Olean Times Herald

‘“I slip here and there and there were some cuts I missed on but, for the most part, I was running and cutting. I was stopping, where other guys were slipping. Maybe it’s because I know I’m going to get the ball a lot so I just try to play extra good.”’

‘The Bills were a mere field-goal favorite over the AFC’s second-worst team and Indianapolis (3-10) showed why.’

‘Optimists see Buffalo’s path to the playoffs as finishing 9-7 – though even with that record the Bills odds improve to only 40 percent – and that’s predicated on winning the last two home games (today against Indy and next Sunday versus the Dolphins) and then at least splitting the season-ending road games at New England and Miami.’

‘“I’m excited to see what we do Sunday,” he admitted. “I’m very eager every time I get on the field. Every opportunity in the NFL when you’re behind the center is great. I’m always extremely thankful to be here and to have those opportunities like I had this past Sunday. I’m just staying ready, staying thankful, and ready to play.”’

‘Peterman, with the help of a strong running game and inspired defensive effort, might be able to get the Bills past Indianapolis and Miami, two teams with weak defenses – 32nd and 30th in the NFL in points surrendered – but a road start is cringe-worthy, especially if the Patriots need a win.’

‘One of the wild cards seems destined for the AFC South where both Tennessee and Jacksonville are 8-4 and the division loser seems destined for one wild card. Baltimore (7-5) is the leading contender for the other and has a relatively soft schedule with only a visit to Pittsburgh the only game where Ravens won’t be favored.’

‘The New England Patriots exposed a Buffalo offense that still has major quarterback issues, limiting the Bills to 268 yards and a mere 85 yards passing. Their rushing attack was solid, accounting for 191 yards and two scores.’

‘New England (10-2) virtually clinched the AFC East title, its ninth straight and 15th in the past 17 seasons, and they did it with quarterback Tom Brady, who has taken the Pats to seven Super Bowls, winning five, assuming the role of bit player.’

‘With a victory, he will have beaten the Bills 27 times, breaking the tie with Brett Favre (26 over Detroit) for the most wins by a quarterback over one team. He’s also thrown for more touchdowns against Buffalo (66) than any other opponent and more 300-yard passing games (10) against the Bills than any other NFL team.’

‘“I have a lot of respect for our opponent, but it doesn’t change how we approach every week. The standard that we set for ourselves, remains the same every week. We focus on what we do. There’s only so many things you can control, so that’s what we focus on.”’

‘McDermott added of the Pats domination of Buffalo for the past 17 years, “I understand that’s been a part of the past, and I respect the past. It’s one day at a time, it’s building towards what we’re trying to become. They’ve been to where we’re trying to get to, and they’ve been there for a long time.”’

‘Clearly, McDermott has moved past Taylor, considers him gone at season’s end, and can’t wait to reinsert Peterman into the starting lineup. And it’s hard to disagree with his contention that “one (bad) game doesn’t define” the former Pitt star.’

‘If Buffalo can win two of the three at home and split on the road, that would translate to a 9-7 record and, in this dismal AFC season, at least one wild card, if not both, could have that very mark.’

‘Should the Bills lose to the Chiefs, and this week’s other games play out as predicted, Buffalo would rank ninth in the conference, being passed by both the Bengals and Chargers both which have beaten them.’

‘“I personally didn’t take my thoughts (to the locker room),” he said. “ I’m not sure what other guys talked about amongst themselves or whether things were taken (against) the coach.”‘