Inside The Bills

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

Shuler excited about a fresh start with Bills

Tight End Mickey Shuler has bounced around as he enters his fourth year in the NFL. When the Bills claimed Shuler off the waiver wire and were awarded his rights Tuesday, Buffalo became his fourth stop in the NFL.

Shuler entered the league as a 7th round pick of the Vikings in 2010. He’s played with Minnesota, Miami, Minnesota again, and then Oakland since then.

In an appearance on The John Murphy Show Tuesday night, Shuler said he found out about his release from the Raiders over the weekend.

“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that,” Shuler said. “I flew into Pennsylvania for a wedding, and Im getting back on the plane flying back to Oakland from Pennsylvania Sunday night, and I got the call and they said they were releasing me on Monday. So yeah, it was a bit of a surprise.”

Shuler has only played in six NFL games, and that came in his rookie year in 2010 with the Dolphins. He’s hoping he gets a chance to get back on the field with the Bills and settle in to an NFL career.

“Every time you get another opportunity it’s a blessing,” he told host John Murphy. “It’s not easy on your stress level. Your family, my wife, it’s hard on everyone. As long as you keep getting a shot to play this game, a kid’s game, and get a chance to get paid to do it, I’m going to keep doing it.”

Shuler expects to arrive at the Bills complex by Wednesday afternoon. The entire interview with new Bills Tight End Mickey Shuler is available here

Marrone: No timetable on naming starting QB

It’s very early in the process and the quarterbacks are still going through the installation process of the offense in the OTAs, but already head coach Doug Marrone is being asked when he’ll decide on a starting quarterback.

“That’s up to the players at that position and at other positions too,” said Marrone. ”It’s out there and once we see one person pull away from the other then you make that decision. To put a timeline or anything on it is very difficult and it’s up to the players to do that.”

In most cases a starting quarterback isn’t named until the end of June minicamp at the earliest, but Marrone made it clear that if one signal caller definitively separates himself from the rest of the pack a starter could be named sooner. For more on the quarterback competition check out today’s practice notes from OTAs.

Graham: I feel faster this year

While the Bills certainly added speed to their receiving corps in the form of Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin, a receiver they drafted last year is pretty fast in his own right. T.J. Graham ran a 4.41 40-time at the NFL Combine in 2012. After a lot of hard work this offseason Graham is confident he’s faster.

“I was hanging around the guys at the pro day and really wish I could’ve run a 40 there to show how much faster I’ve gotten in the offseason,” Graham told Bills play-by-play man John Murphy. ”I feel like I’m a lot faster and I’m swifter. Hopefully I can show that on the field. That’s all that matters. Running 40 yards in a straight line on the field rarely happens. So the 40 really doesn’t matter.”

Graham was again a frequent target of Bills quarterbacks in practice Tuesday making a handful of receptions.

Easley inducted into HS Hall of Fame

(Bills WR Marcus Easley with High School Football Coach Craig Bruno.)

This past weekend, Bills wide receiver Marcus Easley had the privilege of being inducted into his high school’s Athletics Hall of Fame during the 21^st annual Burnell High School Athletics Hall of Fame & Senior Athlete Recognition Banquet in Stratford, Connecticut.

Easley, a 2005 graduate of Burnell High School was recognized for his achievements in football since his time at Burnell.

Easley was presented the award by his high school football coach, Craig Bruno.

“It’s a real distinguished group of athletes,” said Easley. “To be recognized, to leave a legacy, and to know that people can read about me 50, even 60 years down the line means everything to me.”

In Easley’s honor, a plaque will hang in his High School, joining the other Burnell High School Athletics Hall of Famers.

Rookies missing for school

At OTA practices this week there are a handful of rookies missing. In most cases it’s because of school semesters still going at their respective colleges.

Among the rookies missing are WR Robert Woods, WR Marquise Goodwin, WR Brandon Kaufman, DT Aaron Tipoti, CB Nickell Robey, DB Jordan Dangerfield and WR Kevin Norrell.

By league rule rookies cannot practice with their respective clubs until their college class graduates.

Stevie a spectator

A stained back kept Stevie Johnson from participating in the veteran voluntary minicamp. Johnson unfortunately is sidelined for OTAs this week as well.

Head coach Doug Marrone is expected to provide an update on Johnson after practice.

BDC 5/14: RB Jackson Bands Against Bullying

DAILY REPORT
–Buddy Nix will transition as the team’s Executive Vice President/General Manager to the position of Special Assistant, as was announced yesterday.

–Bills RB Fred Jackson will be a celebrity judge this evening at BAND Against Bullying at the Center of the Arts on the campus of UB North. BAND Against Bullying seeks to raise community awareness of bullying related issues and challenges and to raise support of anti-bullying legislation, education, and other related efforts, through an inter-school arts competition related to the theme of DIGNITY.

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

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

TODAY’S INTERVIEWS

7:30 AM – Eric Wood – The Howard Simon Show (WGR 550 – Buffalo) Listen Here

7:55 AM – Arthur Moats – The Break Room (96.5 WCMF – Rochester)

8:30 AM – Buddy Nix – The Howard Simon Show (WGR 550 – Buffalo) Listen Here

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Buddy Nix spoke with the media at One Bills Drive yesterday afternoon following the announcement of his transition to Special Assistant.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
BILLS SPECIAL ASSISTANT BUDDY NIX ON TRANSITIONING FROM GENERAL MANAGER:
“I’ve made this decision to step away from the General Manager’s position because I feel it is the right time. By the ‘right time’ I mean I think we have a good young roster, an excellent head coach with a good staff, and it’s time to let someone else handle these responsibilities and move forward together.

Timing is the main thing, but there are other benefits as well. This job is very demanding with a 24-7 schedule of responsibilities. This new position will enable me to spend more time with my family. I appreciate the opportunity given to me by Mr. Wilson and Russ and I’m fortunate to step away from the job and still remain a part of the team. I feel strongly that the team is on the right course for success.

We have some excellent talent on our team and Coach Marrone and his staff are doing a terrific job in leading and teaching the players we have on our roster. I was very impressed with the 24 rookies we had in this past weekend and I’m very excited about the upcoming season. I think this is going to be an exciting time for our team and our fans.”

 DAILY LINKS

Buffalo News-Nix says time right to step down  

Buffalo News-Bills, Sabres: A tradition unlike any other

Rochester D&C-Buffalo Bills’ Buddy Nix: ‘Right time’ to step down as GM

Associated Press-Buddy Nix steps down as Bills GM

Yahoo! Sports-Buddy Nix resigns as general manager of Buffalo Bills

NFL.com-Buddy Nix resigns as general manager of Buffalo Bills

USA Today-Buddy Nix steps down as Bills general manager

Toronto Sun-Buddy Nix steps down as Buffalo Bills GM

BuffaloBills.com-Bills Season Ticket Holders Get Early Access to Individual Game Tickets

BuffaloBills.com-OTA Practice Notes – Day 1

BuffaloBills.com-Nix a straight shooter in eyes of Bills players

BuffaloBills.com-Buddy Nix transitions out of GM role with Bills

BuffaloBills.com-Buddy Nix: “I think it is the right time”

BuffaloBills.com-Russ Brandon on GM post: “We have a plan”

Audio/Video/Photo Clip

BuffaloBills.com
Buddy Nix Press Conference
EJ Manuel hits the field
Bills Roundup: Nix Steps Down, OTA Highlights
Bills Focus: Buddy Nix on his time with the Bills
The John Murphy Show May 13
Nigel Bradham Says Bills Defense Will Be Elite
Buddy Nix on Stepping Down as G.M.

 WGR 550
Bills analytics department update
Nix steps down as Bills GM

 NFL.com
Buffalo Bills GM Buddy Nix to step down
EJ Manuel hits the field

 WIVB
Buddy Nix steps down from role as GM

 WKBW
Buddy Nix Steps Down as General Manager
Nix and Brandon On Resignation as General Manager

 WGRZ
Buffalo Bills Buddy Nix Steps Down as GM

 WHAM
Buddy Nix Stepping Down As Bills GM

 WHEC
Bills GM Buddy Nix will step away from his role as GM

 YNN
Buddy Nix Confident About Trajectory of Young Bills Team

 Additional Clips

Inside The Bills
Bills on the radio, Nix believes he saw things through, Buddy on what changed, K. Williams receives Ed Block Courage Award, Scouting calendar told Nix it was time, What Buddy said about Whaley

Press Coverage (Buffalo News)
Video: Graham & Gaughan on Nix’s resignation & legacy
Video: Highlights from Nix’s news conference
Looking back: Buddy Nix’s five biggest misses as Bills GM
Looking back: Buddy Nix’s five biggest hits as Bills GM
Buddy Nix: ‘I feel it is the right time’ to step down as GM
Buddy Nix steps down as Bills GM; Doug Whaley expected to take over 

Pro Football Talk
Buddy Nix steps down as Bills G.M.
For quarterbacks, no one knows if they can do it until they do it

Around the League (NFL.com)
Buddy Nix realized he lacked energy to be Bills’ GM

 ESPN AFC East Blog
Buddy Nix’s legacy with Bills up in the air
Bills Tarvaris Jackson takes first-team reps

ESPN NFL Nation
Buffalo Bills GM Buddy Nix steps down

Kryk Slants
Buddy Nix steps aside: quick-hit news, analysis

Buffalo Business First
Nix exiting as Bills’ general manager

 Bleacher Report
After Buddy Nix Transition, What Lies Ahead for Bills Franchise?

 The Sports Xchange
Nix steps down as Bills GM

 The Sports Network
Bills GM Nix steps down

 Buffalo Rumblings
Buddy Nix steps down as Buffalo Bills GM
Russ Brandon Buffalo Bills approval poll: May 2013
Jairus Byrd contract muddles Buffalo Bills safety picture
Buffalo Bills’ Doug Whaley has been groomed for GM role

 AFC East Daily
Nix relieves himself of Bills’ GM responsibilities

All Sports WNY
Buddy Nix Steps Away From Bills’ GM Position, Will Become Special Assistant

Gilmore ranked among best of youngest

Stephon Gilmore is already considered one of the better young cornerbacks in the NFL, but CBSSports.com took a look at players under the age of 23 that are among the best in the league. Gilmore made that list and ranked high.

CBSSports.com’s Pete Prisco ranked the top sub-23-year olds in the NFL and Stephon Gilmore ranked seventh overall. Here’s what was written about the Bills top cornerback.

7. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills – He started 16 games as a rookie and showed some nice coverage skills, even if he had some moments where he struggled. Gilmore is a big corner who has good speed. He lined up on the other team’s top receivers a lot, and did a nice job.

Not exactly glowing, but a very good ranking for Gilmore, who should be noticeably improved this season with a year of NFL experience under his belt.

Only one cornerback under the age of 23 was ranked higher than Gilmore. It was Arizona’s Patrick Peterson, who ranked number one overall.

Manuel pick impacted Nix’s decision

Buddy Nix’s decision to step down as GM of the Bills Monday had a lot of contributing factors, and Nix didn’t deny that selecting QB EJ Manuel in round one a few weeks ago played a role.

In a one-on-one interview with Buffalobills.com, Nix said drafting Manuel made it easier to settle on the decision to step aside.

“I feel a lot better about it because of that,” said Nix in reference to the Manuel pick. ”We’ve got two good veterans here and another rookie that will make him have to earn it. When (he’ll start) I don’t know that’s up to the coaches. That’s up to coach Marrone. He’ll decide when the guy is ready to play, but I don’t have any doubts that he’ll be successful here and in this league.”

Bills on the radio

The Bills are just firing up OTAs and players will be on the local airwaves to talk about it this morning.

Eric Wood will be on WGR 550 at 7:30 am this morning on the Howard Simon show.

Arthur Moats will be on WCMF 96.5 FM at 7:45.

Nix believes he saw things through

Outgoing Bills GM Buddy Nix has said more than once that he wanted to see things through with the organization and get it back to being a winning team. Though the won-loss record has yet to show that, Nix believes he has done so as he now steps aside.

In a one-on-one interview with Buffalobills.com, Nix explained why he felt he positioned the team for success.

“Yeah, obviously you’d like to see the win-loss results, but somebody asked about what I think is going to be remembered about my legacy,” said Nix. ”It’s according to who is looking at it I guess, but I think it’s going to be determined in the next two or three years. I think the good times are coming and that’s not to put any pressure on the head coach now, he knows there’s pressure anyway in this
business. But I think our roster is good, I like the draft class and I like our rookies, so I think we’re fixing to have some exciting times.”