--Alex Van Pelt, the Bills' longtime backup quarterback who is moving into the team's radio broadcast booth, is in training, doing mock broadcasts. "I've been doing a lot of practice, trying to get a feel for the process," Van Pelt said. "I've been around this game a long time. I know the ins and outs of football. I've seen some of the best play and you get a great view from the sidelines." Now it's from the press box.

--Ever wonder what positions on a football team are most similar in terms of athleticism? Rusty Jones, the Bills director of physical development, divides the team into three groups when devising conditioning and weight-lifting programs: offensive and defensive linemen; linebackers, tight ends and running backs; wide receivers, quarterbacks, defensive backs, kickers and punters. "This team is in great shape," Jones told the Bills' website. "With the improvements in technology and training programs in the past few years, this team has really taken advantage of that."

--RB Willis McGahee, the second-year "rookie," has set a modest goal for the season as he works his way back from major knee surgery. "I'd accomplish a lot by scoring a touchdown. That's good enough for me."

--Ex-Bills' fullback Sam Gash, 35, was cut by the New Orleans Saints, likely bringing to an end his 12-year NFL career. Gash was a solid player for Buffalo, on the field and in the locker room, but was badly misused last season by coordinator Kevin Gilbride. One formation used frequently had the 242-pound Gash, one of the best blockers ever, split out at wide receiver. And people wonder why Buffalo finished 30th in offense and didn't score a TD in seven games.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"This is as good as a team that I've been on, but that doesn't mean anything. Last year, we started out strong and then stumbled. At this point, looking at the guys around me, I feel really, really optimistic about our chances." - QB Drew Bledsoe on the start of his third Bills' training camp.

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