Two Bills Drive

‘Bengals rookie wide receiver Kelley Washington desperately wants to contribute. While understanding the Bengals’ pecking order – “Chad (Johnson) is the number one, Peter (Warrick) is the number two” – Washington would like to see more plays called his way. So much so that a week ago he asked offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and wide receivers coach Alex Wood if he could see more action.’

‘Tuesday, the judge could have arrested Wright for violating his order. Instead, the judge decided to let Rodney Wright remain in an alcohol treatment program and didn’t arrest him.’

‘Today, the ESL Animal Scramble showed off a “one of a kind”…life-sized fiberglass buffalo, autographed by all the members of the Buffalo Bills. The only way you can own it is by going to the animal scramble auction Friday.’

‘Henry had a brisk workout Monday and coach Gregg Williams said the plan is to have his starting running back return to the fold this week. Henry should be ready to play when Buffalo hosts Cincinnati this Sunday.’

Bills CB Nate Clements has played quite well since the halfway point of the 2002 season, and we hear there are several reasons for it. First, Clements believes he benefited from a tough offseason, during which he lost 15 pounds and came into training camp in the absolute best shape of his career. During training camp, Bills observers say he worked hard on his footwork and seemingly has improved it nicely. Clements has three interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown) and 15 tackles thus far in ’03 and has been a nice complement to fellow CB Antoine Winfield, who is known more for his run support than his coverage capabilities. We hear that he may not come across as such all the time, but Clements is a film-study fanatic and loves to pick apart his performances to make himself better.

‘"I am a minister for the Lord. I’m currently a bishop at the Covenant Ministry International in Little Rock, Arkansas. I really enjoy being around the word of God. It’s like when you first get into the league, everything is real new and once you get into it, you really enjoy all the benefits and all the surroundings and the atmosphere. The same thing is found spiritually. When you get saved, you really don’t know what the word of God says, and the benefits of the word of God, and who you are, and your purpose here on earth. Once you dig deeper into the things of God and the bible and find out who you are and your purpose here on earth, its invaluable. I’ve been on fire ever since. It’s just been an amazing ride, it really has."’

We’re getting close to expunging from our memory any allusions made after the first two games of this campaign that relate to statements suggesting the Buffalo Bills are much improved versus the run. In the past two games, both defeats, the Bills defense has surrendered 343 rushing yards.

‘The Bills must win both games … period. A split is unacceptable and getting swept will turn up the volume on the calls for head coach Gregg Williams’ job.’

Tonight (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM in Paul McGuire Suites at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Scheduled guests include the kicking team – punter, kicker and the long snapper. Come and meet them. Jon might get to do a little magic.

‘"He had a real good workout today," Williams said after team meetings Monday. "He has worked so hard. He was really dejected that he didn’t get a chance to play. I’d hope that he would be able to get right back into practice and get started for this week. That’s our plan anyway."’

‘This season, only Washington (44), Oakland (43) and San Diego (38) have been flagged more than the Bills (37), who also have the sixth-most penalty yards with 342.’

‘What disappointed me most about the Bills loss on Sunday to the Eagles was that Philadelphia came in and played a more desperate game. Even Head Coach Gregg Williams acknowledged that his team didn’t wake up until the fourth quarter. I find that disturbing.’

‘”We have a great back coming in, and we look forward to the challenge. I look forward to it,” Spikes said of Corey Dillon, who has a strained groin and might not play. “It’s big (for me). To sum it up, knowing from where I came, knowing where I am now and where I want to go, that’s how big emotionally this game is for me.”‘

‘Players follow the leader. Williams established a cavalier tone for this season at St. John Fisher College by holding just one double session. Penalties out of aggression can be excused somewhat in a sport as violent as football. But the Bills have become mentally sloppy, and clearly they aren’t good enough to overcome their mistakes. Nine penalties on the defense the past two games have led to 27 points for the opposition. Gregg on Monday tactfully blamed the zebras for having a bad day, too. That’s not what the ticket buyers want to hear.’

‘Don’t look now, but all of a sudden the Bungles, er, the Bengals, look like a tough matchup for the slumping Bills.’