Two Bills Drive

‘Coach Tim Bergan of Ellicottville Central High School has been named the Buffalo Bills high school football “Coach of the Week” for the third weekend of the 2004 season (Sept. 17-18).’

‘After two games, the Bills’ defense is fourth in the AFC and 6th in the NFL in fewest yards surrendered. It leads the conference in fewest rushing yards surrendered at 78 a game.’

‘Am I suggesting the Bills consider benching Bledsoe in place of a younger, faster, more mobile quarterback with less experience and a weaker arm? Absolutely. In two weeks.’

‘"I’m confident we can get it turned around," Bledsoe said. "I’m confident in our style of offense. We are committed to the running game."’

‘Yes, it really has been that bad.’

‘The Jags have produced 22 first downs in two games, eight fewer than the Bills. They’ve scored 20 points, same number as the Bills. The Jags are 2-0 and luxuriating in possibilities. The Bills are being lathered with barbecue sauce.’

‘The criticism, and the problem, runs deeper than Bledsoe, though. President and GM Tom Donahoe is being accused of failing to address the team’s larger personnel problems and new coach Mike Mularkey is being criticized for being too conservative and low risk in his play calling.’

‘Despite the coaching staff change and eight months to prepare, the Bills look startlingly similar to the club that finished 6-10 in Gregg Williams’ final season. The offense can’t score, the defense is vulnerable against the pass because of a meager pass rush, and special teams are erratic.’

‘How can a team win when half its games are played on the road where crowd noise is such a huge factor and opponents know all they have to do is stuff the run and blitz Bledsoe with abandon? The Raiders were laughing about how easy a target Bledsoe was. It’s become an embarrassment for the Bills.’

‘The Bills called the dive play over the right guard and tackle even though starting right guard Chris Villarrial was out with a leg injury and even though the Raiders have one of the NFL’s largest front sevens, led by Ted Washington and Warren Sapp.’

‘Bills didn’t hit enough big plays early to call off the dogs. At least two sacks were blocking mistakes, allowing unblocked heat.’

‘Sunday’s loss made the Bills 2-11 in their last 13 road games dating back to 2002 when QB Drew Bledsoe came aboard. In those games, Bledsoe has thrown 10 touchdown passes, 17 interceptions, and been sacked 45 times. Buffalo has committed 38 turnovers and collected just seven takeaways (minus-31). It’s hard to believe the Bills were once 3-1 under Bledsoe on the road.’

‘If the Bills won’t give a refund they should at least give their fans a blindfold. It hurts ones eyes to sit through a Bills game and watch this offense. Maybe it wasn’t Kevin Gilbride’s fault after all, this still looks a lot like the anemic, unproductive, and un-watchable offense we saw in 2003.’

‘How bad was it? Bills punter Brian Moorman’s 24-yard completion on a fake punt accounted for more than a third of Buffalo’s 61 yards net offense in the first half.’

‘The truly troubling thing here was the inability for a team that’s emphasized running the ball since the day Mularkey arrived to carve out a single yard when it needed it most. Buffalo’s renovated offensive line got absolutely no push and Travis Henry stumbled and came up short.’