The billboard: A daily dose from Bills training camp
April’s tactics
Bills special teams coach Bobby April always is coming up with creative ways to teach techniques. This summer, on occasion, he has punt returners working on a way to be more sure-handed at catching punts. The returners hold a football in their hands, a punt is boomed into the air. Before the ball comes to them, they must toss the ball they’re holding up, catch the ball that’s been punted, then catch the ball they originally held.
Running back and backup punt returner Fred Jackson is impressed with April’s tactics.
“He does some creative things like that and it really does help you on the field,” Jackson said. “You know it’s fun while you’re doing it but it helps you fine-tune your skills. He’s been around a long time and every year we do something different. This drill helps you focus on getting your elbows in. You have to focus on catching that first one, getting complete
control of it, then you try to get to the other one. And you’re not sure where that one’s going to come down.”
Sideline views
The Bills put on the pads for the first time Monday and had an entertaining two-hour practice at
St. John Fisher. Derek Schouman continues to
start at tight end ahead of Robert Royal. Kyle Williams, as usual,
started at defensive tackle ahead of
John McCargo. Rookie Leodis
McKelvin played second- team cornerback with Will James. Ashton Youboty was bumped back to third-team corner. Marshawn Lynch
looked good in pass-blocking
drills against linebackers, stoning Kawika Mitchell on the first drill. Rookie tight end Derek Fine stood out with his solid blocking in one-on-one drills. Marcus Stroud shows a strong push of the pocket with his punch off the snap.
In 11-on-11 drills, Mitchell was all over a screen pass to the left for Lynch. On J. P. Losman’s first play, he connected deep down the right sideline with Roscoe Parrish, who made a sliding catch underneath the outstretched arms of McKelvin. Royal threw a good block to spring Fred Jackson on an off-tackle run. Later on, Trent Edwards hit Lynch downfield with a nice completion. Safety John Wendling forced Xavier Omon to fumble with a hit in the hole. The Bills had to run indoors due to lightning near the end of practice. The last nine plays were run in the gym.
Directions
From Buffalo take the Thruway to Exit 47. Take Route 490 East for 25 miles to Exit 25 (Fairport Road — 31F). Turn right. The shuttle bus lot at East Rochester High School is about a mile down the road. Shuttles run continuously before and after practice. There is no public parking on campus.
Schedule
The first night practice is scheduled for today, from 7 to 9:05 p. m. There were about 5,500 free tickets distributed, and no more are available. A ticket is required for admission to the night sessions. The team will work from 1 to 3:05 p. m. Wednesday, 7 to 9:05 p. m. Thursday, 2:15 to 4:20 p. m. Friday and 10:10 a. m. to 12:20 p. m. Saturday. No tickets are left for Thursday, either. The team is off Sunday.
On the Web
Check out the Bills daily blog at buffalonews.com. To post your comments, go to buffalonews. typepad.com/billboard
Quote of the Day
“What we do is we put our heads together and try to figure out creative ways to strengthen the Bills staying in Buffalo.” — U. S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer.
--Compiled by Mark Gaughan
