Two Bills Drive

‘Q: Was there a point during this season when you felt the offensive line got it? Teague: If you’re thinking, "We’ve got it," you probably don’t. We’ve still got room for improvement."’

‘Buffalo Bills defensive line coach John Levra retired Monday, ending a 44-year career.’

‘Newman said he doesn’t expect to re-sign with the Bills once he’s eligible to become a free agent in March. Riemersma faces the prospect of being released as he’s scheduled to make $3.5 million in the final year of his contract next season a figure that might be too expensive for the Bills. ”I wear my emotions on my coat sleeve and it’s been tough,” Riemersma said, his eyes welling with tears. ”You really never know in this business what’s going to happen. But, certainly, you can see the writing on the wall.” Riemersma, a seven-year veteran, said he’s prepared to restructure his deal but isn’t sure the Bills are willing to listen after the two sides failed in a bid to renegotiate the contract last spring.’

‘After spending last spring revamping the offense, including wholesale changes along the line and bringing in Kevin Gilbride as his coordinator, team president Tom Donahoe’s challenge this offseason is improving his defensive unit. Buffalo finished 27th in points allowed, 24th average yards rushing (132), and last in generating 19 takeaways.’

After five losses in the previous seven outings, pummeling the ever-putrid Cincinnati Bengals in the regular season finale proved just as easy as expected, but not nearly as rewarding as anticipated a couple months ago.

‘Williams, added, “We like the fact that we made improvement, but unless you’re in the tournament, unless you’re in the playoffs, you’re not satisfied.”‘

‘”(The problems) aren’t too overwhelming, but they’re not minor adjustments that need to be made. We need a spark. I’m not sitting here what spark that may be, but we need a spark, in some form or fashion.”‘

Feb. 28 Veteran free agency signing period begins.

The Bills improved to 9-0 at Rich Stadium in the postseason with their impressive 37-22 victory over their AFC East foe the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the AFC playoffs.

‘Yesterday resembled so many other Bengals losses this season: fall behind early thanks to a porous defense, then suffer turnovers and failed fourth-down conversions while trying to catch up.’

‘Spikes has a potential obstacle to leaving the Bengals, though. He is the team’s leading tackler and one of the defensive cornerstones, which means there is a good chance Cincinnati will place either its transition or franchise tag on him, which would limit his options.’

REBOUND OF THE YEAR

Drew Bledsoe, Bills. Bledsoe found a friendly new home with, of all teams, New England’s division rival. He stayed healthy and prolific, developing a great go-to rapport with Eric Moulds.

Bills close 2002 season with a win. Watch the game highlights.

‘"I’m satisfied with 8-8 from where we were," owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. said. "Coming from where we were, we were worse off than an expansion team. I think the improvement’s been terrific."’

‘"This gives us hope for next year," said safety Coy Wire. "We don’t want the season to end. I can’t wait for next year."’