Here's the Bills news of note for Aug. 3rd.
**1 - Players share life stories to build bond
**In an interview on the Howard Simon Show, Tre'Davious White stated that coach Sean McDermott has allowed players to share their life stories to bring the team closer together. In an effort to build a tight knit group and strong culture, several players have shared their life's tribulations with their teammates. Here’s what White stated.
"Each and every day, we have a guy that comes up and tells the whole team his story," said White. "He tells us the way he came up and the things he went through. You would never know the people in those pads until you come into our meeting room, and when guys begin to become vulnerable in front of a whole group of men, that's a big deal. I feel like that's building this team day-by-day."
Since arriving in Buffalo, McDermott has preached that he wants to build a winning culture. Further, he has said that he wants to get to know every player, not as someone who plays football, but as a person.
General manager Brandon Beane, on the Howard Simon Show, stated that he thinks these stories have gone a long way in building a close team.
"When I heard Sean was doing it, I think he's gotten more out of than I think he intended," said Beane. "Sometimes you're not sure how much guys are going to open up. He had a couple guys early that did. Maybe shed a tear or two. Obviously, that shows how much it meant. It's kept in the room, it's a bond. It's a brotherhood. That builds team unity and that's what you need."
2 -Bills still waiting on BoldinGeneral manager Brandon Beane stated that the Bills remain hopeful that they can sign Anquan Boldin. In an appearance on Bills flagship station WGR Sportsradio 550, Beane stated that there's still an open dialogue between the two sides. Here’s what he had to say.
"It's at a stall," said Beane. "That's the best way to put it. Anquan is at a time in his life where I think family's very important, that's what I've drawn from this. I'm not sure where he's at with that. We're giving him his time. He's got to be all in and that's where we left it. If he's not then, we'll let him make that decision when he's ready."
Beane stated that there isn't a deadline, the team is simply waiting on Boldin.
"Anquan knows when he's ready, whether he's ready for whatever team, whether it's us or someone else, he's going to be ready," said Beane. "We'll have a dialogue and that's probably the best I could put it right now."
The Bills could certainly use the talent of Boldin on offense, but it will be up to the veteran wide receiver when and if he signs.
3 - Logan Thomas still adjusting to TE
Logan Thomas told reporters, after practice on Tuesday, that his transition to tight end has been challenging. Having played quarterback in college, Thomas has spent the last season trying to transition to a position that he's better suited for in the NFL.
"It's been up and down," said Thomas. "Just kind of like anything – you start something new, you're going to have the ups, you're going to have your downs but when you have those downs, you learn from them and you keep on moving forward. I got a lot of good guys in my room to help me learn and Coach Rob [Boras] is a great coach as well. It's making the transition better than I could even ask."
Thomas went to Virginia Tech, where he played quarterback during his time there. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. After an unproductive year at quarterback, the Cardinals released Thomas. He was claimed by the Miami Dolphins, where he spent a season of their practice squad.
In November of last year, Thomas was signed by the Bills, and they announced that he would transition to tight end.
Standing 6-6 and 260 pounds, Thomas certainly has the size to play tight end in the NFL. Above all, Thomas has natural athleticism. His talent has been on full display early on in training camp, as he moved up to third on the tight end depth chart.
