Two Bills Drive

‘"The no-huddle has a place and we’ve shown we can use it. If we felt it would help by running it all the time, it’s something we wouldn’t hesitate to do."’

‘"Well, look at it this way. We definitely have more experience this season in games that mean nothing than the Bills. So I guess we’ll have to see how they react."’

‘The Bills and Patriots play today at Ralph Wilson Stadium and, for the first time since 1987, neither team will be playing in the postseason.’

‘There is no quarterback controversy as far as Wade Phillips is concerned. For as long as he remains coach of the Buffalo Bills, Rob Johnson will be the starter, and Doug Flutie the backup.’

‘Bledsoe, who turns 29 on Valentine’s Day, has said he would like a contract with bonuses tied to the performance of the team, rather than to his performance.’

‘If Johnson cannot find Eric Moulds (88 catches, 13.6 yards per catch), then he basically runs for his life and hopes for the best.’

‘The Bills front office doesn’t say anything publicly, but they’re worried they could be in long-term trouble with Johnson as the starter if he doesn’t get straightened out.’

‘"Oh yeah, I hope so," Smith said of the prospect of being released. "I don’t want to go through the same thing here next year. I’d like to get a fresh start somewhere."’

‘Simmons, who turned 26 last week, had been dismissed from Wednesday’s practice and accused of not expending enough effort.’

‘His team stinks, the weather is miserable and people are starting to get on his back. Bill Belichick is sick? What a surprise.’

‘The NFL (aka the No Fun League) doled out $90,000 in fines to the St. Louis Rams this week. The reason? Dancing after a touchdown.’

‘The NFL is one league in which teams can easily vault over the ones in front of them. Call it Pete Rozelle’s legacy. But recent history tells us teams that struggle one year can make a big tournaround the next. The Pats could be one of those teams, considering that they spent the first six weeks of the season or so playing teams tough.’

‘During his daily press conference before practice yesterday, Belichick said the matter was a private issue between player and coach. Simmons did not work out with the team Thursday, and Belichick said the third-year pro would not do so yesterday.’

‘Asked if that means his offense has underachieved, Pendry said: "I would say this … we need to score more points when the opportunities are there."’

‘The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills will play a bowl game Sunday. They’re the perfect teams to qualify for the "Disappointment Bowl." The problem is, which team has been the greater disappointment?’