Two Bills Drive

‘During this season’s 3-3 beginning, the trend has continued. The Redskins are 2-0 in games when they attempted more runs than passes (beat the Jets and Patriots) and 1-3 when they passed more than they ran (beat the Falcons, lost to the Giants, Eagles and Buccaneers).’

‘If Eric Moulds, the Bills’ standout wide receiver, returns from a groin injury, he likely would be Bailey’s assignment for most of Sunday’s game. That would leave Bauman usually covering one of Buffalo’s less-proven wide receivers, Josh Reed or Bobby Shaw.’

‘Fiore started the first three games of the season but has been sidelined since because of discomfort in his knee, on which he underwent surgery last year. Rookie Derrick Dockery will make his fourth straight start at left guard in place of Fiore on Sunday at Buffalo, with Lennie Friedman ready to step in if Dockery falters.’

‘”He’s still in his second year in the league, so he’s not as seasoned,” Catavolos said. “But he studies as well as anybody. He understands the defense. And he’s got an outstanding competitive nature. No matter what we ask him to do, this guy’s a tireless worker.”‘

‘It would be fitting if kickoff returner Chad Morton capped a stretch of progressively better runbacks in recent weeks with a touchdown Sunday at Buffalo. As a New York Jet in last year’s opener at Buffalo, Morton became the fifth player in NFL history to return two kickoffs for scores: a 98-yarder in regulation and a 96-yarder to start overtime.’

‘His teammates have noticed Smith’s reticence. “He’s been good at hiding it,” said defensive end Renaldo Wynn. “I know he’s excited about coming back to Buffalo, but he’s been kind of low-key.”‘

‘”The guy has the body of someone half his age,” said Ted Cottrell, who was Smith’s line coach in Buffalo and now is the defensive coordinator of the New York Jets. They remains close friends.’

‘It’s not enough that John Hall has made 78 percent of his field goals, including four of six kicks from 50 yards and beyond, he’s also one of the Redskins’ more reliable players in kick coverage. And not just because of his five touchbacks. Hall also is a weapon because, unlike most kickers, he can actually tackle. It’s not often that a kicker would be rewarded for his hits, but Hall has been honored that way twice in his seven years. The second time happened in Washington’s 20-17 win over New England last month.’

‘Ladairis Jackson called him a midget and LaVar Arrington walked by, interrupting an interview, and likened him to a pint-sized ruler in a movie. Rashad Bauman doesn’t mind. He ignores their digs, even laughs at them. Besides, his height has never been an issue in his mind. This week, it’s not an issue with the Redskins, either. Not with the injuries starting to mount.’

‘Weaknesses: The Bills, like Washington, can’t pass protect. Some of that falls on Bledsoe, who holds the ball too long. At times he’ll get rattled and force passes. The line and backs have also had problems pass blocking. Buffalo ranks last in the NFL in rushing, averaging 57.5 yards a game. Henry was slowed by a rib injury earlier this season, but appears fine now. Jennings sometimes struggles with speed rushers. If Moulds can’t play, the Bills lack a consistent receiver with speed.’

‘Probably the most intriguing matchup of the afternoon will be wide receiver Eric Moulds vs. cornerback Champ Bailey. Moulds leads the Bills with 30 receptions for 457 yards and is regarded as one of the premiere receivers in the NFL. Bailey is a three-time Pro Bowler and is regarded as one of the premiere corners in the NFL. But most of the passes will likely be directed at Redskins’ cornerback Rashad Bauman, who is filling in for the injured Fred Smoot. Bauman is a second-year player starting his first NFL game and will either square off against Bobby Shaw (26 catches) or Josh Reed (14 catches).’

‘When asked why Buffalo is such a tough place for an opposing team to play, Johnson dropped his personal bomb. "That’s all they have up there. Have you ever been there? It’s awful," Johnson said. After sharing a chuckle with the local reporters in D.C., Johnson continued. "Nah, it’s alright," he said. "When I was up there, we had two of the worst snowstorms in their history."’

‘Cornerback Antoine Winfield provided one curious answer. Asked who was to blame — players or coaches — for the team’s struggles, Winfield responded: “It’s a combination of both. I think we could split it 50-50.”’

‘Sunday’s game kicks off at 4:15 PM (it was originally scheduled for 1:00 PM) and will be carried by local FOX affiliates.’

‘Lord Farquaad, for those not familiar with animated mega-movies, is the short guy from ”Shrek.” And Bauman, generously listed at 5-foot-8, is one of the shortest players on the Redskins roster. The Redskins will need Bauman to stand tall against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, when he replaces injured starter Fred Smoot.’