Just four days after running back Willis McGahee was traded to Baltimore for three draft picks, Buffalo brought their free agent rusher back into the fold signing Anthony Thomas to a multi-year contract.
"It feels good," said Thomas. "I feel I know the system a lot better now the second time around."
"We were hopeful of retaining Anthony Thomas' services," said Bills GM Marv Levy. "And now we have."
Head coach **** Jauron, who made Thomas a second-round draft pick of the Bears in 2001 as Chicago's head coach, has always believed in the former NFL Rookie of the Year.
"Anthony is somebody with whom I'm very familiar," said Jauron. "I talked to him a few times through free agency. I was pretty confident we had a good chance to get him. He's a terrific team player. He'll play the role he's asked to play and play it as hard as he can. I'm just really pleased that we have him re-signed."
Thomas, a six-year NFL veteran, had 378 yards rushing for the Bills in 2006 and two touchdowns in a reserve role. But he knows things won't be the same as they were heading into last season.
"I think it will be a little different with Willis not there," said Thomas. "Now it's time to go out there and prepare myself to go out there and play."
And when Thomas had the chance to play he played well for Buffalo last season. He had a big three week stretch of games in the season's second half when Willis McGahee went down with three cracked ribs.
Against Green Bay, Thomas stepped in for McGahee and finished with 95 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in a 24-10 win. The following week he had his first 100-yard rushing day since 2004 as he rolled up 109 yards on 28 carries at Indianapolis.
At Houston the next week, Thomas showed his versatility with 56 yards rushing and a career-high seven catches for 33 yards, four of which came on the team's game-winning drive in Buffalo's dramatic comeback win over the Texans (24-21).
Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild praised Thomas for his pass protection savvy particularly in the Houston game last season.
"I think my teammates know what I can do," said Thomas. "I didn't get a lot of opportunities to do it because of Willis. He was a great guy and he did a lot of things for us, but now I should be able to show more of my talents and what I can do."
Thomas' veteran presence also proved valuable on the field last season for up and coming quarterback J.P. Losman.
"He knows when he's supposed to stay and when to get out," said Losman of Thomas. "He knows when he has to chip, when he has to help a guard, if he has to help a tackle. He knows where to be and when to be there and it was very, very helpful to rely on him. He recognizes things with a defense and knows when he's supposed to stay in and protect or when it's better to get out in a route and get open for me."
Along with Thomas, Buffalo has Shaud Williams and 2006 practice squad running back Fred Jackson under contract. The team appears to be leaning in favor of a running back by committee approach in 2007.
"We do think it's in everybody's best interest that we do have more than one back that carries the load," said Jauron.
I'm not a fan of Julius Jones at all. I think he's a bum. I'd rather take a shot at a guy in the 2nd round like Michael Bush or Antonio Pittman.I'm not a fan of Julius Jones at all. I think he's a bum. I'd rather take a shot at a guy in the 2nd round like Michael Bush or Antonio Pittman.
I'm not a fan of Julius Jones at all. I think he's a bum. I'd rather take a shot at a guy in the 2nd round like Michael Bush or Antonio Pittman.
and I know that Jauron loves him, so this makes my WSL1 pick even nicer
