Bills Mafia — #BillsMafia

Following the 2013 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills signed safety Jordan Dangerfield as an undrafted free agent.

Dangerfield was a three-year starter for Towson, where he was a captain and named first-team all CAA.

Dangerfield has experience at free safety, but had the physicality to play the strong side as well.

At 5’11″ 200 pounds, Dangerfield displays excellent range and delivers powerful hits on ball carriers.

Jordan was kind enough to answer some questions with the #BillsMafia just a day before Rookie Mini-Camp begins.

As always, be sure to follow Jordan on Twitter (@DanGer_FieLd46) and wish him luck!

Jordan Dangerfield highlight reel

1. You transferred from Hofstra to Towson after Hofstra shut down the football program. Can you explain what that process was like?

The process was something I wouldn’t want anyone to go through. It was difficult to find a school who was really interested and who was telling the truth, being that the high-school signing day being right around the corner at that time.

Towson was the school showing the most interest and moved the fastest in the process. I set my visit up, fell in love with the town, school, campus. I saw the direction Towson was moving in, and I wanted to be a part of a program that was on the turn around. That is one reason why I chose Hofstra.

2. You were a three-year starter at free safety, but you play an extremely physical brand of football. Do you feel that you could play strong safety as well?

Yes definitely. At Towson we used more right/left safeties as both were basically the same. Every play we were rotating from being in the box to playing over top.

(Photo lifted from CAAZone.com)

What do you feel is your biggest strength as a player?

I feel my biggest strength as a player is my physical play; playing hard, getting the defense lined up and being a smart player on the field.

In your mind, what is the most important attribute a defensive back must have in order to succeed?

Every defensive back must have that swagger out on the field. They must know all the plays and have a short memory after a play doesn’t go our way. We have to put the past behind us fast and move on to the next play in order to succeed.

Who was your inspiration to play football as a kid?

My parents and my two older brothers are close behind.

Which NFL player do you model your game after?

Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu

If you had to tell fans to pick one of your college games to watch, which would it be?

My senior year against LSU!

Towson went 1-10 in your sophomore season. You were elected team captain, and went 9-2 the following year. How did you rally the team that year?

I was tired of losing and so was everyone else, so I preached on that a lot. I made sure our team was focused on the little things and everyone was doing their part on the team.

What are some of your hobbies away from football?

Hanging out with my family, spending time with my brothers, playing video games and watching movies. Just relaxing. I am laid back and always down to do whatever.

What can fans expect from you both on and off the field?

No matter what it is that I am doing, I will be giving it 110% of my effort. I will always give my all in everything I am doing.
GO BILLS !!!! #BillsMafia

Following the 2013 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills signed Kendall Gaskins, a versatile running back out of Richmond as an undrafted free agent.

During his collegiate career, Gaskins, who has a big frame at 6’1″ and weighing 240 lbs, played both fullback and running back.

While C.J Spiller, Fred Jackson and Tashard Choice are currently on the roster, the Bills needed a bigger back that can move the chains in short yardage and goal-line situations.

Gaskins was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions for BillsMafia.com, so be sure to follow him on Twitter (@KGpolo_5)and wish him the best!

(Photo by Peter Casey-US PRESSWIRE)

1. With the Bills’ previous head coach Chan Gailey, the Bills didn’t really utilize a fullback, but Coach Marrone does. Has he told you whether you’ll be strictly a fullback, or a little bit of running back as well?

Well as of right now, I believe I am on the roster as a running back but if I am asked to play fullback that is no problem. I played both in college and by having the ability to potentially play both positions, I can bring more value to the team.

2. You were extremely productive at Richmond, scoring 37 touchdowns and rushing for over 1,700 yards and were also used quite often as a receiver out of the backfield. How do you think your versatility will help you?

Versatility is key. By showing that I can not only run the ball, but block well and catch the ball out the backfield, I’ll be able to showcase my talent and value that I can bring to the Buffalo Bills.

3. What do you think is the most important attribute for a tailback to have?

I would have to say vision is the most important attribute. You can be the most physically gifted tailback, but if you cannot see the holes to make the proper cuts, then it will be very difficult to be a good back. I think this is one of the most overlooked attributes as a back.

4. In the NFL, most fullbacks make a living playing special teams. Do you feel like you can make an impact in that part of the game?

Yes, earlier in my career at Richmond I played lots of special teams when I was not the feature back, but my role was reduced when I became the starter.

I would always ask my coach to put me back on special teams but he never did. At the Texas vs The Nation All star game I played in, I was on every special teams unit and was pretty successful, making three tackles; therefore, I know I can be a productive player in that aspect of the game. In order to play special teams and be successful you have to posses a certain mentality, like a mad man.

5. You were a team captain at Richmond, so you obviously can command the respect of your teammates. How will you bring this leadership to the NFL as a rookie?

I’m a vocal and outgoing person off the field, but in terms of leading on the field, I am not a “rah rah” type of guy who does all the screaming and yelling.

I would rather just play and let that do the talking, more leading by example. But with that being said, when something needs to be said to the team or players I don’t have a problem doing so. I just prefer letting my play do all of the talking.

6. What was your favorite class in school, and why?

I am very interested in the way people interact and why they interact the way they do. Therefore, my favorite classes in college were sociology classes because we discussed things like that.

7. What are some hobbies you like to do when you’re away from football?

I really enjoy listening to music, and even though I don’t have any musical talent, it’s a big part of my life. I also enjoy just being around my friends and family much like anyone. I am a gamer too, so if anyone would like to challenge me in NBA 2K I’m up for it!

8. What’s your favorite song to listen to before a game to get you pumped up?

I don’t have one song that gets me going, but I have a playlist that I keep on shuffle that does the job.

9. The Bills’ new coaching staff has been preaching versatility and tempo since they took over. What are your first impressions of Coach Marrone and Coach Hackett?

I haven’t officially met them yet but I think those are two things that should be valued by coaches. The more players you have that can do numerous things at a high level while doing it fast is great for a team in any sport.

10. What can Bills fans expect to see out of you both as a person and a player?

I’m a very outgoing person that brings a lot of passion to whatever it is that I am doing, whether it is on or off the field. I am big on family, and I value the morals that my family has taught me throughout my life. On the field, I am going to be a one-cut physical runner. I’m a bigger back who can catch the ball out of the backfield, block well in pass-protection, and play special teams as well.

The Buffalo Bills signed punter Brian Stahovich last month after he impressed team officials at a tryout.

According to the Bills’ official site, Stahovich was consistently booming punts with hang times between 4.6 and 4.9 seconds.

Last year following the release of long-time Bills punter, Brian Moorman, the Bills had a big void at the position.

While special teams players tend to get overlooked in the grand scheme of things, it was evident that the Bills needed an upgrade. Stahovich will likely have every opportunity to snatch the starting role in training camp, as he competes with fellow punter Shawn Powell.

Stahovich, a two-time All-Mountain West selection out of San Diego State University was kind enough to answer some questions with BillsMafia.com, as he readies himself to compete with Powell for the job.

As always, be sure to follow him on Twitter, (@AztcBeast14) as he’s always interacting with fans!

(Photo by Ernie Anderson)

Can you explain the process of the Bills’ tryout?

Well, the Bills had called my agent a month or so prior to the mini camp inviting me to the mini camp on a try out basis. I had been preparing already for any opportunity that could pop up, because you never know when you are going to get a call from a team to come work out.

From there I came in and got to jump straight into full team punt. Like anyone, I wish I would have hit a few balls better and really blown the doors off the field house, but I felt confident in how I had done over the three day mini camp.

Next thing I know my agent called me saying they wanted to sign me and it was unreal I couldn’t even believe it!

Since you’ve arrived in Buffalo, you’ve been interacting with the fans on Twitter. What has been your reaction to the city so far, especially being that you’re from California?

The fans have been showing me a lot of twitter love since joining the team! I like the city a lot, it’s very different from California because there is so much history here.

Most of San Diego is all new buildings but here, especially downtown, you see a lot of the older architecture and a lot of places that have a history to them which is pretty neat.

After going undrafted, you went on with the Colts. How long were you with them, and what’d you learn in your first NFL setting?

I learned a lot with the Colts, and I was very fortunate that Adam Vinatieri took me under his wing early on and really helped me learn the ins and outs of our everyday activities.

He gave me critiques on my holding style as well as coaching me up on kickoffs. The guy is a legend and getting to hit the field with him everyday was the highlight of me being there.

Outside of football, what are some of your hobbies?

I love the outdoors; fishing, hiking all that good stuff. I try to stay pretty active. At least once a week, I take my dog to the dog beach in San Diego, but I’m eager to get out and explore Buffalo! I also have a pretty good sense of humor and love to laugh so anything funny I’m always in the mood for.

How do you say your last name?

Stuh-ha-vich. It’s Polish.

When you were a little kid, did you have dreams of becoming an NFL player? Or did you pick up punting later on in your career?

Well I started out in 5th grade. I wanted to kick because my dad kicked in high school and he was working with the kicker on our Pop Warner team. So I started to kick, but knew I didn’t have the leg strength then, I could barely get the ball to roll. It was BAD. But I knew if I kept kicking I would get better. I kicked for three years in Pop Warner, four years in high school, where I also started at cornerback, and four years in college [at San Diego State University].

Did you kick field goals as well, or did you just focus on punting?

I did everything up through high school, and then once I went to college all I did was punt.

What’s the furthest that you’ve ever punted a ball?

My career long in college was 89 yards. It was 64 yards in the air, and then it rolled and then the guy knocked it out of bounds. I just tried to line drive it over his head, but it went way over his head. I was like, “please don’t catch it please don’t catch it,” then it rolled, but he knocked it out of bounds at his own 8 yard line. He had more than enough room to get a decent return, but I was like thank God that you did not get that and just run it back at us.

What’s your favorite part of being a Bills player so far?

I would just say the city and the fans. But the fans are definitely the #1 thing about being a Buffalo Bills player. Wherever you go in the city, whether it be our hotel, just walking down the street, or the local Target, all of the fans are really excited about the upcoming season and are just really nice.

Who was your idol growing up?

The #1 person I looked up to the most I would say was my dad, because of his whole life story. Both of my parents are from Minnesota. He came out from Minnesota to San Diego. All he came with was his pick up truck and nothing else. But when he got here in San Diego he worked his butt off and supported his family. To me, that is the most respectable thing that one guy could ever do.

What kind of music do you listen to? Who’s your favorite artist?

I kind of listen to everything, it just kind of depends. Every morning I get on Pandora and listen to Metallica. But I also listen to country as well; my favorite country artist is Toby Keith.

What’s your favorite spot to vacation?

Well, me and the family always go to Durango, Colorado. We just go out on the lake and have fun. We have family and friends there and we get some fishin’ in.

Do you have any pets?

I have a Doberman named Zeus that I rescued in September last year. He was about 7 months old when i got him and he was quite a handful at first, not very trained.

Later I found out he was raised in a meth house. But he is a very friendly dog and I love him to death!

Who is your favorite athlete of all time? The sport doesn’t matter.

Does Chuck Norris count? Because if I could say Chuck Norris I would go Chuck Norris. If Walker Texas Ranger is on TV to this day, I will still watch it!

Do you have a quote that you live by?

One thing that my dad always told me that is really true is “People don’t plan to fail, but they fail to plan.”

You always need a plan or strategy for anything you do in life, you just can’t go in and wing it.

If you had the opportunity to go to a school and speak to young children, what words of encouragement would you give them?

I would just tell them to work hard. I mean, from where I started, I couldn’t even kick the ball 20 yards. Now, I’m on the Buffalo Bills, which just goes to show that if you put your mind to it and work as hard as you possibly can, you can accomplish just about anything.

Being from San Diego, do you think it will be hard to adjust to Buffalo’s bi-polar weather?

I have heard tons of stories about how brutal the winters can be and how amazing the summers are but for the time I have been here i have loved the weather and there hasn’t been a bad day yet. There has been worse weather in San Diego than Buffalo over the last few weeks.

Growing up, did you ever have the opportunity to meet any of your favorite athletes?

Actually when I was in elementary school and just started kicking we went to the same church that John Carney went to, and I used to always try and find him during church and stare because he is a legend when it comes to specialists in the NFL.

Fortunately enough, I was actually able to work with him coming out of college and getting ready for the NFL combine, and again after I was released from the Colts.

Its crazy to think how I used to stare and want to grow up and be a great NFL kicker like him and now I get to work out with him everyday when I’m in San Diego.

Quickly after the 2013 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills jumped at the opportunity to sign former Howard linebacker Keith Pough to a contract as an undrafted free agent.

Graded as a mid-round draft pick by most draftniks after an impressive performance at the East-West Shrine Game, it was a shock to many that he wasn’t selected after racking up over 350 tackles and setting an FCS record 72 tackles for a loss in his career.

(Courtesy Howard University Athletics)

As an undrafted free agent, Pough had his choice of teams to choose from and selected to join the Buffalo Bills.

A vocal, fiery and intense leader on and off the field, Pough was kind enough to answer some questions with me, so let’s get to know the newest member of the #BillsMafia!

Keith, you had an opportunity to play at LSU and Vanderbilt. What made you decide to attend Howard?

Yes, I had a preferred walk on offer from LSU and a scholarship from Vanderbilt. I chose Howard because I was born and cultivated by the HBCU experience; the rivalries, the bands, the rich culture and traditions. I also chose Howard because education is very important in my household and was embedded in my upbringing by virtue of the fact that both of my parents are educators.

My mother, who is very influential in my life, played a major role in me committing to the prestigious Howard University. Since football wasn’t and isn’t a guarantee, she stressed the relevant necessity of academics, earning a degree and having a life aside, beyond and after football.

The only guarantee about being a ball player is that you’re going to be an ex-ball player and you have to have a life after the game.

From the second you turn on your tape, it’s pretty obvious that you’re a relentless player. Which part of your game do you pride yourself on, and what do you feel is an area you need to work on?

I’m a film junkie and pride myself on hours of studying/dissecting film and the mental preparation required to compete at a very high level.

My strengths on the field are my leadership qualities, my high energy, passion and intensity, my knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the game as a whole always me to compete faster and at an elite level my opponent is unable or unwilling to match. I’m a sure tackler, my athleticism contributes to my quickness and game speed.

Areas I will improve on are stack and shedding, reading 3 step and my implementation into the passing game.

You played both inside and outside linebacker at Howard, but posted video game like numbers. Which position do you feel you’re best suited for, being that the Bills are likely operating a 3-4 defense this year?

Along with my athleticism, quickness and game speed, I’m a student of the game, which makes me a very versatile linebacker. I’ve competed and dominated at a very high level being an edge rusher, force and contain player in a 3-4 and produced compatible numbers playing both inside and outside in a 4-3 scheme.

I’m the FCS All Time leader in tackles for loss, acquiring 28.5 my sophomore season playing in the 3-4 scheme, leading the Nation and finished top 3 in the nation the following junior season accumulating 21.5 tackle for loss in the 4-3 scheme.

While I’m highly productive in both, I’m most effective as an on the line of scrimmage linebacker, edge player, blitzing, making plays in the backfield and sacking the quarterback.

Who was your favorite player growing up, and which current player do you model yourself after?

My favorite players and competitors I model style of play after are Ray Lewis and Lawrence Taylor. Take the tall, lanky, lean frame of Lawrence Taylor and combined it with the passion, intensity and relentless mentality of Ray Lewis and you have yours truly, Keith Pough.

When you’re away from football, what are some hobbies that you enjoy?

When I’m away from football I enjoy eating, training, reading, hunting, fishing, spending time with family and watching movies. I’m a home body so if it’s not church, work or any of the those I’ve listed I don’t leave the house. 

You were a team captain, you were named the 2012 MEAC player of the year, and you’re an athletic linebacker. How in the world were you not drafted!

Your guess is just as good as mine. I was a four year team captain, I was indeed named the 2012 MEAC player of the year and yes I wasn’t drafted which will remain an unsolved enigma but Arian Foster was undrafted also and he’s doing pretty good for himself.

Although I was disappointed because I wanted to hear my name called it’s not the end of the world. I’m just grateful for Buddy Nix, Coach Pettine, Coach O’Neil and the entire Bills organization for believing in me enough to give my an opportunity.

I will never forget that feeling and use it as fuel for my fire and motivation to be the best defensive player to play this wonderful game. We will revisit that question 12 to 15 years from now and maybe I will have an answer for you.

If you had to choose one song to get fired up before a game, what would it be? 

 If I had to choose one song to get gassed up and my blood flowing before a game it would be a mix of “Get Right” by Young Jeezy, “BM jr” by Lil Wayne, and “Neck” by Howard University Showtime Marching Band

For more information on Keith, check out his scouting report by Bleacher Report Featured Columnist and Draft Falcons’ editor Scott Carasik (@ScottCarasik) here and take a listen to Draft Insider’s interview with him here at around the 30-minute mark, and visit their website at DraftInsiderSports.com 

When we here at BillsMafia.com began our sponsorship initiative to raise funds to become a legally recognized non-profit organization, we never expected the level of support we received. The immediate response was awe-inspiring, and we were able to raise the funds needed in a matter of days! One particular individual, Sergeant Benjamin Hunt, caught our attention, going above and beyond any of our expectations by purchasing not one, not two, but THREE platinum level sponsorships! We wanted to get to know him better, so we decided to interview the man behind the Twitter handle @benjaminjhuntjr.

@benjaminjhuntjr

How did you first learn of and become involved with the Bills Mafia?

In 2012, I deployed for the third time in my career, this time to Afghanistan. Just before all of the free agency buzz, I decided to create a Twitter account so that I could follow what was happening with the Bills through multiple sources. You all probably would have laughed at the set up I had. Because of the time difference, I had to have everything set up at night when I was supposed to be sleeping, preparing for another long day. My set up consisted of my laptop, iPad, iPod and iPhone all connected to the Wi-Fi in the area, and every device was on a separate website. Anyways, I remember reading through the tweets and I noticed suddenly a few of the people I was following were using the hashtag #BillsMafia. I loved the sound of it right away and started doing my own research. Not long after, I found the OG’s and instantly was welcomed into the #FAMbase, followed by hundreds more followers and fantastic people with the same passion as I have for the Bills.

What is your favorite aspect of Bills Mafia? What really drew you in?

Honestly my favorite part of Bills Mafia is the people that are a part of it and the good that we do for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

I’d have to say the thing that drew me into Bills Mafia was most certainly feeling like I belonged because I had stumbled upon thousands of people, AMAZING people that have the heart, drive, and passion for a team that I have loved all of my life.

When we started our sponsorship initiative, we never expected the level of support you’ve shown. You’ve purchased three platinum sponsorships. What prompted this? What would you like to see Bills Mafia accomplish or become in the future?

Haha, I’m not really sure what prompted me to do it. The things that Bills Mafia stands for and the direction that it is going is just awesome and I really wanted to show my support and contribute any way possible to be part of something so special. I would love to see the Bills Mafia finally become a true non-profit organization and continue to grow and continue to motivate Bills fans all over the world. As for the future… Well, I suppose broadening the horizon and providing assistance to a number of local charities in WNY to help less fortunate families/Bills fans. I think that providing that kind of support for WNY would be phenomenal and right up our alley.

Tell us a bit about yourself. You live in California… How/why did you become a Bills fan?

I do live in California currently but… I haven’t lived here all my life. I actually grew up in a little town called Rathbone, NY. It’s really an astonishing little town and growing up there I was raised a Bills fan by my father and mother. I spent 18 years of my life there and then joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school. That is why I currently live in California. Living in that household made me the fan I am today. My father and I still talk about figuring out a way to buy the team and permanently cement them in Buffalo forever!

How long have you been a fan?

All my life, seriously, my earliest memory of the Bills was their first Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. I was way too young (4 years old at the time) to understand what was going on, but my family was cheering on the Bills, so I was too.

Do you have a favorite memory involving the Bills that you’d like to share?

Oh my, hahaha, :) I am going to go with a more recent memory because it was the first time that I was with family and the Bills had won while I was present. This past season’s game against the Arizona Cardinals was CRAZZZZYYYYY and it was just awesome to watch. My wife and I drove down and stayed with my brother and his wife over the weekend and went to the game together. I also got to meet up with other Mafia members and I got to hang out with one of the Co-hosts of the BirdGang podcast Mario Ortiz. (He also happens to be family… Wife’s cousin lol)

Other than the Bills… What do you do in your spare time? Any other passions, hobbies, etc that you’d like to tell us about? We want to get to know you better!

Honestly it’s very rare that I get any free time, but when I do, I like to do work on my 66 Mustang and my Man Cave/Guest room/Office. I also love to go outdoors and visit different places around Southern California. I guess I’m just a fairly down to earth guy and when it comes to the Buffalo Bills I am a TRUE fanatic.

Thank you so much for sharing, Ben, and for all of the support you’ve shown to us here at Bills Mafia. We hope that we can make you proud to have been a founding sponsor!

Thanks to EVERYONE who has supported this endeavor. And remember, if you haven’t become a founding sponsor, it’s not too late!

The Buffalo Bills are in the market for a wide receiver this offseason, but an under the radar name to keep an eye on throughout training camp could be Kevin Elliot. The team signed the 24-year old to a three-year deal towards the end of the 2012 season, meaning the 6’3” 215 pounder should be able to fight for some significant playing time.

An undrafted free agent, Elliot is not one to shy from competition, having played 10 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, despite having starters such as Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts ahead of him on the depth chart.

Elliot caught 10 passes for 108 yards in his limited action last year, and the newest Bills wide receiver was kind enough to answer some questions with BillsMafia.com.

Photo credit: famuathletics.com

Do you feel that playing for a small school (Florida A&M) and going undrafted has helped you as a player?

It definitely helped me in many ways. I don’t think I would have the drive or the work ethic that I have now if it wasn’t for FAMU. Getting drafted or going undrafted was really irrelevant to me; I just wanted the opportunity to get in somebodies camp.

What is your biggest strength as a player and why?

My athletic ability to play anywhere on the field, as well as the physical part of my game. I’m a physical wide receiver that doesn’t mind blocking or getting dirty.

Prior to signing with the Buffalo Bills, you were with the Jacksonville Jaguars; What was your first impression of the fans here?

I love the fans in Buffalo. Even when we played them while I was still with Jacksonville, I noticed how into the game they were! Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen how loyal they are too, which makes me even more anxious to go out and perform in front of the “BillsMafia”

(Photo by Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports)

Right before we signed you, the Bills GM Buddy Nix said the team needed a big wide receiver that was “open when he’s covered.” Do you feel that you fit this mold?

Yes sir! I’ve felt that way since high school!

What is the most important trait a wide receiver must have in his game?

He must be a technician. Everyone is a great athlete in the NFL, but whoever has the best technique and the discipline to trust that technique will excel at this level.

What are your favorite three things to do when you’re away from the football field?

Playing Call Of Duty, playing Spades, and mentoring our youth.

You have to pick one song to get you pumped up before a game; what is it?

Work – Young Scooter

Kevin Elliot certainly has the height-weight-speed requirements Buddy Nix described, and according to most Jaguars fans, he certainly has the ability. As always, be sure to follow Kevin on Twitter (@CatchinMyDreams) and show your support for one of the newest wide receivers of the Buffalo Bills!

When the Bills announced that there would be an entire new coaching staff in place, it was clear that there would be some changes regarding the player personnel on both offense and defense.

“I’m a WR now. :)” (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

However, TE/FB Dorin Dickerson, an Exclusive Rights Free Agent following the end of the 2012 season, was quickly tendered by the team, meaning that the staff thinks highly of the former Pittsburgh Panther standout.

He announced his return on Twitter, stating:

“So glad to be a Buffalo Bill another year!! #blessed #billsmafia”

Coach Gailey’s staff couldn’t find a way to properly utilize Dickerson’s skill set last year, as he played just 102 snaps, but made the most of them, catching nine passes for 117 yards.

I had the opportunity to speak with Dorin about his time in Buffalo, what he offers to the team and what he likes to do in his spare time. Like every other Bills’ player, you need to be following him on Twitter! (@scorindorin)

After an extremely productive senior season with Pitt as a tight end catching 49 passes for 529 yards and 10 touchdowns, you bounced around in the NFL before finally finding a home with the Bills. What has your overall experience in Buffalo been like so far?

It has been really great. It’s really flexible and easier for my family to come visit, because Pittsburgh is only about an hour drive, so it’s been really good for me. All in all, it’s been good!

You’re listed as a fullback on the Bills’ depth chart, but you seem to have a lot of versatility to your game. What do you think is the biggest asset you bring to the Bills’ roster?

My biggest asset I bring to the team is my speed and my strength. I feel like I have the speed of a wide receiver with the strength of an offensive lineman, so it really helps my game when I go against defenders!

(Photo courtesy Scout.com)

The role of the H-Back Tight End/Fullback hybrid has begun to slowly take over NFL offenses. Do you think you fit this mold, and how so? 

Absolutely. With my versatility it allows me to be able to play any position on the offense, other than quarterback or offensive line.

Have you met with Coach Marrone yet, and if so, what are your expectations for the Bills’ 2013 offense? 

I have, but can’t get into details. All I can say is I’m very, very excited to get the opportunity to compete in this new offense.

What are some non-football hobbies that you like to occupy yourself with when you have some down time?

I love watching or going to the movies, and I love to work out. Those are my top hobbies. Oh, and ALWAYS love hanging with my girlfriend!

If you had to pick one song to get you pumped up on gameday, what would it be?

Be Optimistic by Sounds Of Blackness. I listen to it every single day.

Following the interview with Dorin, he announced his jersey number would be changed from 42 to 82.

When I asked him about it, he replied: “Yup, I’m a WR now :)”

The Buffalo Bills need secondary help in the worst way, and following the end of the season the team quickly signed former South Carolina State and Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Dominique Ellis.

(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

Ellis is a versatile player, having the ability to play cornerback and both safety positions. During his four-year college career, Ellis was a ball hawk, recording five interceptions and returning one for a score.

I had the opportunity to speak with Dominique and find out more about him as both a player and a person.

Be sure to follow one of the newest members of the Bills on Twitter (@DominiqueEllis7)

You were a 3 star recruit and committed to N.C. State. What led you to transfer to South Carolina State?

A change in coaching staff. I originally committed to (Coach) Chuck Amato & his staff and after a year with the new coaching staff I realized it was in my best interest.

Do you feel that coming out of a small college football program had a positive or negative effect on you making it to the National Football League?

Very positive, for the fact that it’s extremely hard & you truly earn the respect of coaches & peers around the league.

As of right now, who are the top three artists you listen to in order get pumped up on game days?

1. DMX fav artist of all time
2. 2pac
3. Teddy Pendergrass (I need something to calm me before stepping on the field)

You’ve played all over the secondary in college and have been listed as both a corner and a safety on both the Chiefs and Bills websites. Which position do you feel is your favorite, and why?

I don’t have a favorite, I feel wherever I can help my team is where I need to be, I’m comfortable in the box, deep middle, or on a island.

What’s your biggest strength as a player? (On field/ locker room)

My biggest strength’s probably my football intelligence (I earned the nick name Dalai Lama from my teammates & coaches in college because I studied so much & pretty much knew everything that I could possibly know about my opponent.

(Photo by Brian Linder/T&D)

What about weaknesses?

I don’t believe in weaknesses. I’m sort of old school on this subject, I believe we are created in our maker’s image and he has no weaknesses so I have none. There are things I can most definitely improve on, but weakness? None.

Growing up, who was your favorite player, and who would you model you’re skill set after in the current NFL?

My favorite football player was my older brother he was the man to me. He was the reason I fell in love with football and going to his games was priceless. If anybody I would say Charles Woodson because he can play everywhere and do everything at a high level.

You’ve quickly become a favorite follow on Twitter of the #BillsMafia since joining the team. Anything you’d like to say to say to the fans?

That I’m a old-school player & believes in hard work. Imma do everything I possibly can to make our team better.

The Bills have hired Danny Crossman as their new special teams coordinator, per a report in the Detroit News. This news has been received by fans in Buffalo with, let’s say, something less than an enthusiastic response.

Danny Crossman, the Bills new ST coordinator (reportedly). (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

I decided to reach out to someone who would be familiar Crossman’s work. Sean Yuille of SB Nation’s Detroit iteration, PrideOfDetroit.com, was gracious enough to answer a few quick questions I had…

1. Danny Crossman was the special teams coordinator for the past 3 seasons in Detroit. What were the unit’s strengths during this time? What were its weaknesses?

In Crossman’s first season, the coverage units excelled. This was a positive improvement from the struggles under Stan Kwan, who was fired and ended up in Buffalo as an assistant. The return units were also quite good in Crossman’s first season.

Since then, it has been nothing but mediocrity. The coverage units took a step back in 2011, and they fell apart in 2012, allowing a pair of return touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. That is by far the biggest weakness based on the last two seasons — an inability to prevent big returns. The coverage units did improve over the course of the 2012 season, but by then the damage had already been done.

2. Are there any extenuating circumstances that are to blame for the 2012 Lions having the 24th ranked special teams, according to Pro Football Focus?

One reason for their struggles that may be valid is a lack of talent. Early on especially, injuries forced a couple key special teams players into the starting lineup at defense, and perhaps their absence on special teams contributed to the coverage issues. And perhaps Crossman was forced to keep punter Nick Harris and returner Stefan Logan, who both had awful seasons. I don’t know if those were his calls or not (leaning toward not).

While there certainly were some personnel issues for Crossman, I strongly believe his schemes were a big reason behind the Lions’ struggles on special teams. When you have an opponent saying they expected to score on special teams, blame has to be placed on the schemes.

3. As someone who follows the Detroit Lions as close as anyone, what should Bills fans expect if the report of his hiring is true? Is this a good hire?

I really don’t think it is a very good hire. Crossman’s special teams units in Carolina were ranked closer to the bottom of the league than the top more often than not, and that was also the case in Detroit. On the one hand, maybe he’s simply not had a lot of talent to work with. But the flip side of that is that good coaches are able to overcome a lack of talent. I certainly don’t place all of the blame for the Lions’ struggles on special teams on him, but I welcome a change for sure. Perhaps it says a lot about the Lions that a change is only happening because Crossman is taking a job elsewhere.

So there you have it. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. But as I’ve said several times up to this point, I’m willing to give the new coaching staff the benefit of the doubt. We’ll see how it all pans out I guess.

Thanks for the quick turnaround on these questions, Sean. Much appreciated.

Earlier tonight we had a guest blog post by a Cardinals fan about the three coaches from Arizona who have been tied to the Bills.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Now, we’re going to look at Lovie Smith, the recently fired head coach of the Bears who has reportedly expressed interest in the Buffalo vacancy. Tonight, I reached out to two prominent Bears fans on Twitter, Erik Grogan of ChicagoFootballTalk.com and Chris Shanafelt, host of SportsManRadio on Blogtalkradio.com. Both were gracious enough to answer my questions in swift fashion.

1. There’s a large contingent of Bills fans that are lobbying for Lovie Smith to come to Buffalo. Are they justified in their opinion, or crazy? Why?

Erik Grogan: They are justified. It’s not crazy. Four other teams have contacted him so far and I believe more will. Before the Bears hired Lovie, the team was very mediocre and very unstable. Lovie was hired in 2004 and in only two years, the Bears were starting to become contenders and the defense had that Monster of the Midway feel that had been missing for so long. In the last nine years, Lovie Smith has only had three years below .500 and that goes unnoticed a lot of times. Especially with the lack of offenses. Lovie Smith only had one offense in the top 15 one time. That was his Super Bowl year in 2006. Other than that, the offenses have been below mediocre. However, the players will want to run through walls for this guy. Lovie will never show emotions on the field but in the locker room, he is a fiery coach. Almost every player was saddened and disappointed that Lovie Smith was fired. That doesn’t happen often when a head coach is fired.

Chris Shanafelt: I’m not surprised that Bills fans want Lovie in Buffalo. Lovie has had come success here in Chicago making it to the playoffs a few times and appearing in a Super Bowl back in 2006. Lovie is a really good defensive coach. I think it’s safe to say that the Bears defense wasn’t expected to perform the way they did this season but it was crazy especially because of how “old” they are. We both know Buffalo has a very talented defense (DE M. Anderson, DE M. Williams, DT M. Dareus, etc.) and with the LB core you guys have with Barnett, Merriman, and Morrison, I believe Lovie can make that core even stronger. I think Lovie’s best fit will be with Buffalo.

2. Lovie Smith brought the Bears to a Super Bowl with Rex Grossman, but struggled with Jay Cutler. What’s your opinion on why his tenure in Chicago worked out that way?

EG: Lovie Smith is a defensive minded coach. Period. Thus, Lovie would let his offensive coaches do what they are suppose to do and that’s coach. Rarely would Lovie get involved with the offense and his choices at offensive coordinator never worked out. Through his nine years at Chicago, he went through four different offensive coordinators. Four. Look at any of the great quarterbacks/offenses in the league. They have all had the same offensive scheme for years.

CS: Lovie Smith brought the Bears to a Super Bowl with Rex Grossman because that ’06 Bears defense was more consistent in my opinion. Lovie doesn’t have a great past when it comes to offense. His best offense was ranked 16th and that was the 2006 Super Bowl Bears. The offensive coordinators that have been in Chicago during Lovie’s time haven’t been too great.

3. On the whole are Bears fans glad to see Smith go? And if so, why?

EG: The main reason that most Bears fans are okay with Lovie Smith going is because of a lot of things. Lovie never really developed any real offensive weapons besides Matt Forte. In fact, a lot of draft picks seemed to go to waste and never amounted to much. When you look at Lovie Smith’s draft record with the Bears, it doesn’t impress you. Especially all the first round picks that have been busts. The main reason most fans wanted Lovie gone was his playoff record. Smith’s playoff record was not very appealing. In nine years, he only made the postseason three times and never won a Super Bowl.

CS: Myself being a Bears fan I’m not really happy to see Lovie go after finishing the season 10-6 because he has done a lot with the Chicago Bears organization in the 9 years he has been here and when the news broke it really impacted the players. Once the news broke, Devin Hester said he was thinking about retiring after just finishing his 7th season in the NFL. Lovie wasn’t only a coach for these players, he was a friend & mentor. Taught these players how to be men. Many Bears fans were happy when the news broke. I was at a local radio show called Waddle & Silvy and every week they have a Jay Cutler show and the news broke with Jay there live on the show and he was almost lost for words — it seemed like while the Bears fans were cheering. Cutler said he wishes he could have done more to help Lovie keep his job but maybe change is a good thing. Lovie is a players’ coach.

4. What is Lovie’s greatest strength?

EG: Lovie’s greatest strength is his defenses. There was probably only a few years that the defense wasn’t in the top 15 but was in the top 5 quite a few times. A lot of the games Lovie won was because the defense would win the game or set the offense up to not fail. Lovie Smith has been able to draft some good defensive players over the years. Tommie Harris, Lance Briggs, Nathan Vasher, Charles Tillman, Major Wright, Henry Melton, Corey Wootton, and Daniel Manning. There are more but those are just a few that I can name off the top of my head and Harris was the only drafted in the first round.

CS: Lovie’s greatest strength is the way he coaches defense and connects with his players. No doubt.

5. His greatest weakness?

EG: Lovie Smith’s greatest weakness is not just one thing. Smith’s inability to get a decent offensive coordinator really hurt his tenure here at Chicago. The list of first round busts that he has drafted hurt too. Plus, during games, Lovie Smith never showed the ability to adapt or adjust. In fact, most of Lovie Smith’s blowout losses are because he would never adjust his defensive game plan. To be honest, his stubbornness to start players that he loved or thought could still play also hurt his tenure. Prime example is Tommie Harris and Rex Grossman. Both players overstayed their welcome in Chicago but Lovie kept trying/hoping they would return to their prime.

CS: Lovie’s greatest weakness has been the offensive staff he chooses (mainly offensive coordinator.) Like I mentioned earlier, ever since Lovie has been in Chicago his team’s offense has always been in the worst half of the rankings. With the NFL being an offensive league now its hard to be successful like that and maybe that’s why Lovie missed the playoffs 5 out of the last 6 seasons. I would also like to see Lovie show more emotion on the sidelines. Almost no matter what he has a stale face. I don’t know what he does in the locker room, I can only judge what he does outside of it but what I see is little to no emotion.

Thanks again to Erik and Chris for taking the time to answer my questions tonight. With Lovie appearing to be the “fans’ choice” in Buffalo (at least, according to my Tuesday night Twitter timeline) hopefully this information helps paint a fuller picture.