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Just as it seemed to be shaping up. The Bills get Mario Williams.
Mario gives Bills legitimacy, stout defense
Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 1:25 PM EDT
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In 1993, the Packers made a huge move toward their first Super Bowl title in 30 years by persuading defensive end Reggie White to come to Green Bay. Nineteen years later, the Bills have taken a similar step in the direction of legitimacy by persuading defensive end Mario Williams to choose Buffalo.
For Bills fans, an excruciating two days ended with good news, thanks to a full-court press launched by the organization when Williams arrived on Tuesday for a visit. Other teams wanted a shot at him, but the Bills did just enough to keep Williams around long enough to get the deal done.
Giving Williams a record contract was a given, but Williams easily could have taken a little less to play for a team that he believes to be a true contender. (He already has made nearly $60 million in six years.) So perhaps it’s no stretch to conclude that, after two days in Buffalo, Mario believes the Bills will be a true contender.
The offense has been moving in the right direction.
With Mario Williams lined up next to Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus — and with Shawne Merriman hopefully returning to the field and also to form — the Bills’ defense could be much better in 2012. Which would make the team much better. Which could make the Bills Mafia much happier.
More importantly, the decision of the first overall pick in the 2006 to choose the Bills could make other free agents choose the Bills. Which could make the Bills even better. Which could make the Bills Mafia even happier.
It’s been too long since this franchise has been truly relevant. The fans in Western New York deserve it. Until the games start, they’ll get the next best thing.
Genuine hope.
Mario gives Bills legitimacy, stout defense
Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 1:25 PM EDT
Getty Images In 1993, the Packers made a huge move toward their first Super Bowl title in 30 years by persuading defensive end Reggie White to come to Green Bay. Nineteen years later, the Bills have taken a similar step in the direction of legitimacy by persuading defensive end Mario Williams to choose Buffalo.
For Bills fans, an excruciating two days ended with good news, thanks to a full-court press launched by the organization when Williams arrived on Tuesday for a visit. Other teams wanted a shot at him, but the Bills did just enough to keep Williams around long enough to get the deal done.
Giving Williams a record contract was a given, but Williams easily could have taken a little less to play for a team that he believes to be a true contender. (He already has made nearly $60 million in six years.) So perhaps it’s no stretch to conclude that, after two days in Buffalo, Mario believes the Bills will be a true contender.
The offense has been moving in the right direction.
With Mario Williams lined up next to Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus — and with Shawne Merriman hopefully returning to the field and also to form — the Bills’ defense could be much better in 2012. Which would make the team much better. Which could make the Bills Mafia much happier.
More importantly, the decision of the first overall pick in the 2006 to choose the Bills could make other free agents choose the Bills. Which could make the Bills even better. Which could make the Bills Mafia even happier.
It’s been too long since this franchise has been truly relevant. The fans in Western New York deserve it. Until the games start, they’ll get the next best thing.
Genuine hope.
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