I think the non contact is bad luck, it seems (without looking) the Bills have been really lucky with injuries during the McBeane era.
If anyone else has any insight, I'd be interested in hearing that.
I personally believe Lee Smith wanted to be closer to home because he probably wasnt sure if he was going to play this year (just a hunch) but I think the Redzone has missed Lee this year in blocking and the occasional sneak out for a TD.