Inside The Bills

Best tandem since ‘The Package’?

As we profiled on Buffalobills.com today Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus are a pretty impressive interior tandem. Are they the best interior duo since ‘The Package?’

For those Bills fans that don’t remember, the duo dubbed ‘The Package’ was Ted Washington and Pat Williams. Buffalo was a strict 3-4 front back in the late 90’s and early in his career, Pat Williams was rotated in as a run down defender, while Washington was the full-time two-gap nose tackle. Washington and Williams lined up alongside one another appeared to clog up all three of the front side gaps at times. They were instrumental in leading the Bills 1999 defense to the number one defensive ranking that season.

The two were the main reason why that ’99 defense still ranks number one in team history for fewest rushing yards allowed in a 16-game season. Buffalo’s ’99 defense allowed just 1,370 rushing yards that season. For perspective, Buffalo’s defense this year has allowed 1,307 rushing yards in 11 games.

Washington and Williams were also part of the 1997 defense that finished in the top five in team history in sacks with 46. That appears to be something Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus can help to eclipse this season to move into the top 5 themselves.

Pat Williams was also part of another formidable interior duo for two seasons with free agent signee Sam Adams from 2003-2004. The 2004 unit finished second in the league in total defense.

Robinson has notable mentor

The Bills added DT Boo Robinson to the practice squad on Friday and the Monroe, Louisiana native has a mentor familiar to most Bills fans.

Robinson hails from the same hometown as former Bills DT Pat Williams, and is hoping to follow in the same footsteps of Big Pat knowing he was a former undrafted rookie free agent as well. 

“Big Pat’s a good mentor,” said Robinson. “He is a real great guy.”

Robinson is wearing jersey number 75.

Bills will see Williams Wall

It sounds like the Bills offense will have to deal with Minnesota’s Williams Wall after all this season.

Vikings DTs Pat and Kevin Williams scored another victory in court as a judge preserved an injunction, which bars the NFL from suspending the two defensive linemen while they plead their case in appellate court.

Knowing that appellate cases take nine months to a year to get resolved, both players are expected to be available for the 2010 season without threat of suspension.

The Bills play the Vikings in Minnesota in Week 13 (Dec. 5).

Kennedy tight with Big Pat

Having been his teammate for the past season and a half, Bills free agent visitor Jimmy Kennedy is very tight with Pat Williams.

Kennedy said when he told Williams he was coming to visit with the Bills that the former Bills DT couldn’t say enough good things about Buffalo.

“Pat loved this place,” said Kennedy. “I’m quite sure if he had an opportunity to come back here he would be here. He speaks highly of Buffalo and he loves the fans here. When I told him I was coming out here he told me to go up there and have fun and if you sign there good luck.”

Kennedy has a deep respect for Williams’ game and even indicated that he would wear Williams old number 93 if it was available and he signed here.

“If I come here and his old number is available I’ll consider changing to that number,” said Kennedy. “That’s how much respect I have for Pat. He’s like a father for the most part. Thirteen years at that nose guard spot, to get the recognition that he gets right now and to be 38 years old. He’s a beast and I love him to death.”

Number 93 however, is currently worn by Chris Ellis.

Big Pat might say, ‘That’s it.’

Minnesota DT and former Bills DT Pat Williams admits he’s contemplating retirement after 13 NFL seasons.

Williams in speaking with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune said he feels “drained” after the Vikings playoff run to the NFC title game. He actually spoke to teammate Brett Favre about his thoughts on retirement, which is probably not a good thing if the Vikings are hopeful for a quick answer from Big Pat.

Williams, now 37, has three Pro Bowls under his belt all earned during his time in Minnesota. If he does retire it’s been one heck of a career for a former undrafted rookie free agent out of  Texas A&M. In fact he’s arguably one of the most accomplished undrafted defensive tackles of his era.

Spencer Johnson hosting camp in mid-June

After June minicamp is over for the Bills, Spencer Johnson will be holding a physical fitness camp of his own in his native Alabama. Called the Spencer Johnson Sportsfest, the two day event is for area youth and goes from June 16-17 in Gilbertown, AL.

Former Bill and former Johnson teammate Pat Williams as well as Vikings DT Kevin Williams will be on hand for the two day event. It looks as thought basketball will dominate the first day of activities with football taking up most of day two with a cheer clinic as well.

For more information you can go to Spencer Johnson’s website.

Moorman not alone on FOXSports all undrafted team

Brian Moorman was named to the FOXSports.com all-time undrafted team. Though a handful of other players are no longer with the Bills, they can  trace their undrafted roots back to Buffalo.

Also on that roster were former Bills undrafteds, Jason Peters, Jabari Greer and Pat Williams.

London Fletcher also made the team, though he wasn’t an undrafted signing by Buffalo. He signed with the Bills as a free agent in 2002.