Two Bills Drive

‘While not a superstar, Thomas did rush for 1,183 yards as a rookie, and he’s coming off a 111-yard performance in last week’s loss against a stout New Orleans defense.’

‘During the roughly two-hour drive to Ralph Wilson Stadium, Ahanotu grabs some more sleep, works the cellular phone and gets himself ready for the football assignment ahead. On the way home, he does more of the same while trying to forget about the game that has become his profession. In that sense, he believes the time and the $5,000-a-month or so he pays Cameron to chauffeur him is well spent.’

‘He has emerged as the Bills’ defensive quarterback, calling the plays in the huddle and barking at teammates he believes are letting up. He did some of his best yapping last week about his former teammates.’

"That will be a weapon for us as we get more proficient in our offense. At times if we need to change things up we may go to a no-huddle earlier in the game."

This weekend, prior to the Chicago Bears game, the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse is transformed into the largest indoor tailgate party in the league: Tops Gameday Experience. In addition to a variety of interactive games, and food, the Bills Experience features the live broadcast of the 97 Rock pregame show.

Apparently it helps to be on a winner. Three of the top four play for unbeaten teams, while the fourth – Drew Bledsoe – is on pace to break Dan Marino’s passing yardage record for a season.

‘The Bills are one of just three teams (along with Baltimore and Cincinnati) in the NFL that hasn’t picked off a pass.’

‘"Last year this time I was sitting at home watching games on TV. To know I’m back in football and starting and having fortunate things happening to me is a blessing. The Bills have been good to me."’

‘Drew Bledsoe is on his way back, but he has company. Kevin Gilbride, come on down.’

‘The Bills’ defense allows 5.3 yards per rush and ranks 28th against the run. But it is not for lack of trying. The Bills mass eight, sometimes as many as 10, men on the line to stop the run, meaning the Bears may adjust their approach slightly. “It’s unlike some things that you’ve ever seen, so it gets hard sometimes,” offensive coordinator John Shoop said.’

‘”They’re going to throw the ball 40 or 45 times,” said cornerback Reggie Austin, who stayed after practice Thursday with the wide receivers, running routes to work on his technique for catching the ball. “They know we’re thin, so they’re going to try to get one of us out of there to see who’s coming in next. You definitely have to have your track shoes on.”‘

‘The Bears expect to see quite a bit of passing from Drew Bledsoe, and Knight would like nothing better than to notch his first career sack at Ralph Wilson Stadium against the team he grew up cheering for.’

‘Bryan Knight gets to play in front of his parents Sunday when the Bears play the Bills in his hometown of Buffalo. But chances are good Knight has family almost anywhere the Bears play, since he has more than 100 brothers and sisters.’

‘When the Bears play Sunday in his hometown of Buffalo, Knight likely will have a prominent role as pass rush end much of the time in nickel defenses because of the Bills’ extensive use of multi-receiver formations.’

‘The Bears of the 1980s sent every available warm body across the line to swarm running backs and quarterbacks. Buffalo’s tactics may be similar, but the results have been different. They have managed 12 sacks, tied for fourth best in the league. But they give up big gainers on running plays when the blitz doesn’t stop a runner.’