T.O. says he'll 'deal with it'

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Receiver Terrell Owens doesn't have a problem with the Buffalo Bills no-huddle offense, except that it's tiring him out.

Owens raised eyebrows on Wednesday when he said he wasn't much of a fan of the Bills new scheme.

Owens

"No, not really, but I gotta deal with it," the receiver said in a conference call with members of the Patriots media as the Bills prepare to open the regular season at New England on Monday.

Owens laughed after making that statement, though it was not clear whether his concern was with the no-huddle scheme itself or how much it's been tiring him out. Owens returned to practice last week after missing the final four preseason games with a sprained toe.

Upon learning that his comments were being taken literally, Owens posted a note on his Twitter page insisting that he was "clearly joking."

During the conference call, Owens did refer to the offense as being "all right," while noting he's been a little winded.

"We're doing some things in the offense that will help me get in shape a little bit faster than I need to," Owens said. "I've got a taste of it since [minicamps] and I know what to expect."

Owens added he hopes the offense can also wear down opponents by not allowing them to make defensive substitutions.

"It's something we're looking forward to, and we're going to try out," he said.

Owens also poked fun at the Patriots, after being asked whether he had anything special prepared for the game.

"I might bring my spy camera," Owens said.

He was referring to the Patriots being punished by the NFL in 2007 for spying on New York Jets coaches with a sideline video camera during the season opener.

Owens' comments regarding the Bills offense come on the heels of a tumultuous week for the Bills offense. Coordinator Turk Schonert was fired on Friday and starting left tackle Langston Walker released on Tuesday. Bills starters produced only 3 points in 15 series this preseason.

The changes leave the team with a rookie coordinator in former Bills quarterback Alex Van Pelt taking over the play-calling duties, and three untested starting linemen. Aside from rookies Eric Wood and Andy Levitre starting at guard, Demetrius Bell will start at left tackle, after he did not appear in one game as a rookie last year.

Owens told reporters in Orchard Park he's not worried about the rash of changes, adding he's confident the unit will be productive.

"Number 1, I believe in myself," Owens said. "I have a lot of confidence in the guys. ... The preseason is over. Everybody know this is the real deal. And so we're going to play it like the real deal."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print
• Subscribe