ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) – Drew Bledsoe wouldn’t share exactly what the Buffalo Bills discussed in their players-only huddle on Friday before heading off on a six-week break.

Clearly, the topics didn’t revolve around vacation plans as the Bills wrapped up their final minicamp session.

Unable to hide his enthusiasm, Bledsoe was excited about how the revamped Bills have gelled. And he laid out the expectations of what the team is focused on before rookies and selected veterans are to report to training camp in Rochester on July 23.

“This team is very motivated,” Bledsoe said. “The attitude of this offseason has been outstanding, probably the best I’ve been around. Guys are fired up. And there were just a few things we, as veterans, wanted to share with the guys before we left.”

As for expectations, Bledsoe was blunt.

“We have the players to be a playoff team, and that’s what we expect,” he said. “Anything less than a good solid playoff berth will be a great disappointment.”

A decade since their heady run of four straight AFC title victories ended, and three seasons without a playoff berth, the Bills suddenly believe they’re on the verge of something special.

The Bills are buoyed because of the moves the team made this offseason, bolstering a squad that’s coming off a promising 8-8 finish.

General manager Tom Donahoe brought in 15 established veterans to upgrade several positions.

, particularly in what had been a patchwork defensive unit.

Among the significant newcomers are linebackers Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey and defensive tackle Sam Adams.

The Bills offense also underwent some changes, in part to offset the losses of No. 2 receiver Peerless Price, who was traded to Atlanta, and tight end Jay Riemersma and fullback Larry Centers, who were both released.

Josh Reed, coming off a promising rookie season, and Bobby Shaw, a free-agent addition, are expected to compete to replace Price.

Gash and running back Olandis Gary are new to a backfield led by returning starter Travis Henry, the NFL’s fifth-leading rusher last season.

It helps, too, that Bledsoe is more familiar with the Bills’ offensive philosophy, entering his second season with Buffalo after being acquired in a deal with New England.

While his numbers tailed off in the final eight games of last season, Bledsoe had a prolific year in which he finished second in the league with 4,359 yards passing, and set 10 franchise passing records.

“Everybody’s hungry,” Bledsoe said. “Everybody’s bought into what we’re doing. Everybody’s enthusiastic about what we’re doing.”

Coach Gregg Williams was impressed by Bledsoe’s comments.

“We’ve all mentioned before that we thought the chemistry last year was awful good on this team,” Williams said. “And the fact that one of our leaders, our top leader, would say that, speaks very good right now for the attitude of this team.”

That’s not to say the Bills are ready.

“We’ve still got a long ways to go,” Williams said, looking ahead to training camp. “We can’t take a step back once we get there.”

What excites Williams most is the competition he expects to take place at several positions.

Besides determining who will replace Peerless Price, Marcus Price is expected to push returning starter Marques Sullivan at right guard, while several players are competing for the defensive end spot vacated by Chidi Ahanotu, who was not re-signed.

AP-ES-06-13-03 1631EDT