Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 9/1

Wilson still in hospital - The Buffalo News
"Thank you very much for your thoughts for Mr. Wilson, we've heard from a lot of people," Owen said this evening at a sponsors event at Ralph Wilson Stadium. "He is still in the hospital but he's doing very well."

WGR 550 - Breaking Down The Bills Cuts
Joe Buscaglia provides information about each Bill on the wrong end of the Turk.

Thigpen sticks, Sanders to I-R as roster pared to 53 - BuffaloBills.com
"There were some surprises that stuck and some veterans that were released Friday evening as the Bills coaching staff trimmed 21 players from the active roster and placed rookie Zebrie Sanders on injured reserve to get down to the required 53 by 9 pm."

Undrafted Howell lands fourth safety role - BuffaloBills.com
"It was a long day understanding that everything had to be done by 9 pm. I laid everything out on the field with all my effort, but all the waiting was definitely difficult," Howell told Buffalobills.com. "It was a process, but I’m definitely blessed and excited to be on this team now. I’m looking forward to what the future holds."

Bills celebrate back to football - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com
"The Buffalo Bills hosted the first ever Kickoff at the Ralph event, an exclusive on-field evening for sponsors, players and coaches."

Inside The Bills | Fan Friday 8-31
Chris Brown answers questions on excessive celebration, Marcus Easley's practice suad eligibility, Terrence McGee switching to safety, and more.

Inside The Bills | Roster breakdown
Here’s the breakdown by position for Buffalo’s 53-man roster

Inside The Bills | Roster number history under Gailey
"With final cuts to get the roster to the required 53 coming later today, here’s a look at how the position numbers have fallen each of the past two years under Chan Gailey for the opening day roster." From 2010 and 2011.

Inside The Bills | Bills don’t lack for confidence
"We have a lot of confidence," said Ryan Fitzpatrick. "And we talked about it even before that Detroit game. I think on offense we feel we are light years ahead of where we were in the past. We are looking forward to getting off to a fast start to the season. We have a tough opponent with a tough defense to play but we are looking forward to it."

Thigpen becomes Bills' insurance policy - The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan's thorough breakdown of the Bills' cuts and roster.

Poll: What should the Bills do with backup QBs? - The Buffalo News
Most people thought the Bills should keep two back-ups but were split on Smith vs. Thigpen. 25% of fans thought the Bills should keep everyone until Jackson learns the playbook which is apparently what the Bills are doing.

Fred Jackson: Fitzpatrick rib injury was big issue - The Buffalo News
"It was a huge part of it," Jackson said. "Not a lot of people knew about it because we kind of just wanted to keep it under wraps. But any time you have ribs that are bothering you and you're a quarterback it's going to be hard to throw the football.

Bills drop 21 players, place Sanders on IR - The Buffalo News
Tim Graham provides one line of info on each Bills cut.

Words from The Turk: Don't get comfy, 53 - The Buffalo News
"The waiver wire comes out, and the team wants to pick up a guy," The Turk said. "Well, you have to release somebody. You think you made it, but maybe eight hours later you're going to get cut. That's almost worse than the shock of not making final cuts."

I’ve Seen Enough | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
"I know it’s pre-season, but was anyone impressed by the Bills’ so-called improved defense? The first-stringers allowed five touchdowns and a field goal in 15 possessions. And the backups were downright brutal."

Buffalo Bills pare roster down to 53 players | Democrat and Chronicle
"The Bills kept only five receivers and still have four quarterbacks on their roster." Somehow Sal Maiorana counts Brad Smith as both...

Buffalo Bills cut-down analysis - AFC East Blog - ESPN
James Walker must have missed the fact that Brad Smith is hurt. Other than that, he's on the money with his analysis.

Final AFC East preseason Stock Watch - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Ryan Fitzpatrick is rising after his stellar touchdown drive against the Lions.

Winless preseasons cause for concern? - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"According to ESPN Stats and Information, only 5 of 21 (19 percent) winless teams in the preseason went on to make the playoffs in the past decade. Of those five teams, the Indianapolis Colts did it twice with quarterback Peyton Manning, in 2005 and 2010."

Poll Friday: Bills at Jets - AFC East Blog - ESPN
77 percent of votes expect the Bills to topple the Jets. Of those, 57 percent think the Bills will win by a touchdown.

Mario Williams: Buffalo's $100-Million Man: Profiles: GQ
GQ did an extensive interview with Mario Williams. It's a cool read.

Where will Bills be in post-Wilson era? | WIVB.com
"Jim Kelly and his brother Dan are believed to be putting together a new ownership package with possible investors like George Gillett as one option for the future of the team."

CB Florence among Denver's roster reductions - MiamiHerald.com
"Florence had signed a two-year contract with the Broncos in May. In 16 games for the Buffalo Bills last season, Florence had 50 tackles and three interceptions."

Lease talks continue with Bills owner in hospital - Yahoo! Sports
"Poloncarz issued the statement a day after the Bills announced the 93-year-old Wilson was listed in good condition after being taken to hospital. Concerns about the hall of fame owner's health come at a critical juncture for the franchise he founded in 1960."

Bills leave preseason looking sick - Olean Times Herald
"On a night when 93-year-old owner Ralph Wilson was admitted to the hospital in "good condition," with an illness, it was his Buffalo Bills who looked a bit sick."

Buffalo Bills add up on defense - MiamiHerald.com
"There’s always optimism going into training camp," Jackson said. "When you add players like Mario [Williams] and Mark [Anderson], fans get excited and we do as players. We feel like we’ve got a lot on defense. It’s 10 times what it normally is. The buzz around here is crazy."