Two Bills Drive

‘If they lose to the Bills, who are reeling from changes in systems and from a rash of injuries, the Jets’ season could be over.’

‘The Jets, languishing under new coach Herman Edwards, desperately need a breakout game today over the lowly Bills to prevent the rapid spread of doubt, according to several veterans. Make no mistake, there are some players wondering about the new West Coast offense and the new 4-3 defensive scheme. Curtis Martin, stressing the need to execute the game plan "the way it’s coached," said: "I think that’s important for our confidence, even more so than a win."’

‘"We have a season-long program called Twin Towers Tuesday, where our players are going out into the community to visit families, schools and fire stations affected by the tragedy," said Bob Parente, the Jets’ vice president for business operations. "The Jets-a-thon is a way for our fans to join our efforts."’

‘Prediction: Jets, 23-13.’

‘Plain, simple and bluntly put, this is the Jets’ plight through three games of the 2001 season: If they do not defeat the struggling Bills today at Ralph Wilson Stadium, their hopes and dreams of being a playoff team with Super Bowl aspirations this season are finished.’

‘When Curtis Martin said Thursday that it is more important for the 1-2 Jets to build confidence in Buffalo today than to win, it tells you that their best player understands this team is on the remake. That doesn’t mean that 9-7 and a playoff spot are out of reach. But it is clear Edwards thinks the Jets need an overhaul to become a true contender.’

‘Bills coach Gregg Williams tried to soften the issue, saying, "In the first game, I really believe [the Saints] did a good job of doubling him. In the second game he was on pace to have a bunch of catches and he had a couple drops and then got hurt and was out of the game for three fourths of game. "[Last week] he battled hard and wasn’t able to go full speed until Sunday. I appreciate him answering the bell to play Sunday. He had a couple opportunities in the game and, uncharacteristic for him, he dropped a fade pass."’

‘The way the Bills are playing, this seems like the perfect time for the Jets to get things right. Quarterback Rob Johnson is banged up – who wouldn’t be, with 13 sacks? – and he’s feeling the heat of being chosen over Doug Flutie, who has led the Chargers to a 3-0 start.’

‘At Stake for Bills: So Gregg Williams thought the West Coast offense would be a great idea in Buffalo too, huh? Fullback Larry Centers leads the team in receptions. Think Doug Flutie is snickering in San Diego? The bloom is definitely off the rose in Buffalo, and the season’s first ton of lake-effect snow hasn’t even fallen yet. Eric Moulds, we feel your pain.’

‘This afternoon, the Buffalo Bills (0-3) can expect Jones to be motivated when they meet the Jets (1-2) at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It’s a game between a pair of desperate teams looking to get on track. The Jets missed 18 tackles last week, and the Bills’ version of the West Coast offense has scored three field goals in two home games.’

‘"I don’t ever second-guess our decision, because we put so much effort into it and we’re confident it was the right decision," Donahoe said from his office the other day. "The problems we’ve had to this point you can’t really blame all on Rob Johnson. Unfortunately, quarterbacks always get too much credit or too much blame. It’s been the nature of football forever."’

‘Prediction: Jets, 24-13.’

‘”Ted is a guy a lot of us have good feelings about,” said linebacker Keith Newman. “He’s easygoing, but he can turn up the heat on you and be intense when he has to.” “He never had you do anything beyond your capabilities, but he made you feel you could exceed your limitations,” said safety Keion Carpenter. “The Jets are lucky to have a coach like that.”‘

‘Yet the Bills made a fundamental error when they chose Johnson over Doug Flutie in the offseason. They didn’t go by what they saw. They went by what they wanted to see.’

‘A month into the season it’s apparent that Edwards’ New York Jets very much resemble their next opponent, the struggling AFC East rival Buffalo Bills. "We’re similar," Edwards said. "When you watch them on tape, you see them at times do things very well, and at times kind of beat themselves. I think it’s a work in progress for them. "And I think we’re going through the same process here."’