Two Bills Drive

When the Bills chose offensive guard Reggie McKenzie during the 1972 NFL draft, they knew they were getting a consensus All-American and they also knew they were getting a two-time All-Big Ten selection, who had played in two Rose Bowl games. What they didn’t know, was that they were also getting an unquestionable team leader and a player that would be nearly as dependable as the sun rising in the east for the next 11 years.

‘”It’s all on the players,” Adams said. “Gregg is the head coach, and he’ll take the brunt, but it’s not his fault. Look at us. A good head coach will take responsibility. He’s taking responsibility. But the burden lies on our heads.”‘

‘With a record of 4-4, the Bills’ playoff hopes are far from dead. But they probably will have to go 6-2 in the second half of the season – and win all three of their remaining AFC East games – to make the playoffs. Given their ugly performances in each of their last three losses, it obviously will take a stunning turnaround to do it.’

‘Drew Bledsoe recalled being intimidated as a New England Patriot by the sight of Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith in the tunnel of Rich Stadium before the start of Bledsoe’s first NFL game. However, he said, the intimidation of being a new parent was worse. “All of a sudden, there was a life … I was responsible for,” Bledsoe said.’

‘His team simply isn’t tough enough mentally, which is something he vowed he would have when coming here from his previous stint as defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.’

‘Gregg Williams was front and center at Tuesday’s Bills practice. That pretty much tells us he’ll be on the sideline a week from Sunday in Dallas.’

”’Man, I don’t know. I’m searching for answers myself,” Henry said. ”You would think I would get the ball in certain situations in which I’m not getting it.”’

‘The NFL said it happened during a running play in the third quarter in which Milloy made ”impermissible physical contact with a game official.”’

‘Which big-name QB isn’t getting it done?’

‘In all, 14 NFL teams have between four and six wins (only the 8-0 Chiefs have more than that) and only five AFC teams have more wins than the Bills.’

‘The car maker will also receive marketing exposure in parking lots surrounding the stadium with each lot bearing the name of a different Toyota vehicle and Toyota brands will be identified on all parking passes for each area.’

‘The Bills announced that the team has reached a multi-year agreement with Toyota that makes the company the official car and truck of the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Still, it’s worth noting that Kansas City was also 8-8 last year and the only significant changes from 2002 are the addition of three defensive starters: end Vonnie Holliday (Green Bay), linebacker Shawn Barber (Philadelphia) and cornerback Dexter McCleon (St. Louis). That trio hardly compares to the Bills’ off-season signings … especially Spikes, Milloy and Adams.’

‘The Bills have not played to their potential for much of the season. The Bills have a very good game against Washington and an uninspiring overtime victory over Cincinnati to show for the last six weeks. Players haven’t seemed to completely embrace his approach, which might explain why the Bills often seem as if they’re going in different directions, especially when they get behind. Buffalo’s latest effort might have been the ugliest.’

‘It’s not going to get any better with Williams and Gilbride. The old poker player has to realize he’s holding a bad pair. Time for Donahoe to throw in his hand.’