Inside The Bills

How Marrone first heard of Tebow signing

Bills head coach Doug Marrone is the type of coach that has his head down and is moving forward. So when he arrived home on Monday it was his young son who informed him that division rival New England had signed free agent QB Tim Tebow.

“I did hear that,” said Marrone when asked about the Tebow signing. ”My son told me that because I was out last night. I don’t think anything fascinates me in this profession. I’m one of those guys that have been kicked around a lot so I’ve always appreciated the fact when someone has an opportunity to make a team and go play whether it’s Tim Tebow or Tarvaris Jackson.

“Whoever it is in this league, from a personal standpoint you want that opportunity. When the time comes when you have to walk away or things don’t work out well at least when you look back you’ve had an opportunity so it’s fortunate for anyone in this game to have an opportunity.”

Marrone played for a handful of NFL clubs before entering the coaching profession.

Respect for QB Jackson

Even though players understand the business of the game leads to transactions like the release of QB Tarvaris Jackson Monday, they still respected the work that he put in during his time with the club.

EJ Manuel and Kevin Kolb were both asked about the benefit of getting more reps with Jackson no longer on the roster, and both made a point to comment on the time they spent with Jackson this spring before answering the question.

“First of all I enjoyed my time with Tarvaris I thought he was a heck of a player, super talented and a heck of a guy,” said Kolb.

“T-Jack did a great job helping me when he was here,” said Manuel. ”The first couple of weeks when we had the OTAs, he did a great job preparing me.  I would ask him a lot of questions and he gave me great feedback.  So I definitely respect him and thank him for that.”

Kolb even took the time to call Jackson after he had been released.

“I talked to Tarvaris last night,” said Kolb. “I got cut so it’s going to happen at one point. We’re all going to get fired. You’ve got to be able to let it roll off your back and get better, but I’m obviously glad to be here and glad to get some more reps and get some more work with the ones.”

Coach Marrone explained that it was a tough decision, but that it had to be made to gain a clearer picture on the quarterback competition. Rotating three men through with the offense was not accomplishing the goal in an effective way. Still, it didn’t mean Marrone lacked any respect for the work that Jackson put in during his time at One Bills Drive.

“It’s a very tough profession and we really appreciate the job that Tarvaris did and how hard he worked,” said Marrone. ”He was improving, and now he has an opportunity to catch on with another team and I think that’s important. He deserves that.”

Chandler participating

On the first day of mandatory minicamp TE Scott Chandler is participating in practice.

Just five months removed from reconstructive ACL surgery the recovery is impressive. He only did individual position drills. Here are some other players participating who we’re rehabbing through most of the OTAs.

WR Marcus Easley
OL Zebrie Sanders
DE Mark Anderson

Everyone under contract on hand

As mandatory minicamp begins this afternoon all players under contract are in attendance.

Only Jairus Byrd, who has yet to sign his franchise tender is not in attendance. And since he is unsigned he is not mandated to be here.

How minicamp will differ from OTAs

Bills head coach Doug Marrone and his staff have put a lot on the plate of the players in year one of their offensive, defensive and special teams systems. Now as the begin mandatory minicamp today (Tuesday) those responsibilities will increase again in the practice setting.

Marrone made it clear that players will have to think a lot more as more game-like settings are created in the practices this week.

“We’re going to change a little bit from a mandatory minicamp,” said Marrone. ”What we’re going to be looking for is more game planning, more precise plays against certain defenses and coverage.  And do a little game planning against each other which will be a little more competitive.  That’s exciting for us—putting the players on the field where don’t have coaches on the outside yelling out calls or trying to put them in position.  We’re putting a little bit more accountability on them – lining up and being able to do it.”

BDC 6/11: Mandatory Minicamp Begins

 
DAILY REPORT
–Mandatory Minicamp Begins Today: The Buffalo Bills will begin their 2013 mandatory minicamp this afternoon at One Bills Drive. 

–Tickets on Sale for Bills vs. Falcons in Toronto: Rogers Media yesterday announced tickets are now on sale for the Buffalo Bills return to Rogers Centre, as they play host to the defending NFC South champions Atlanta Falcons on December 1 in Toronto. Ticket prices will remain consistent with last year’s Bills in Toronto game, with pricing starting at $48 for Level 500 seating up to the maximum $225 for Field Level VIP seating.  Fifty-eight per cent of tickets are less than $100, while 88 per cent of tickets are less than $150. Tickets for the Bills vs. Falcons game can be purchased at BillsinToronto.com, at Rogers Centre, by calling 416-341-1440 or by visiting ticketmaster.ca.

–Bills Release QB Jackson: The Buffalo Bills yesterday announced the release of QB Tarvaris Jackson.

–Renewed Partnership: NY 529 & Bills: The Bills announced a renewed partnership with NY’s 529 College Savings Program. The two are teaming up once again to present the Become the Buffalo Bills Junior GM for a Day contest. Under this contest, one lucky boy or girl will win the opportunity to spend the day with Bills General Manager Doug Whaley. In addition, the winner will receive breakfast, lunch, a gift bag and a personalized Buffalo Bills jersey.  Last year’s winner was 10-year old Carson Kruk from Williamsville, NY. To enter, participants will visit the contest page on buffalobills.com (www.buffalobills.com/JrGM) and submit their answers to three short answer questions as to why they have what it takes to be the Buffalo Bills Junior GM for a Day.

–2013 Training Camp: The Buffalo Bills will open its 2013 Training Camp at St. John Fisher College on Sunday, July 28th with a 6:10 pm practice. The complete 2013 Training Camp schedule and fan-related information can be found at: BuffaloBills.com

–School Fundraising Opportunity: The Buffalo Bills are offering a special fundraising opportunity for local schools. Schools in Buffalo, Rochester and Southern Ontario will have the opportunity to sell tickets for the Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings Kids Day Game on August 16 at Ralph Wilson Stadium for just $20.00. For every $20.00 ticket sold, $5.00 will go back to the school. Schools interested in participating in the fundraising effort can contact Sara Beth Fisher at 716-312-8917 or e-mail sarabeth.fisher@bills.nfl.net. The Kids Day Game will feature youth-themed tailgating, an exclusive gameday giveaway, interactive games, face painting, Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo, as well as post-game fireworks.

–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 INTERVIEW
12:30 PM – WR Robert Woods – Sports Radio 1270 The Fan (The Rich Gaenzler Show) 

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Bills Director of Player Personnel Jim Monos (left) and Director of College Scouting Kelvin Fisher (right) met with members of the media yesterday at One Bills Drive. Monos and Fisher both joined the franchise on May 16th.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
KELVIN FISHER, Bills Director of College Scouting on how his background in the social work field has helped in his 14 years as an NFL scout:
“Everybody can measure the talent. What I’ve done helps you read people. It helps you know people, good and bad and I think that’s the key. Sometimes you want to know if a guy has passion for this game, and I think all those characteristics that you learned over the years it helps you define those guys that have the passion. Then you get a feel for it and you know. This is going into my 14th year so I feel have a good grasp of it now.” via BuffaloBills.com (6/10) 

DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Bills opt to part ways with Jackson

Buffalo News-Monos is ready for work

Associated Press-Bills cut QB Jackson before start of minicamp

BuffaloBills.com-QB Tarvaris Jackson released by Bills

BuffaloBills.com-Dominique Ellis embracing stiff competition at safety

BuffaloBills.com-Bills new scouting director equipped to find winners

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
Sights & Sounds of 2013 PLAY 60 Ultimate Field Day
The John Murphy Show June 10
Jim Monos: “It’s About Winning Super Bowls”
Jamie Blatnick Feels Comfortable in Bills Scheme 

WGR 550
Bills release Tarvaris Jackson
Bills need inexperienced WRs to catch on fast
5 things to expect from Bills mini-camp
Bills draw on familiarity with new front office hires 

WIVB
Bills release QB Jackson 

WKBW
Bills cut ties with QB Tarvaris Jackson
Over 800 Kids Go Toe-to-Toe with the Buffalo Bills 

WGRZ
Bills Release QB Tarvaris Jackson 

WHAM
Bills cut QB Jackson before start of minicamp 

YNN
Bills Release QB Tarvaris Jackson
Bills Introduce Fisher and Monos 

Additional Clips
 
Inside The Bills
OTA reps for Jackson, Kolb make sense now, QB Jackson release a plus for Manuel, Example of EJ’s vocal leadership

The Sports Network
Bills release Tarvaris Jackson 

The Sports Xchange
Bills release QB Jackson 

ESPN AFC East Blog
Bills release QB Tarvaris Jackson 

Around the League (NFL.com)
Tarvaris Jackson released by Buffalo Bills

 Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Tarvaris Jackson out; EJ Manuel, Kevin Kolb to battle in QB duel
Kelvin Fisher’s career change from mean streets to One Bills Drive 

Pro Football Talk
Jairus Byrd not expected at Bills mini-camp
Bills cut Tarvaris Jackson 

Buffalo Sports Daily
Bills Cut Travaris Jackson

 AFC East Daily
New Bills DE Jamie Blatnick: ‘Look out for me’

OTA reps for Jackson, Kolb make sense now

Through the course of the OTA practices it was Tarvaris Jackson and Kevin Kolb getting the majority of the reps while EJ Manuel got noticeably fewer snaps. It may have seemed peculiar on the surface knowing Manuel would need all the snaps he could get in order to get up to speed sooner rather than later. Now looking back Buffalo’s offensive staff may have been using OTA practices for a much different purpose.

As their first-round pick Buffalo’s offensive staff knew that Manuel was going to be one of their top two quarterbacks on the roster regardless of how much work he got in OTAs. He is the long term investment. What they probably didn’t know for sure was which quarterback would serve as his stiffest competition. Perhaps that’s what Doug Marrone and Nathaniel Hackett were working on in terms of decision making in having the two veteran QBs get most of the work through the OTAs.

Kolb and Jackson provided enough practice tape for Marrone and Hackett to make an evaluation and determine which quarterback would serve as Manuel’s main competition in training camp. With the release of Jackson, it will obviously be Kolb.

QB Jackson release a plus for Manuel

The release of Tarvaris Jackson presents an obvious plus in getting top pick EJ Manuel up to speed.

During OTA practices it was Tarvaris Jackson and Kevin Kolb getting the majority of the reps in team drills. EJ Manuel was third in terms of snaps in practice. That all changes now. With Jackson no longer on the roster Buffalo’s top draft choice will get a good deal of reps in practice in this week’s mandatory minicamp and training camp.

That should serve the rookie QB well as he tries to compete for the starting job.

Example of EJ’s vocal leadership

For those Bills fans wondering what EJ Manuel might be like behind closed doors with teammates once he’s an established leader on a team, take a look at his pre-game speech prior to the Orange Bowl this past January.

He along with FSU defensive captain Telvin Smith both got up and addressed their teammates.

Florida State won the game over Northern Illinois 31-10.

BDC 6/10: Play 60 Event Recap

 –Play 60 Ultimate Field Day Recap: The Buffalo Bills held the second annual Play 60 Ultimate Field Day at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Saturday with the participation of 29 players. Young fans were able fulfill their dream of playing football with their favorite Bills players. The Play 60 Ultimate Field Day included multiple interactive football-themed activity stations – manned by Bills players and staff – which encourage children to reach the recommended goal of at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Drills included a running back station, a punt catching/punt return station, a wide receiver station, and several others. In addition to the activity stations, the day’s festivities included a tour of the gameday locker room, player autographs, a National Football League Hall of Fame exhibit, souvenir photo opportunities, an airbrush tattoo station and I.D. cards for children courtesy of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department. Several corporations throughout Western New York came together to help make Saturday’s event possible, including BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Delaware North Companies, New Era Cap Company, Gatorade, PODS, Kiss 98.5, Perry’s Ice Cream, Doodle Bugs! Children’s Centers, End Zone Collectibles, Jim Kelly Football Camp and New York State’s 529 College Savings Program.

Play 60 Photo Gallery | Video: 29 Bills players highlight Bills PLAY 60 | Near and far, fans gather for PLAY 60 event

QUOTE OF THE DAY
MARY OWEN, Bills Executive Vice President/Strategic Planning on the Bills’ involvement in Play 60:
“The Play 60 Ultimate Field Day has quickly become one of our most important and enjoyable events of the year, and we are proud to be able to offer it once again at Ralph Wilson Stadium.  The Bills and the NFL feel strongly about the need for children to get 60 minutes of exercise each day, and we hope the Ultimate Field Day will help them in achieving this goal.”

DAILY REPORT

–Mandatory Minicamp Begins Tomorrow: The Buffalo Bills will hold their 2013 mandatory minicamp from Tuesday, June 11 – Thursday, June 13 at One Bills Drive.

–2013 Training Camp: The Buffalo Bills will open its 2013 Training Camp at St. John Fisher College on Sunday, July 28th with a 6:10 pm practice. The complete 2013 Training Camp schedule and fan-related information can be found at: BuffaloBills.com

–School Fundraising Opportunity: The Buffalo Bills are offering a special fundraising opportunity for local schools. Schools in Buffalo, Rochester and Southern Ontario will have the opportunity to sell tickets for the Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings Kids Day Game on August 16 at Ralph Wilson Stadium for just $20.00. For every $20.00 ticket sold, $5.00 will go back to the school. Schools interested in participating in the fundraising effort can contact Sara Beth Fisher at 716-312-8917 or e-mail sarabeth.fisher@bills.nfl.net. The Kids Day Game will feature youth-themed tailgating, an exclusive gameday giveaway, interactive games, face painting, Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo, as well as post-game fireworks.

–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 INTERVIEW
8:30 AM – LB Arthur Moats – Janet & Nick in the Morning (Kiss 98.5 – Buffalo) Listen Here 

DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Kelly’s cancer surgery called a success

Associated Press-Speedy recovery expected after Kelly has surgery

ESPN AFC East-Marquise Goodwin has a special inspiration

Fort Worth star Telegram-Kolb Helps/Jackson Back Healthy

BuffaloBills.com-Mario Williams excited, confident with undefined role

BuffaloBills.com-DE Jamie Blatnick campaigning for roster spot

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
Twenty-nine Bills players highlight Bills PLAY 60
The John Murphy Show June 7
Brandon Kaufman talks Joining Team for Practice
Kevin Elliott talks OTA’s
Joe Ferguson talks Cancer, Jim Kelly

WGR 550
WR Robert Woods on Sports Talk Saturday (6/8)
Jim Kelly’s Surgery Goes Well

 WKBW
Jim Kelly Successfully Undergoes Cancer Removal Surgery

 WHEC
Doctors say Jim Kelly’s surgery went well

 YNN
Jim Kelly undergoes successful surgery to remove cancer

 Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
Bills on the radio, ESPN metrics analyst bullish on EJ as starter, Bills employees run in Corporate Challenge, Jim Kelly resting comfortably post surgery, Fan Friday 6-7

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
MemoraBillia exclusive: Bills QB EJ Manuel’s Topps rookie card
People’s Poll: What current Bills would’ve started for Super Bills?
Jim Kelly’s surgery successful; ‘recovering comfortably’
Andre Reed to work with Andy Reid in coaching fellowship

Pro Football Talk
Jim Kelly’s cancer surgery called successful

ESPN AFC East Blog
Good news on Jim Kelly’s recovery

Around the League (NFL.com)
Jim Kelly, Buffalo Bills great, recovering after surgery

The Sports Network
Jim Kelly recovering after cancer surgery

 The Sports Xchange
Former Bills QB Kelly has cancerous bone removed

FoxSports.com
Speedy recovery expected for Kelly

 Buffalo Rumblings
How much bigger should C.J. Spiller’s workload be?
Buffalo Bills eBay listings: worst jerseys
Jim Kelly undergoes successful surgery to treat cancer
Buffalo Bills mailbag: does Jairus Byrd want out of Buffalo?

Sports Media 101
Andre Reed Added to Kansas City Chiefs’ Coaching Staff

Opposing Views
Buffalo Bills Boast Promsing Group of Wide Receivers

Bills-Falcons in Toronto tix on sale

Rogers Media today announced tickets are now on sale for the Buffalo Bills return to Rogers Centre, as they play host to the defending NFC South champions Atlanta Falcons on December 1 in Toronto.

Ticket prices will remain consistent with last year’s Bills in Toronto game, with pricing starting at $48 for Level 500 seating up to the maximum $225 for Field Level VIP seating.  Fifty-eight per cent of tickets are less than $100, while 88 per cent of tickets are less than $150.

Tickets for the Bills vs. Falcons game can be purchased at BillsinToronto.com, at Rogers Centre, by calling 416-341-1440 or by visiting ticketmaster.ca.

Bills on the radio

Here’s where you can find a certain Bills linebacker Monday morning.

Arthur Moats will be on Kiss 98.5 with Janet and Nick Monday morning at 8:30 am.

ESPN metrics analyst bullish on EJ as starter

Only Doug Marrone and his offensive staff will determine whether or not EJ Manuel proves himself worthy of being the starting quarterback for the Bills as a rookie, but there is an ESPN statistical analyst who thinks if Manuel does start right off the bat that Buffalo’s offense should improve from a year ago.

Well respected number cruncher K.C. Joyner cites specific metrics when making the case that with Manuel in the lineup the offense will improve from that of a season ago. In fact in Joyner’s words, “the metrics show there is a good chance Manuel could help the Bills field a top-10 offense in 2013 if he is the starter.”

Joyner in his write up cites Buffalo’s stout run game, which ranked first in the league in good blocking rate on run plays. C.J. Spiller was also sixth in the league in good blocking yards per attempt with a mark of 9.1 yards.

Add in EJ Manuel’s yards per attempt figure of 8.76 last year in college, which ranked sixth in the nation and was superior to that of Geno Smith and Matt Barkley despite having fewer weapons to throw to and an anticipated up tempo offense to make use of Manuel’s athleticism if nothing develops downfield and Joyner believes the offense could find its way to being significantly more productive.

Bills employees run in Corporate Challenge

Yesterday, a handful of Buffalo Bills employees participated in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Delaware Park.

The Bills were one of a Buffalo-record 431 companies that took part in the 33rd annual event in Western New York.

Congratulations to all finishers in this year’s race!

Don’t forget to register for the 50 Yard Finish Half Marathon, 5K run and Kids Race, Saturday, June 29 at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Details can be found here. Join us an finish at the 50!

Jim Kelly resting comfortably post surgery

Good news out of ECMC today (Friday) as the hospital in a statement said Bills Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly had successful surgery and is resting comfortably.

Here’s the statement from ECMC, which also stated that they anticipate a “speedy recovery.” Certainly good news for the Hall of Famer.

Fan Friday 6-7

Got to tip the hat to those that led and were a part of the Allied invasion on this D-Day. Our thanks to you all. Now for the latest edition of of your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net and on Twitter @ChrisBrownBills.

1 – Chris,

I love the speed we’re assembling, especially on offense.  If you had to rank the fastest offenses, where would the Bills fall?

I think the criticism Nix has received is largely unfair.  Not even the best GM can hit on every pick and the way he approaches building a team is smart.  I have a lot of respect for how the Giants built their team and I feel like Buddy is very similar in style.  I wish we could have had Nix for 10 years at the helm!  What will be his actual duties going forward? I know he’ll still be involved with the team but how much is the question.

Thanks for everything you do!  Dave.

CB: Your speed question is an interesting one. I would certainly put the speed on Buffalo’s offense at the top of the division, though Miami has made a point to add speed as well in Mike Wallace and their top back this season Lamar Miller can move. Still, he’s no C.J. and I think the addition of an athletic tight end prospect in Chris Gragg tips the scale in Buffalo’s favor over the Dolphins.

Beyond the division I think other teams with top flight speed on offense that numbers more than two players include Philadelphia (McCoy, Maclin, Jackson), Denver (Demaryius Thomas, Trindon Holliday, Welker) and Minnesota (Jerome Simpson, Cordarrelle Pattterson, Peterson), but that’s about it.

As for Buddy Nix, I agree with your assessment. He’s patiently built the roster filling in a great number of holes the past few years and finally added one of the final pieces in quarterback EJ Manuel. The roster is not loaded, but he certainly left the team in much better shape than the one he inherited.

He’ll be a special assistant for the team moving forward, kind of like a sounding board for the organization on personnel matters, but he won’t be involved in the day-to-day grind.

2 – I think a lot of Bills fans are wondering about Marcus Easley and how he looks in practice this year. Any insights?

Thanks!  Gary

CB: Unfortunately Easley has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury. No word on whether he’ll be able to participate in the upcoming mandatory minicamp. We’ll know more next week.

I’ll admit it’s tough to watch his career get interrupted time and again by injuries. It’s never had a chance to truly develop.

3 – Hi Chris:

I have one simple question to ask you, why did the Bills NOT sign Karlos Dansby after his visit to the Bills??  Who did not like him well enough to try to sign him?  Was it Buddy Nix??  I await your answer.  Thank you.

Bills fan in TN

CB: My interpretation on the whole Karlos Dansby situation was the Bills were interested in signing him at a designated price tag. If Dansby sought more money or felt there was a better opportunity for him elsewhere, that was his prerogative.

I never got the sense that Buffalo was desperate to sign him. There was interest, but they weren’t going to overpay for a linebacker who was capable, but not an ideal fit because he lacked versatility.

4 – Chris:

Long-time reader, first-time writer. Congrats again on the Manuel call. I heard the idea from you first, so credit where credit’s due!

Quick question about the Ralph renovations. What’s the timetable? Has any work started? As a season-ticket holder, I’m excited about the planned changes, and I wanted to know if anything will be different come the home opener. Thanks, and keep up the great work.

Will in Philadelphia

CB: Thanks for the kind words. With respect to renovations there will be some work done this year, but it won’t be all that noticeable to the fans attending the stadium. That’s because it’s a lot of the guts of the stadium that will be upgraded. The more cosmetic projects like the east end scoreboard additions and big west end pavilion project will not get going until 2014.

5 - Hi Chris:

Love your coverage of the Bills!
Low priority for you…do you know what type of visor Coach Marrone wears?

I can’t find it…?!
Thank you for any info you can get.
Go Bills!  8 – 8 this year and playoffs next year!  ???

Mark Stuhlmiller
Casper, WY

CB: From what I have been told that visor is currently not available, but with Coach Marrone wearing it I understand that there are efforts being made to make the visor available in the future. If I hear anything new I’ll let you know.

BDC 6/7: Ultimate Field Day at RWS Tomorrow

DAILY REPORT
–SOLD OUT: Play 60 Ultimate Field Day Tomorrow: The Buffalo Bills will host the second annual Play 60 Ultimate Field Day at Ralph Wilson Stadium tomorrow. Designed for children ages 4-12, the event provides an opportunity for 60 minutes of physical activity. The sold-out event features football-themed stations on the field, appearances by Bills players, alumni Jills cheerleaders and Billy Buffalo, prize giveaways, tours of the team’s gameday locker room, photo opportunities and more.

–Bills RB Fred Jackson will be signing autographs from 2:30 – 4:30 pm tomorrow afternoon, free of charge, at the NAPA Tool Show and Sale in Williamsville, NY (2399 Wehrle Drive). Fans are encouraged to bring items for Jackson to sign.

–The Buffalo Bills will open its 2013 Training Camp at St. John Fisher College on Sunday, July 28th with a 6:10 pm practice. The complete 2013 Training Camp schedule and fan-related information can be found at: BuffaloBills.com

–The Buffalo Bills are offering a special fundraising opportunity for local schools. Schools in Buffalo, Rochester and Southern Ontario will have the opportunity to sell tickets for the Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings Kids Day Game on August 16 at Ralph Wilson Stadium for just $20.00. For every $20.00 ticket sold, $5.00 will go back to the school. Schools interested in participating in the fundraising effort can contact Sara Beth Fisher at 716-312-8917 or e-mail sarabeth.fisher@bills.nfl.net. The Kids Day Game will feature youth-themed tailgating, an exclusive gameday giveaway, interactive games, face painting, Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo, as well as post-game fireworks.

–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

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Buffalo Bills employees participated in yesterday’s J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Delaware Park. The Bills were one of a Buffalo-record 431 companies that took part in the 33rd annual event in Western New York.

DAILY LINKS

BuffaloBills.com-Buffalo’s Phil McConkey longed to be a Bill

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
50 Yard Finish: Rest and Recovery
Rookie Premiere: Robert Woods
The John Murphy Show June 6
Chris Berman talks Vince Lombardi
Phil McConkey on growing up a Bills fan
Hub Arksuh talks about Pro Football Weekly 

Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
Gilmore among breakout players for 2013

ESPN AFC East Blog
Morning take: Stephon Gilmore’s stock up

 CBS Sports
Breakout Players: Stephon Gilmore

 Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Ryan Nassib wanted to be a Bill, but Giants ‘an even better spot’
Jim Kelly’s fan-clip product set to hit the market in August
People’s Poll: When will the Bills sign Jairus Byrd? 

Buffalo Rumblings
Important dates for Jairus Byrd contract watch: July 15, November 12

Gilmore among breakout players for 2013

A lot of national media outlets are putting together their list of breakout player forecasts for the 2013 NFL season. Bills CB Stephon Gilmore made CBSSports.com’s list.

CBSSports.com’s Pete Prisco put together a list of his top 20 breakout players for this fall and had some praise for Gilmore’s game. Here’s what he wrote.

Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills: I love big, physical corners who can play man coverage. He started 16 games as a rookie and showed off some impressive cover skills at times. He needs to be more consistent, but watch out when he gets there.

BDC 6/6: B. Scott Art School Appearance

DAILY REPORT
–The Buffalo Bills will open its 2013 Training Camp at St. John Fisher College on Sunday, July 28th with a 6:10 pm practice. The complete 2013 Training Camp schedule and fan-related information can be found at: BuffaloBills.com

–The Bills yesterday announced the team signed OL Doug Legursky. Legursky has appeared in 51 games with 17 starts over the last four seasons (2009-12) with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 6-1, 315-pound Marshall product entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers in 2008 and spent his rookie year on the team’s Practice Squad. The Bills also announced that LB Greg Lloyd has been waived.

–Buffalo Bills LB Bryan Scott will make an appearance at the Baum School of Art  (Allentown, PA) today from 4:30 – 6:00 pm. Scott will talk with students from the school’s SMART (Students Marking Art) program.

–SOLD OUT: Play 60 Ultimate Field Day on Saturday: On Saturday, June 8th the Buffalo Bills will host the second annual Play 60 Ultimate Field Day at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Designed for children ages 4-12, the event provides an opportunity for 60 minutes of physical activity. The sold-out event features football-themed stations on the field, appearances by Bills players, alumni Jills cheerleaders and Billy Buffalo, prize giveaways, tours of the team’s gameday locker room, photo opportunities and more.

–The Buffalo Bills are offering a special fundraising opportunity for local schools. Schools in Buffalo, Rochester and Southern Ontario will have the opportunity to sell tickets for the Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings Kids Day Game on August 16 at Ralph Wilson Stadium for just $20.00. For every $20.00 ticket sold, $5.00 will go back to the school. Schools interested in participating in the fundraising effort can contact Sara Beth Fisher at 716-312-8917 or e-mail sarabeth.fisher@bills.nfl.net. The Kids Day Game will feature youth-themed tailgating, an exclusive gameday giveaway, interactive games, face painting, Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo, as well as post-game fireworks.

–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

QUOTE OF THE DAY
DOUG LEGURSKY, Buffalo Bills OL on signing with the team:
“There’s just a vibe they have here. They have an electricity here. They’re an amped up coaching staff. I really think they’re going to do well and I’m just glad to be a part of it and part of an organization that trusts me. They brought me in and hopefully they’ll lead us to a championship.” via BuffaloBills.com (6/5)

PHOTOS OF THE DAY

WR T.J. Graham took part in a Gatorade “Train with a Pro” event yesterday at Webster Schroeder High School (Webster, NY). Gatorade gave high school football teams across the country a chance to learn how the pros train and fuel to get the win from the players themselves.  From July to September high school teams competed to win one of 33 training experiences with an NFL player to help them take their game to the next level. Graham assisted Webster Schroeder coach Kali Watkins in leading the football team through a practice.

DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Bills announce training camp schedule 

Associated Press-Bills add to line depth, sign veteran Legursky

BuffaloBills.com-C-G Doug Legursky signed by Bills

BuffaloBills.com-2013 Training Camp schedule announced

BuffaloBills.com-From one 12 to another, on conquering cancer

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
Bills Focus: Doug Legursky 1-on-1 Interview
Bills Focus: QB Competition Just Getting Started
The John Murphy Show June 5
Doug Legursky Thinks Versitility Gives Him An Edge 

WGR 550
Bills sign OL Legursky
Bills release training camp schedule 

WIVB
Bills unveil training camp schedule
Bills sign OL Doug Legursky 

WKBW
Bills Sign OL Doug Legursky
Bills Announce 2013 Training Camp Practice Schedule 

WGRZ
Bills Sign Legursky
Bills Announce Training Camp Dates 

YNN
Buffalo Bills Open Training Camp July 28 

Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
What intrigues Legursky the most, Where Legursky has a leg up, T.J. part of Gatorade’s “Train with a Pro”, Why Carrington could have big year

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Bills add O-lineman Doug Legursky, waive LB Greg Lloyd
5-foot-8 wiretapping defendant claims he wanted Bills tryout
Buffalo Bills announce 2013 training camp dates, times
Bettors placing their money on EJ Manuel for rookie of the year 

ESPN AFC East Blog
Buffalo Bills add depth at guard 

Pro Football Focus
Secret Superstar: Alex Carrington 

The Sports Network
Bills add OL Legursky 

The Sports Xchange
OL Legursky joins Bills

 Pro Football Talk
Bills sign Doug Legursky 

Canandaigua Daily Messenger
Bills receiver Graham spends practice with Webster Schroeder

 Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo Bills sign Doug Legursky; left guard competition changes
Buffalo Bills training camp 2013 begins on July 28
Buffalo Bills now have over $19 million in cap space

 Buffalo Sports Daily
Legursky Signs With Bills
Bills Announce Training Camp Schedule 

AFC East Daily
Bills gain OL depth, release training camp dates

What intrigues Legursky the most

Bills newest OL Doug Legursky sat down with members of Buffalo’s offensive staff this afternoon after signing with the club, and came away intrigued by one specific part of their plans.

“The speed of it,” Legursky told Buffalobills.com. ”It’s going to be a quick-paced, fast, attacking offense so I’m excited to get out there and get real tired running it. It’ll get me in shape pretty quick.”

Legursky said he’s played as much guard as he has center. He feels he’s a natural center, but has been swing guard for the Steelers as well.