Two Bills Drive

‘As any visit to Buffalo talk radio will confirm, Buffalo fans are wildly passionate about their Bills. And no more so than in the Stadium on game day. “No question, it is a great football area both in Western New York and Canada,” Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe said. “We have great fans.”‘

‘In December, three of Buffalo’s four games are against AFC East foes, including a season-ending trip to New England. “We need to do a better job in our division,” said Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who had his worst performances last year against his former team, the Patriots. “Our division is awfully tough.”‘

‘”When I heard the news this morning, I told anyone around here who would listen that we had to go get Lawyer,” said Bledsoe from his Buffalo-area home last night. “I was as surprised as anyone because, as a former teammate and a friend, I understand as well as anyone what Lawyer brings to a team. I don’t know the circumstances of what happened, but being his teammate and playing against him last year, this is a guy who is the heart and soul of your team.”‘

‘More significant, though, may be that they face the possibility of Milloy being in Buffalo Sunday but in the employ of the Bills — and with the Patriots getting no compensation. The Jets, Bengals, Seahawks, Lions, Chargers, and Redskins also were talking to the Postons about Milloy yesterday, with Milloy hinting that he might give a hometown discount to Seattle.’

‘The Bills, in fact, made a contract offer to the four-time Pro Bowler as early as Tuesday afternoon, and if he accepts, he could be on the field Sunday when they host the Patriots in the season opener at Ralph Wilson Stadium. That wouldn’t surprise anyone in the Patriots’ locker room.’

‘Picked by the Buffalo Bills in the eighth round of the 1969 draft, the Grambling star who later went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams, was named the 36th most influential minority in sports by Sports Illustrated this year. But Harris wouldn’t mind if he moved down that list because that might mean more blacks are getting more higher-profile jobs, especially in the NFL.’

‘New Orleans and Washington are the other two teams seriously pursuing Milloy, but the Bills are believed to have the inside track. A league source said Milloy and his agent, Carl Poston, planned to lay out the options Tuesday night, before reaching a decision Wednesday morning.’

‘The Bills are considered to have the salary-cap room to sign Milloy, and could use an established safety in their continuing attempt to upgrade an already revamped defense. Buffalo’s current starters are Coy Wire, who’s coming off an encouraging rookie season, and Pierson Prioleau, a four-year veteran who was a first-time starter last season.’

‘An unconfirmed report says the Bills have reached a verbal agreement with Milloy. Buffalo has only three safeties on the roster in Coy Wire, Pierson Prioleau and Izell Reese.’

‘Of the 53 players, 23 weren’t on the Bills’ active roster a year ago.’

Buffalo’s Gregg Williams: This is not your typical on-the-bubble situation. Williams is in the final year of his contract, has a team ready to win, and could wind up hitting the jackpot somewhere if he and the Bills come through. Odds are Buffalo makes the playoffs and Williams enjoys his payday in upstate New York. But if not, he and the Bills could be ex’s.

Within two hours of Milloy’s stunning release, ESPN.com reported Tuesday afternoon that the Buffalo Bills had already made a solid contract offer.

‘Drew Bledsoe, who played with Milloy in New England, has reportedly lobbied hard for the Bills to sign the hard hitting strong safety who is also known as a solid clubhouse leader.’

‘New England’s sweep by an aggregate score of 65-24 showed just how far Buffalo had to go. Sunday’s opener will demonstrate just how far the Bills have come.’

‘The Patriots are 9-2 in their last 11 games against AFC East opponents, dating back to the 2001 season.’