Two Bills Drive

‘Instead of euphoria, the talk was of an opportunity lost.’

‘It took 24 years, but the Dolphins’ single-season scoring record that Williams held has left him at last. It now belongs to Ricky Williams, who passed Delvin Williams’ mark of 1,258 yards with an 8-yard run behind left guard Jamie Nails in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ 38-21 loss at Buffalo on Sunday.’

‘ It wasn’t as impressive as Ricky Williams’ day, but Travis Henry continued his mastery of the Dolphins’ run defense.’

‘"There’s definite signs of life here," receiver Eric Moulds said. "It’s a great win. Morale is up. It gives us a final push. It gives us optimism knowing we can play with the big guys and get on a winning streak again."’

‘The Dolphins, who turned the ball over six times in a 23-10 loss to the Bills on Oct. 20, committed three turnovers Sunday, which Buffalo converted into 21 points.’

‘"What a waste," Fiedler said, shaking his head.’

‘The coach said the decision to go for it on fourth down rather than punting was his alone. "When you’re on the road, you’re going to have to score points against Buffalo," Wannstedt said. "Drew is going to score points. You can just feel it out there. We’re at the (36)-yard line at fourth-and-4. You’ve got to try to get some points out of that thing. "The worst scenario is to get sacked and fumble the ball and lose (33) yards."’

”’We need to keep winning. That’s the bottom line,” said Bledsoe (15 for 27, 306 yards). ”We’re going to enjoy this one because it’s a big win for us … but the bottom line is if we want to get into this race at the end of the season we need to keep winning.”’

‘Both the Patriots and Dolphins control their destinies.’

‘The Patriots woke up yesterday morning as big Drew Bledsoe fans. By nightfall, the Pats were back to scheming and plotting against their former franchise quarterback.’

‘Then came the bizarre part. After the game the Dolphins, despite losing, were talking trash.’

‘Covington, an All-South Jersey sports star at Overbrook High School, played for the Buffalo Bills after being drafted in 1995 until he was sidelined with a career-ending knee injury during a noncontact practice in 1998.’

‘The professional career of the former state champion wrestler and football player from Overbrook High School in Pine Hill was cut short in 1997 when he crushed the peroneal nerve just below his left knee. He retained his solid build, but lifting his leg in certain ways was difficult. Sometimes he would falter while walking up stairs. He was living mostly on disability benefits provided by the NFL, his family said.’

‘”Damien was just an excellent kid to coach, and not only was he an outstanding football player and athlete, but he was a great leader,” said Larry Mauriello, who was Covington’s football head coach and assistant wrestling coach at Overbrook.’

‘”But the turnovers didn’t beat us,” Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas said. “I missed tackles I’ve never (missed) before.”‘