Two Bills Drive

‘“It’s like we just fell apart,” cornerback Antoine Winfield said. “It seems like a lot of confidence was lost and we just didn’t regain it.”’

‘Most disappointing player: It has to be Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe.’

That’s where the Bills found themselves this season — ready and willing and more than able, but doomed by antiquated tactics.

‘In the end, Buffalo wasn’t a source of anguish or revenge. Just pity.’

‘"This is a business," says Milloy. "I know that. And I really like Buffalo. It’s a nice place to live and play. And the organization cares about the players."’

‘"When you take a whuppin’ like we took in the first game, you want a little get-back," said running back Antowain Smith, now a huge prong in the rejuvenated attack.’

‘And when Lawyer Milloy banged Tom Brady at the knee, twisting the Michigan product to the ground in an ugly fashion, the season flashed before their eyes. "It was my leg. I am fine," declared Brady, who limped off but returned to the offense on the next series. "There is nothing to worry about."’

‘Buffalo Coach Gregg Williams watched his team finish with a 6-10 record, and his job is in jeopardy. "None of us in any phase has been good enough," he said. "The third-down plays on both sides were a big factor in this game. They forced us out in the open on defense and away from being in the box, where we wanted to play and be physical. They protected the football. They were able to make big plays in every area. They take shots down the field with play-action. They piled up plays, and that gave them chances to make more plays in the red zone."’

‘"Whenever someone kicks your butt, if you’re competitive, if you’re a fighter, you’re going to come back," he said. "And regardless of if you come out and say it or not, you want revenge. And that’s what happened."’

‘HOW GOOD is the Patriots’ defense these days? Well, over the last six home games, they are allowing an average of 3.7 points per game. Overall, they have allowed 14.9 points per game, best in franchise history.’

‘"He was like, driven, today," said Fauria. "Out of everyone in that first game, he probably took it the hardest. He wasn’t talking much before the game."’

‘No muss, no fuss in this one as the Patriots avenged a 31-0 opening day loss to the Bills while ending the regular season with an historic 12-game winning streak. A season that began like a dream come true for old friend Drew Bledsoe ended in a nightmare, as he went just 12-for-29 for 83 yards, was sacked three times and had an interception and fumble.’

‘…failed to score a touchdown in seven of 16 games.’

‘Brown and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride have not seen eye-to-eye this season, and according to a source, Brown had a confrontation with Gilbride this week.’

‘”That’s the kind of coach they have,” Fletcher said. “Sure, he wanted to play the psychological game where they can preserve their shutout.”‘