5 – Buffalo)

8:00 AM – WR T.J. Graham – WingingIt (CW23 – Buffalo)

8:40 AM – Doug Whaley – The Break Room (96.5 WCMF – Rochester)

QUOTES OF THE DAY

Russ Brandon, Bills President and CEO, on what makes Doug Whaley right for the GM role:
“He deserves this opportunity. I have watched him work very closely for the last three and a half years. I have known Doug for pretty much my entire career through the fraternity of the NFL… Doug has every quality you look for in a leader. He has great work ethic, he is tireless at work, he is one of the most humble guys I have ever met and everything is about us. It is about us. He has been in the trenches. He has been scouting his entire career on the pro and the college side. I have never heard an individual in this league say one negative word about Doug Whaley. He is the perfect guy to lead this organization and lead our football operation. I do not know of a guy that is more deserving of this opportunity than Doug Whaley.” 

Doug Whaley, Buffalo Bills General Manager, on changing a franchise that has not been to the playoffs in 13 years:
“It’s an organizational focus and our main goal is to give the fans of the Buffalo Bills a team that consistently competes for championships.”

Whaley on if he thought he would ever become an NFL GM and why he’s stayed in Buffalo:
“You always hope. But I knew that if I worked hard and did the best I could eventually you pray that something like this would happen to you. But in this business there’s nothing given to you and there’s no 100-percent guarantee. I stayed here for many reasons, but I committed myself to Russ and Buddy when they hired me. I like to see things through and I’m a competitor.”

Whaley on why he is the right man for the job and what fans can expect from him:
“It is not about me. It is about us and it is about this organization. From Russ instilling in the organization that this is a shared common goal to put this organization back where it is supposed to be, us competing consistently for championships—I buy into it and that is my philosophy. That is why I think we will all work well together.”

 PHOTO OF THE DAY

Bills General Manager Doug Whaley (center) stands with team President and CEO Russ Brandon (left) and Head Coach Doug Marrone (right) outside the team’s facility following yesterday’s press conference.

DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Commencement day at One Bills Drive

Buffalo News-Whaley brings new perspective to reconstruction

Buffalo News-Whaley adds talent evaluators in Monos, Fisher

Rochester D&C-Buffalo Bills name Doug Whaley general manager

Associated Press-Bills promote Whaley to take over as GM

Toronto Sun-New GM Doug Whaley ‘won’t limit’ himself in upgrading Bills

USA Today-Bell: New Bills GM Doug Whaley left Wall Street for NFL

Bloomberg-Wall Street Internships Offer NFL Players Option When Game Ends

NFL.com-EJ Manuel, Geno Smith among criticized rookies primed to shine

BuffaloBills.com-Whaley preaching hard work, accountability

BuffaloBills.com-Doug Whaley named Bills general manager

BuffaloBills.com-What they’re saying about Doug Whaley

BuffaloBills.com-Bills add pair to personnel department

BuffaloBills.com-Doug Whaley: ”Consistently compete for championships. That’s our goal.”

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
Bills Focus: Doug Whaley on Becoming GM
Doug Whaley Introduced as Bills GM
50 Yard Finish: Creating Resistance
The John Murphy Show May 16
Steve Tasker: Bills Front Office Has Experience
Ruben Brown Says Whaley Was Always a Leader
Doug Whaley Wants to Make the Bills Contenders

WGR 550
Bills announce Doug Whaley as GM
Buying Time

NFL.com
Doug Whaley named Bills general manager
Doug Whaley’s vision for Buffalo Bills’ future

WIVB
Bills promote Whaley to General Manager

WKBW
Bills Announce Personnel Hirings and Changes
What League Colleagues Are Saying About New GM Doug Whaley
Doug Whaley Officially Announced as New Bills GM

WGRZ
Bills Promote Whaley to General Manager

WHAM
Whaley Named Bills General Manager

WROC
Whaley Promoted To Bills GM

YNN
Whaley takes over as Bills’ GM

Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
Whaley on EJ’s chances to start, Whaley has “an aggressive eye”, Whaley was “oustanding player” according to Ruben, Getting to know Doug Whaley, Bills have youngest front office trio, Whaley on how he’ll handle Byrd situation

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Video: Gleason, Gaughan on Whaley’s appointment as GM
A look back at Bills GM history
Jairus Byrd’s contract an immediate issue for Doug Whaley
On first day, Doug Whaley makes changes to football operations
Bill Cowher: Doug Whaley ‘can equal challenge, then surpass it’
Doug Whaley to be introduced as Bills GM this morning

Around the League (NFL.com)
Doug Whaley named general manager of Buffalo Bills
Top 5 defensive tackle tandems in the NFL

The Sports Network
Bills elevate Whaley to GM position

The Sports Xchange
For Bills, Whaley was obvious GM-in-waiting

ESPN AFC East Blog
Whaley wants Bills to be ‘Beasts of the East’
Bills officially promote Doug Whaley as GM

Pro Football Talk
With Whaley, Bills now have youngest front office in NFL
New Bills G.M. Doug Whaley: Don’t accept losing

Kryk Slants
New Bills GM Whaley won’t ‘limit himself’ in upgrading club’s roster talent

Buffalo Rumblings
Doug Whaley named Buffalo Bills’ new General Manager
Buffalo Bills’ off-season includes front office overhaul, new stadium lease

SportsNOLA.com
Saints scout Jim Monos headed to Buffalo

RealGM.com
Doug Whaley Named Bills’ GM, First Minority Hire Of Offseason

Shutdown Corner (Yahoo! Sports)
Doug Whaley named general manager of the Buffalo Bills

ESPN Insider
New GM, new deal for Jairus?

Whaley on EJ’s chances to start

Bills GM Doug Whaley was asked a lot of things as he assumed the post of general manager, but in an appearance on NFL Network’s Total Access he was asked about the chances of EJ Manuel being ready to start Week 1 of the regular season.

Whaley didn’t rule out the possibility of Manuel being a Week 1 starter as a rookie.

“Time will tell,” said Whaley. ”He does have the work ethic and the leadership qualities that he’ll have a chance. But we believe competition brings out the best in everybody. Between him, Kevin Kolb, Tarvaris Jackson, even Jeff Tuel, we’re excited to see who comes out on top of that position battle.”

Buffalo’s season opener is a home game against New England.

Whaley has “an aggressive eye”

According to one of his college football teammates, the new General Manager of the Buffalo Bills is smart and aggressive.

And former Bills Guard Ruben Brown says those qualities will serve Doug Whaley and the Bills very well.

Brown was a guest on The John Murphy Show Thursday night. He and Whaley were teammates on the University of Pittsburgh football team twenty years ago: Brown as an offensive lineman, and Whaley as a hybrid linebacker\safety.

Ruben Brown told host John Murphy that Whaley was a well educated Pittsburgh native who had great rapport with his Pitt Panthers teammates.

“He could deal with a lot of different backgrounds and upbringings and cultures,” Brown said. “It was a big melting pot of different people from all across the country coming to Pittsburgh. Doug was a bright guy that everyone could talk to, you could discuss all types of issues with him. And he respected his knowledge and how well he understood the game of football.”

Brown says Doug Whaley will bring a fresh approach to the Bills personnel department ,and an aggressive demeanor.

“Going forward, there’s going to be a real aggressive eye on the talent that’s in the building or coming into the building,” Brown said. “That’s going to take a lot of different forms. It’s going to be like a John Butler type thing, someone who could walk in the locker room, put his hand on a guy, look in his face, and see whether he’s invested the right amount of money in him.”

The entire interview with former Bills All Pro Guard Ruben Brown is available here

Whaley was “oustanding player” according to Ruben

The Bills new General Manager never played professionally, but he was a standout high school and college football player in Pittsburgh. That’s what former Bills Pro Bowl Guard Ruben Brown says.

Appearing on The John Murphy Show Thursday night, Brown says he first met Whaley wnen they both played in an All American High School football game more than twenty years ago. They went on to become teammates on the Pitt Panthers football team. Brown was an offensive lineman, Whaley played linebacker and safety. And Ruben Brown says Whaley could play.

“Outstanding player,” Brown said on the radio show. “People might be surprised to know that. He was a blue-chip All American who played on a very successful high school team in Pennsylvania, Upper St Clair. It’s the end-all be-all as far as academics and sports in Western Pennsylvania. He was a star there and he led them to a championship.”

Brown says at Pitt, Doug Whaley played a hybrid linebacker-safety role on defense. And he says Whaley was a playmaker.

“He was Brian Urlacher before there was a Brian Urlacher. Not with the size and the speed, but he played that type of position. The game was evolving and you needed a linebacker\safety guy who could cover. Those guys were starting to show up more. Doug was very versatile for us.”

Brown told host John Murphy that he knew twenty years ago at Pitt that Whaley was smart and had leadership potential.

“I just knew from Day One that Doug was a very smart guy, very bright,” he said. “He had the type of education that every young man wishes they had experienced in school. We were, I would say, followers of his, because he was a leader on and off the field.”

The entire interview with Ruben Brown is available here

Getting to know Doug Whaley

We asked new Buffalo Bills General Manager Doug Whaley some “Off the Field” questions. Here’s what he had to say!

Bills have youngest front office trio

With Doug Whaley named Bills GM on Thursday, the Bills now have the youngest front office trio in the NFL.

That according to the Bills research department. Whaley (40), President and CEO Russ Brandon (45) and head coach Doug Marrone (48) have an average age of just over 44 years of age. It’s the youngest average age for NFL front offices.

“I stood here on January first and made some promises to our fans and quite frankly to people in our organization,” said Brandon. ”One of the things that I mentioned was we were going to do whatever it takes to restore the pride in the franchise moving forward. We talked about being progressive and forward thinking and attacking in everything that we do. We also talked about identifying top talent and empowering those people with making impact decisions. We did that today, by naming Doug Whaley the general manager of the Buffalo Bills.”

Some of the other younger NFL front offices in terms of average age were Cleveland, Detroit, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, San Francisco and San Diego.

Whaley on how he’ll handle Byrd situation

One of new GM Doug Whaley’s bigger short term decisions will be coming to a resolution with franchise player Jairus Byrd. Here’s how he addressed the Jairus Byrd situation when asked about it by Buffalobills.com Thursday.

“First of all we’ve got to recognize that Jairus is a good player, and we’re in the business of accumulating good players,” Whaley said. “We as an organization are going to continue to negotiate with Jairus, but one thing we’ll stick with is not negotiating in the public.”

Whaley clearly understands that Byrd is a player they’d like to keep for the long term, but this is a situation that may not have an easy answer. No one knows what direction negotiations will take, but it will certainly be one of the bigger decisions Whaley will have to make early in his tenure as Bills GM.

BDC 5/16: Whaley named Bills GM

DAILY REPORT
–The Buffalo Bills announced the promotion of Doug Whaley to General Manager this morning. Whaley becomes the team’s 12^th General Manager in franchise history. He is entering his fourth season with the franchise and 17^th in the NFL. He joined the Bills in 2010 as Assistant General Manager/Director of Pro Personnel before being elevated to Assistant General Manager/Director of Player Personnel in May of 2011.

–The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of one of the team’s second-round draft selections (46^th overall) LB Kiko Alonso yesterday. Alonso becomes the sixth of the team’s right 2013 draft choices to sign with the team.

–Buffalo Bills season ticket holders have early access to purchase additional individual game tickets. Details for season ticket holders can be found here.

–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 ABOUT DOUG WHALEY
RUSS BRANDON, Bills President and CEO
“It is with great pleasure to name Doug Whaley to the position of General Manager today. Doug has been involved in every level of player personnel throughout his career and he will lead our efforts in reestablishing a winning tradition for this organization and our great fans. Doug is a passionate and committed leader who will work tirelessly with his department to build a team our fans and all of Western New York will be proud of heading into the future.”

BILL COWHER, CBS Sports NFL Analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach (1996-06)
“Doug Whaley to me has “paid his dues.” He has done his job professionally and with high-quality. I know from working with him in Pittsburgh he is a guy who put due diligence towards every opportunity and task he was given. He has a wealth of knowledge, a good feel for people and a good eye for talent.”

KEVIN COLBERT, Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager
“Doug will be a great general manager for the Buffalo Bills. In our time together in Pittsburgh he displayed great knowledge, work ethic, loyalty and the ability to work with others in the pursuit of a common goal.”

 PHOTO OF THE DAY

Newly named Bills General Manager Doug Whaley (left) observes yesterday’s OTA session on the grass field at One Bills Drive with Head Coach Doug Marrone.

DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Bills hope Hughes can fill a void

Associated Press-Bills sign 2nd-round draft pick, LB Alonso

BuffaloBills.com-A History of Bills General Managers

BuffaloBills.com-LB Kiko Alonso signs rookie deal with Bills

BuffaloBills.com-OTA Practice Notes – Day 3

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
Bills Roundup: Wednesday’s OTA News and Notes
Stevie Johnson on Young Receivers
The John Murphy Show May 15
Tarvaris Jackson Says He Felt Like a Jill 

WGR 550
Bills Spiller excited about up tempo offense
Wood and Bills have mutual interest in new deal
Bills sign LB Alonso to rookie deal

NFL.com
Buffalo Bills QB competition

 WIVB
Bills sign 2nd round pick Alonso
Williams ranks as top earning athlete

 WKBW
Bills sign Kiko Alonso to rookie deal

 WGRZ
Bills sign 2nd-round draft pick, LB Alonso 

WHAM
Bills sign 2nd-round draft pick, LB Alonso

YNN
Bills put first week of OTA’s in the books

 Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
Anderson glad to be back practicing, Kick return candidates, Strained back keeping Stevie on the shelf, Chandler verifies Manuel’s arm

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Kiko Alonso becomes sixth draft pick to sign with Bills
Mario Williams ranks 18th on SI’s highest-paid-athletes list
Stevie Johnson eager to start building chemistry with his QBs
Bills give their 3-4 front reps
Poll: Who is the most indispensiBill?

 ESPN AFC East Blog
Bills sign second-round pick Kiko Alonso

 The Sports Network
Bills sign second-round pick Alonso

 The Sports Xchange
Bills sign second-round pick

 Pro Football Talk
Stevie Johnson sidelined by back injury
Bills sign second-round pick Kiko Alonso

 Buffalo Rumblings
Kiko Alonso signs rookie contract with Buffalo Bills
NFL rule means several Buffalo Bills rookies miss OTAs

AFC East Daily
Stevie has taken notice of Bills’ speedy additions

Van Pelt remembers Whaley as a teammate

Bills former QB Alex Van Pelt and current assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers, was also a college teammate of Doug Whaley at Pitt. Van Pelt, who was a leader on the offense for the Panthers, remembers his former teammate’s leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

Whaley, who was named the 12th GM in Bills history Thursday, was a leader on Pitt’s defense as Van Pelt remembers it.

“As a leader, Doug is first and foremost going to be very vocal and hold everyone accountable,” said Van Pelt. ”Those are two of the things that will stand out immediately. He has a blue collar mentality. He works hard and has tremendous work ethic.

“As a player, he always had that personality and used his intelligence on the field to lead our defense. He started his career with the Steelers and worked his way up through the ranks – which I think is very important especially in football. He has done the grunt work. He has been successful everywhere he has worked. Doug is a great young mind and will bring a lot to the table in the general manager position. He is ready for the challenge. I think he is going to have a very bright future in Buffalo.”

Cowher on Whaley

Former Steelers head coach and current CBS NFL commentator Bill Cowher worked with Bills new GM Doug Whaley for the better part of a decade in the Pittsburgh organization. He was anything but surprised that Whaley has risen to the GM ranks in the NFL.

“Doug Whaley to me has “paid his dues.” He has done his job professionally and with high-quality,” said Cowher. ”I know from working with him in Pittsburgh he is a guy who put due diligence towards every opportunity and task he was given. He has a wealth of knowledge, a good feel for people and a good eye for talent.

“I think when you talk about people that earn the opportunity to advance and earn the opportunity to have more responsibility that Doug is a guy who has proven along the way at every step that he can equal the challenge and then surpass it. It does not surprise me that he has been named General Manager.”

Anderson glad to be back practicing

It was a long, difficult road back to the field for DE Mark Anderson, who needed a pair of surgeries to repair a knee injury that cost him the last 11 games of the 2012 season. Anderson, who is finally back on the practice field, admitted last year was a tough one to endure.

“You know me, but that’s tough for any player,” said Anderson. ”Anybody that’s a competitor you want to be on the field. They brought you here for a reason so you want to help the team out. It was real tough, a lot of hard work and a lot of adversity, so I kind of had to stay focused and try to stay healthy.”

Anderson is eager to get back up to full speed, especially after seeing the plans for Buffalo’s defense under coordinator Mike Pettine.

“Shoot it was a great deal bringing this coaching staff over to this defense,” said Anderson. ”We’ve got great playmakers on this team. You’re going to see a lot of guys do a lot of different things. You can already see it with guys flying around making plays. It’s going to be fun.”

Kick return candidates

Here during OTAs there are a few kick return candidates on the roster and special teams coordinator Danny Crossman is not short on talent.

Taking reps on kick return in OTAs this week were Marquise Goodwin, T.J. Graham, Brad Smith and Tashard Choice. Leodis McKelvin has been mentioned as an option as well, but he’s been limited to just individual position drill work in practices coming off his groin surgery earlier this offseason.

Nevertheless the speed quota is more than filled in the return game for Buffalo.

Strained back keeping Stevie on the shelf

Stevie Johnson is usually an upbeat, happy go lucky player on the practice field, but being sidelined with a strained back has changed that mood somewhat as he missed the first week of OTAs.

“I’m getting better,” said Johnson. ”It’s just frustrating seeing the guys running around, but it’s getting better.”

Johnson has no idea when he’ll be cleared.

“I don’t know it’s just a timing thing,” he said. ”I’m just doing everything that they’re telling me to. I’m doing the weight room stuff. Of course I’m inside the playbook and when they give me the green light I’ll be ready to go.”

Watching practice Johnson has had the opportunity to watch QB EJ Manuel in action, but he went back to look at some of Manuel’s college tape too. Buffalo’s top wideout is impressed with the rookie QB’s physical skill set.

“Just his overall game. Watching him right now everybody is still in the learning phase so you’re not just going out there playing like you would if you were in the backyard. Watching his film from his college days he’s a dynamic quarterback. He’s big, he can run and throw, he can make every pass. I like it. It’s going to be fun this year. I just can’t wait to get out there with the guys.”

Chandler verifies Manuel’s arm

Bills tight end Scott Chandler isn’t participating in OTAs as he still recovers from a torn ACL suffered in the second to last game of the season in 2012. That has however, given him ample time to watch the offense operate and to watch rookie QB EJ Manuel.

Appearing on Sirius XM NFL Radio Chandler confirmed Manuel’s arm strength and physical talent, which is nothing but impressive.

“Looked good, it looked pretty effortless for him,” said Chandler of Manuel’s throwing. ”Big, strong kid and he’s got a strong arm.”

When asked about the quarterback competition, Chandler think reps aren’t a huge thing to monitor at this point, and believes someone will rise to the top of the group.

“All those guys are going to have chances. They’re going to have to come in and compete for the job. Competition is what this league is all about,” he said. “I don’t think reps are too big a deal right now. All those guys are going to get reps to have a chance at the starting job. It’s all a matter of who performs the best.”

BDC 5/15: Mario on “Playing Like a Bill”

DAILY REPORT
–The Buffalo Bills claimed and was awarded TE Mickey Shuler off waivers  from the Oakland Raiders yesterday. The team also announced that WR Kevin Norrell was Waived/Injured. Shuler was a guest on The John Murphy Show last night. Click here to listen to his interview

–Buffalo Bills season ticket holders will have early access to purchase additional individual game tickets beginning today. Details for season ticket holders can be found here.

–The Bills will hold 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

TODAY’S INTERVIEWS
7:30 AM – RB C.J. Spiller – The Howard Simons Show (WGR 550 – Buffalo) Listen Here

4:00 PM – RB C.J. Spiller – NFL Live (ESPN)

QUOTE OF THE DAY
DE Mario Williams on what it means to “Play like a Bill”:
“It’s just being relentless and the mentality of going out, being disruptive and attacking. Being aggressive. Being accountable. Just going out here and making plays. Trusting the scheme. Trusting the system. Trusting the coaches. To not go out there and do something you’re not supposed to because like I said the scheme they have is pretty good. As long as we go out there and we all can say are you playing like you’re supposed to – playing like a Bill – which is our mentality and motto – we’ll be alright.” 

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Bills WR Marcus Easley with is former high school football coach Craig Bruno. Easley was inducted into his high school’s Athletics Hall of Fame during the 21^st annual Bunnell High School Athletics Hall of Fame & Senior Athlete Recognition Banquet in Stratford, Connecticut this past weekend.

DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Bills think young corners have it covered

Rochester D&C-Buddy Nix’s legacy remains incomplete

Associated Press-Buffalo Bills claim TE Mickey Shuler off waivers

Syracuse Post-Standard-Doug Marrone will shape the legacy of two Buffalo Bills general managers

Beckley Register Herald-Former WVU star Talley successful business owner

BuffaloBills.com-TE Mickey Shuler signed by Bills, WR Norrell waived

BuffaloBills.com-OTA Practice Notes – Day 2

BuffaloBills.com-Burroughs pupil Kearney hoping to stick with Bills

BuffaloBills.com-Marrone on competition: ”It starts as soon as people are acquired”

BuffaloBills.com-Kevin Kolb: ”Everybody’s ready to prove something”

BuffaloBills.com-EJ Manuel: ”The biggest thing is leading by example”

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
Bills Roundup: Tuesday’s OTA News and Notes
Doug Marrone Press Conference
Tarvaris Jackson Press Conference
EJ Manuel Press Conference
Kevin Kolb Press Conference
The John Murphy Show May 14
Duke Williams Talks About The Bills’ Energy
Mickey Shuler is a Well-Rounded Tight End

 WGR 550
Byrd among 10 Bills absent from OTAs
Bills’ QB competition takes shape
Bills claim TE Mickey Shuler

 NFL.com
Bills’ front office in transition

 WIVB
QB competition the focus at Bills OTA’s
Bills claim TE Schuler off waivers

 WGRZ
Bills QB Competition Well Underway
Bills Claim TE Shuler

 WHAM
Quarterback Competition Underway In Buffalo

 Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
Burroughs helping Kearney with lay of land, New Bills TE hopes to be “all purpose”, Shuler excited about a fresh start with Bills, Marrone: No timetable on naming starting QB, Graham: I feel faster this year, Easley inducted into HS Hall of Fame, Rookies missing for school, Stevie a spectator

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Doug Whaley’s ascension should end NFL’s 2013 minority shutout
Bills claim TE Mickey Shuler off waivers
Video: Gaughan, Graham & Skurski from today’s Bills OTA
Mario Williams explains what being a Bill is supposed to mean
Audio: Buddy Nix banter with Shredd & Ragan
For 2013 Bills, there are first-timers for everything

 ESPN AFC East Blog
Mario Williams still strikes fear in foes
Hope and Concern: Buffalo Bills

 The Sports Xchange
Bills pick up TE Shuler

 Around the League (NFL.com)
Tarvaris Jackson leads Buffalo Bills QBs to start OTAs

 Pro Football Talk
Bills awarded TE Mickey Shuler on waivers
Doug Marrone: I’ll pick a QB when one pulls away from the rest
Tarvaris Jackson gets the first snaps for Bills

 Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo Bills sign Mickey Shuler, waive Kevin Norrell
Doug Marrone: Buffalo Bills offensive line losing weight
Buffalo Bills OTAs: Doug Marrone rotating quarterbacks for now

 AFC East Daily
E.J. Manuel’s presence ‘doesn’t scare’ Kevin Kolb

Burroughs helping Kearney with lay of land

Former Bills CB Derrick Burroughs saw his career cut short by a neck injury. Now a head coach at Div. II Lane College, Burroughs is trying to help his former player make the roster of the NFL club he once played for.

Burroughs former pupil Vernon Kearney is an undrafted rookie cornerback for the Bills. Before Kearney even got up to Buffalo his former head coach gave him the lay of the land in the city he once played.

“The first he thing he told me was about the hotel we’re staying at,” Kearney told Buffalobills.com. ”He told me a little bit about the city and I’m just ready to fill some big shoes. I like the environment, the town. This seems like it’s really homey already.”

New Bills TE hopes to be “all purpose”

The newest member of the Buffalo Bills hopes he can do a little bit of everything at the tight end position. Mickey Shuler was claimed off the waiver wire by the Bills late Tuesday and he’s expected to arrive at One Bills Drive Wednesday afternoon.

As he heads into his fourth year in the NFL, Shuler has only appeared in six NFL regular season games. That came in his rookie year, with Miami.

Appearing on The John Murphy Show Tuesday night, Shuler said he doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed as a “blocking” tight end or a “receiving” tight end. He wants to do it all.

“I’m both,” he said. “I try to be able to do a little of each, being able to block and being able to run, read defenses, get open, catch the ball, run after the catch. I’m not one dimensional. I wouldn’t classify myself as a receiver or a blocker. I’m an old school tight end. There’s not that many left, it seems like. Everyone’s got one or the other, but that’s what I try to pride myself—get down in the trenches and be able to block and get with the receivers and be able to catch.”

Shuler grew up with an in-house role model of an all purpose NFL tight end. His father, Mickey Shuler, was a former third round pick who played 12 -years wiht the New York Jets as part of a 14-year pro football career. The younger Shuler says he learned from his dad how important it is to be a well-rounded part of the offense.

“I know he was the tight end that could block and he was a pretty good receiver, ” Shuler told host John Murphy. “He raised me to be that same type of player. I would definitely try to emulate him.”

The entire interview with Bills Tight End Mickey Shuler is available here