Players Who Helped Themselves: There were several players that opened the eyes of fans and coaches with their performance in the scrimmage. On offense, Lionel Gates looked like he could run and may actually challenge for the backup running back spot. Shaud Williams had a nice run as well and ReShard Lee scored once, so the battle is on. Backup QBs Kelly Holcomb, Shane Matthews, and Tory Woodbury all had success against the out manned backups of the Packers. On defense everyone seemed to perform well, safety Jim Leonhard had a solid hit.
Players Who Hurt Themselves: Joe Burns looks like he could be the odd man out at running back. He didn't see the field until late in the scrimmage and then didn't contribute too much. Jonathan Smith may be an odd man out at the busy wide reciever spot, he only had one ball thrown his way.
Bills Score 5 Times: The Bills and Packers scrimmaged tonight with neither starting offense able to move the ball much in regular situations. The Bills were able to get a 12 yard TD run from Willis McGahee, and a 1 yard run by ReShard Lee. That score was setup by a nice long pass from Kelly Holcomb to Ryan Neufeld. Shane Matthews hooked up with George Wilson on a pretty 23 yard touchdown strike. Late in the scrimmage in red zone drills QB Tory Woodbury hooked up with TE Brad Cieslak for a short score and then ran one in on a bootleg. There were no turnovers in the scrimmage by either team.
Defense Shines: The defense was in mid season form in the scrimmage as the Packers offense couldn't move the football at all. Their only success came in the goal line drills with Brett Favre at quarterback. It didn't matter if it was the first, second, or third string defenders they were constantly in the Packers backfield getting "sacks" with nice zone blitzing.
Losman Struggles With Decision Making: J.P. Losman seemed to struggle somewhat in his first real action as a starter. He overthrew receivers sometimes and threw one pass that should have been picked off and returned for a score but it was dropped by the defender. He seemed to make the wrong decisions when he left the pocket. There were times he had open receivers but ran. Then one time he threw it away in the back of the end zone when he could have run it in. He did make some nice throws and was excellent at play faking but there will be a lot to learn from when they look at the films.
Bills Show More Depth: It was obvious that the Bills have more depth than the Packers, especially when the Bills backup defenders went up against the Packers back up offensive players. They just simply dominated by getting pressure on the QB on almost every snap. Even the Bills backup players on offense seemed to make more plays than the Packers backup defensive players. The receivers that are far down on the depth chart seemed to make plays as did the Bills backup QBs. They had little problems figuring out the backup defenders although they did have trouble finishing the job and getting touchdowns.
Kelly's Son Dies: It is a very sad day for the Buffalo Bills family as Hunter Kelly, the son of Jim Kelly, passed away this morning. He was suffering from Krabbe's Disease which is a neurological disorder. He was eight years old. Most babies affected by the disease do not make it to their second birthday. Bills Daily sends our sympathies to the Kelly family.
Losman On Last Night's Workout: J.P. Losman spoke after last night's workout and said he only got a little blitzing last night and they kept things basic so when he checked off it was pretty simple. He thought every period of the workout were successful although he had trouble with the cadence in the first couple of periods but they corrected it. He said he will go into tonight's scrimmage with a game like mentality.
Simon Buffalo Bound? There is a report out today that says Eagles franchise tagged defensive lineman Corey Simon may be headed to Buffalo. The Bills would have to work out a trade with the Eagles and a long term deal with Simon. He was originally headed to Baltimore in a trade for a 2nd and 3rd round pick but they couldn't come to terms with Simon before the draft. Neither team will confirm the report.
Defense Does Well: The first and second team defenses did well against Green Bay in last night's workout. The Packers top two offensive units could only get the to the Bills 34 yard line. The third stringers didn't do so well as Packers rookie QB Aaron Rogers looked good.
First Joint Workout: Coach Mularkey was pleased with the results of the first joint workout with the Packers last night. The teams worked on various situations including 7-on-7, 1-on-1 pass-rush drills, and 11-on-11. They also worked on special teams and the running game. Mularkey said they got a lot of good work in since it was close to real game simulation as you can get. There was hitting involved in the joint workout but no actually tackling. The coach admitted that the Packers got the better of the Bills' offense early in the blitz package but he was pleased with how they finished the scrimmage. Reports say the Bills receivers were constantly getting separation from the Packers secondary with Roscoe Parrish starring in the workout as he caught three passes, two of them for long gains. Mike Gandy was beaten a few times by KBG according to reports. The two teams will workout again this morning before scrimmaging tonight at Lambeau Field. It will be broadcast live by the NFL Network.
Thursday August 4, 2005
Players Excited: The players are very excited about tonight's practice and tomorrow's practice and scrimmage in Green Bay. They all are looking forward to hitting different uniforms after getting through the most grueling part of training camp. Coach Mularkey admitted that the first five days were the toughest with three of the nine two-a-days taking place already. J.P. Losman is looking forward to getting on the field with Brett Favre and watching the legend work. Most players are excited to see where they stand at this point by mixing it up with another team.
Wednesday August 3, 2005
Goal Line Work: In what the Bills official website is calling a very intense battle, the Offense and defense worked on goal line situations in the afternoon session for the first time in camp. The Bills used today to work on situational plays in preparation for Friday's scrimmage in Green Bay. The team travels to Green Bay for a practice tomorrow night and Friday morning before Friday night's scrimmage televised on the NFL Network.
Bills Work On Red Zone Offense: The team worked on the red zone offense in this morning's session. The Official Bills Website reports that the offense performed well in this drill and had the upper hand as J.P. Losman hit Lee Evans for a pair of scores.
Two-A-Day Today: The Bills will once again have two practice sessions today. It is their third two-a-day in their first five days in camp. Coach Mularkey will not do back to back double sessions in camp. Referees are expected to be on the field to call procedure and offsides penalties. Mularkey has brought them in for all two-a-day practices.
Tuesday August 2, 2005
Special Teams Perform Well: The Bills held one practice today, it was an afternoon session. Coach Mularkey spoke to the media after the workout. He was pleased that the offense bounced back from poor practices yesterday. He said both units went back and forth. He felt special teams had as good a practice day as he's seen.
Rookies Impressive: Coach Mularkey spoke highly about two rookies. RB Lionel Gates he feels has good speed for a big back who has a good running style inside and outside. He still needs work on blitz pickup like most rookies. Mularkey wouldn't appoint him in the competition for the 2nd running back spot at this point saying it is too early. Another rookie that has impressed Mularkey is C Ray Preston. He has shown leadership that most rookies don't, he likes how he's taken charge when on the field.
Mularkey Downplays Depth Chart: Coach Mularkey was asked about Joe Burns being put number two on the official depth chart. Mularkey said all positions are up for grabs, the chart on the official team website is just a list of players at positions. He said some players are put higher based on experience. Burns has been with the club the longest out of all backfield players.
Burns Number Two? The Bills have updated their depth chart on the official team site and have moved Joe Burns up to the number two spot at running back. We feel this is just because he has the most experience. He played most of last year as a backup at fullback and we don't expect him to be the number two halfback. He may actually be fighting for a roster spot. Bills Daily Depth Chart.
Everett Offer: WGR is reporting that Tom Donahoe made a contract offer to third round pick Kevin Everett yesterday. He is waiting to hear back from his agent Drew Rosenhaus. There is no rush to get the deal done since Everett is injured but the deal is not suppose to take that into consideration.
Williams Returns: Mike Williams returned to practice on a limited basis Monday and split time with Dylan McFarland. By all accounts he was not showing too much ill effects from his hamstring strain suffered on Saturday. Injury Page.
Monday August 1, 2005
Mularkey Talks About Camp: Coach Mularkey talked after the two practice sessions today. He said he's very pleased by the productivity of Mark Campbell and Tim Euhus coming back from their knee injuries. He said it's a credit to them, the doctors, and the trainers and it has made them closer friends. He said it's important to have them back because it makes the offense ahead of where they would be. He said the offense has been very competitive with the defense, the first team got a first down against the first team defense today then went into a lull. The coach feels it has been back and forth between both sides of the ball. He called Kelly Holcomb a smooth operator who is very confident and is very good for the team and J.P. Losman. On the defensive tackle battle he said there is nothing bad to say about either candidate, Ron Edwards and Tim Anderson. He said they have had excellent camps and have had penetration in the run game. Mularkey called one run by Losman in this afternoon's session "an 82 yard touchdown run" against the third team defense, calling his legs a serious threat. He said he's going to the right guys in his progression and the receivers are making nice catches. On Mike Gandy, he said he's been impressive and they will focus on his play during Friday's scrimmage.
Williams Still Out: Dylan McFarland remained with the first unit at right tackle during this morning's session as Mike Williams continues to nurse a hamstring injury. J.P. Losman said after this morning's workout that he is settling in and they are putting in more plays, shifts, and formations. He said he is still working on reading defenses first, and then about dealing with blitzes.
Donahoe To Talk: Tom Donahoe told the Buffalo News that the agent for Nate Clements is due at training camp sometime after the Packers scrimmage. He expects to sit down and talk to him about the possibility of getting a contract extension done for Clements. He's due to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Clements said he'd like to play his whole career in Buffalo since it is close to his hometown of Cleveland and they are building something special. Donahoe said he wants to keep Nate in Buffalo as he is a member of his original draft class and he feels his best days are ahead of him.
Tickets Available: Tickets for the final two open night practices on August 15th and 22nd are available today through ticketmaster outlets or online at the official Bills website or ticketmaster.com. They are free but are limited to six tickets per person and there is a home printing fee.
Tucker on PUP: Ross Tucker has joined Kevin Thomas on the physically unable to perform list. Coach Mularkey said Tucker remains day to day as he is recovering from off season back surgery. Tucker hoped he'd be ready for the start of camp. He can be taking off of the PUP list whenever he is ready to practice. Injury Page.
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Practice Pushed Up: The Bills have pushed up tomorrow afternoon's practice by a half an hour. They will still do two practice tomorrow. The morning one remains at the scheduled 8:40am time. The afternoon one is now 3:15pm.