Two Bills Drive

‘Assessing Sunday’s game in Buffalo (2-1), one senior member of the Eagles organization said, "It’s a playoff game. A one-game season. Going 0-3 is not an option."’

‘But the team remains without three key starters — defensive end Brandon Whiting, safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Bobby Taylor. Reid said Dawkins is officially out for the game, and Taylor and top pick Jerome McDougle, sidelined since the preseason finale, "most likely will not play" and that it will be a "stretch" for Whiting to play.’

‘The Bills rank sixth in the NFL in pass defense but only 23rd in rush defense, mainly because Williams ran 42 times for 153 yards last week, when the Dolphins beat the Bills, 17-7, in Miami. Williams had twice as many carries in that game as all of the Eagles’ backs have in two games.’

‘"Eric Moulds is in a class by himself," Johnson said, "He’s one of the best receivers we’ll face this year, no question about it. When he goes up for the ball, most of the time he comes down with it. The other guys are very productive guys. They’re not in Moulds’ class, but they’re good receivers. Moulds is an exceptional receiver."’

‘"Shoot, I think I’m ready right now," an optimistic McGahee said. "But it’s not up to me. I’m just working hard, taking mental reps and doing what I can do right now until they let me turn it loose."’

‘”After one year in college, yeah, that seems a little young,” Bledsoe said. “I don’t know. I’m the wrong person to stand up here and say that he’s got to go to school because I came out a year early, too.”‘

‘”That seems a little bit young,” the Bills quarterback said, when told Clarett’s age. “But I don’t know. I’m probably the wrong person to stand up here and say he should stay in school because I came out a year early.”‘

‘Spikes is so hyperactive on the football field that he must consume hot dogs topped with Ritalin at halftime.’

‘The popular HBO program Inside the NFL delivered some strong opinions about the pro football season that should resonate with Eagles fans, who can watch a rerun at 7 tonight.’

‘And make no mistake, Bledsoe was bad Sunday. It was obscured by the halfback option and the sorry running game, but he was awful. In fact, it might have been the worst game of his 11-year career. Bledsoe was 10 of 25 for 98 yards, no TDs, and two interceptions. It was the fewest yards he’s ever had in a game in which he threw at least 18 passes.’

‘Add in the three interceptions by struggling quarterback Donovan McNabb, and the Eagles have eight turnovers in two games. That’s one-third as many turnovers as the 24 the Eagles had in each of the last two seasons when they advanced to the NFC championship game.’

‘Bills running back Travis Henry is hurting and questionable for Sunday’s game. Questions persist regarding the toughness of the Bills’ offensive line. Coaches are being interrogated about their play-calling, and with the loss in Miami, Buffalo lost sole possession of the AFC East lead. This all qualifies as motivation for the Bills. No team wants to lose two straight. And no one should be more motivated than Bledsoe, one week after aiding his team’s demise.’

‘Yesterday, it was offensive coordinator Brad Childress’ turn to explain why the team’s three top running backs have carried the ball just 21 times for 65 yards in two games.’

‘No longer is Buffalo dismissed as the NFL’s Siberia, a place shunned by big-ticket free agents who, all things being equal, would prefer relocating to a Sun Belt city where they can work on their tans and golf games even during winter. The chance to win makes for a wonderful overcoat, and Bledsoe (who came from New England via trade) aside, many of the Bills’ more valuable pickups are playmakers on defense.’

‘You need him back as soon as possible to help save a season that already is hovering on the edge of a cliff. Then you read those comments from his agent. Comments, by the way, that Taylor did not bother to dispute.’