Published: May 23, 2009 10:26 pm      

BILLS: Trimmed McCargo hopes to turn corner

ORCHARD PARK — John McCargo tries to keep it all in perspective. He’s a professional football player. A guy who commands a hefty salary in an era where jobs are quickly being shed.

And even though the former first-round draft choice from North Carolina State was sent to Indianapolis last season in a deal that only fell through because he failed a physical, McCargo’s attitude is simple ’ work with what’s in front of you.

’It’s a business. And you have to remember it’s a business,’ McCargo said. ’But this is a new day.’

McCargo’s journey has surprisingly come full circle. The Bills were so high on him out of college that they drafted him a round before many expected he’d go.

His stock dropped so fast that he was deemed expendable last season, and if not for a bulging disk in his back, his career as a Bill would have ended unceremoniously, with a total of 35 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

But after an off-season in which he remained in Buffalo, shed a few pounds, and committed himself to pro football, McCargo could be an ace up the Bills’ sleeve.

’He’s a little older and a little more experienced. He understands the game better. He was a young player coming out,’ said Bills head coach Dick Jauron. ’He looks as quick or maybe quicker than I’ve seen him look. He’s had his best offseason with us in the weight room, in terms of conditioning, and then his health.’

McCargo’s weight is just a pound or two over 300, about a dozen pounds less than when he last played. Although he insists weight issues haven’t hampered him in the past, he seems determined to eliminate any and all excuses. And although that means he’s giving up a little in run stuffing as a defensive tackle, it should give him more jump off the line in passing situations.

And if he can simply stay healthy enough to play, that will already be more than what the Bills have gotten from McCargo through most of his first three years in the league.

’I didn’t lose my confidence, but it was frustrating not playing,’ he said. ’I’m 100 percent confident I can play well, and I can play well here. Hopefully, I can turn that corner.’

McCargo’s conditioning gave him a new look at the team’s organized team activities, which start up again on Tuesday.

’He feels good and he doesn’t have any aches right now. Obviously, during the season, everybody’s got aches,’ Jauron said. ’He doesn’t have that constant aching that he’s had, so it frees him up and he’s taking advantage of it so far, he’s just got to keep doing it.’

And at this point, that’s exactly what McCargo has done, keeping a positive attitude even with last year’s trade.

’I needed to get over it. It happened,’ McCargo said. ’I’ve just got to try to change myself. I’m not listening to all that other stuff.’

Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.