Two Bills Drive

‘When the Bills used the first-round pick they acquired in the Peerless Price trade to select McGahee in April, observers wondered what the Bills were thinking. They already had Travis Henry, who rushed for 1,438 yards last season. They had signed former Bronco Olandis Gary as a free agent. And at the time, few thought McGahee would be able to play until the 2004 season. Nobody’s questioning the widsom of that move now.’

‘Don’t think the tough and loyal folks in Buffalo will not give Smith at least some positive mention. But they won’t be too forgiving of Bills coaches if Smith sets a record and leads the Redskins to victory.’

‘In just four weeks, Buffalo’s Gregg Williams has gone from a potential Coach of the Year contender to finding himself under heavy fire because of his team’s lackluster performance since a 17-7 loss to the Dolphins.’

‘It’s that work ethic, he believes, that endeared him and his teammates to the city of Buffalo in the late 1980s and early 1990’s. “They’re very blue collar people,” he said. They know a thing or two about getting through long hard winters. People in Buffalo appreciated us because we were always a hard working group of guys.”‘

‘Time and success soothed the hurt. Smith is 1 1/2 sacks shy of Reggie White’s NFL record of 198.’

‘Redskins 27, Bills 14.’

”’I wouldn’t say it was necessarily circled, but I’ve looked forward to it,” Smith said of his first trip back to Buffalo since he signed with Washington in February 2000. ”I’m very excited. It’s going to be a memorable experience.”’

‘”I’ve looked forward to this because of the fact I never had the opportunity to say farewell to the fans and to see them one last time,” Smith said. “I guess I can kind of relate it to going to Jim’s induction to the Hall of Fame. That was certainly a memorable experience for me, walking into the Hall of Fame and just hearing the fans chanting. It was emotional, and my wife was taken by it as well.”‘

‘Defensive tackle Sam Adams also practiced a bit Friday but remained questionable due to his sprained ankle. Adams’ backup, Ron Edwards, did not practice due to a strained shoulder and appears unlikely to play. Fullback Sam Gash (ankle) was added to the list, as probable. Linebacker Takeo Spikes was ill and watched from the sidelines but will play Sunday.’

‘Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. got a special 85th birthday card Friday, signed by dozens of patients at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He had something for Roswell Park as well: a check for $250,000.’

‘Being a “yes” man and a game-day bungler doesn’t make for a great coach, but at least Williams’ players never went AWOL on him before. Last season, five of Buffalo’s eight losses were thrillers. The team competed in all 16 games to the final gun. If Williams has indeed lost that knack for keeping morale high – if the team’s entertainment value has gone poof – then his days truly are numbered.’

‘Washington projected Dockery as a first-round pick, but his stock tumbled partly because of his poor condition during predraft workouts, and the Redskins were thrilled to select him with the 81st pick overall. Dockery entered training camp at approximately 350 pounds, but he has dropped to 340 pounds, not far from his ideal weight of 330-335.’

‘”Of course I’m happy,” Spurrier replied yesterday. “We’ve got a good team, we haven’t played extremely well the last couple of games. But I think we’re ready to play in Buffalo.”‘

‘Meanwhile, running back Trung Canidate was officially declared out for the Buffalo game with a high right ankle sprain. Canidate hopes to return following the bye week. Ladell Betts will start at tailback and receive the bulk of Washington’s rushing attempts. “He very well could carry a whole bunch if we’re making yards,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “He’s slated to get more action. Ladell’s our man.”‘

‘Canidate leads the Redskins with 295 rushing yards and a 4.8 average this season, but Ladell Betts has also seen plenty of action and will start Sunday.’