Two Bills Drive

‘"Last year is last year," said Fletcher, who signed with the Bills as an unrestricted free agent a month after the Super Bowl. "I can’t do anything about that. It’s water under the bridge. I’m on a new team now, and I’m trying to do everything I can to help the Buffalo Bills win this game. This game is important to our team. It’s a big division game. It’s important because it’s the only one we’ll be playing on Sunday."’

‘What adds the most juice to tomorrow’s clash at Ralph Wilson Stadium has been the recent struggles endured by the man that replaced Bledsoe.’

‘But there were still problems against the run, where they rank 29th in the NFL.’

‘The Massachusetts gubernatorial election is Tuesday, but New England’s big day is tomorrow, when the staggering Patriots go to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., in an effort to get their season back on track and defend the football judgment of their once-infallible head coach.’

‘Brown, the Patriots’ top offensive weapon, wears a protective brace on the knee while playing. Asked if he thought he might need to wear the device all season, he said, ”I hope not.”’

”’I was disappointed at first,” Van Pelt acknowledged yesterday. ”I was looking forward to starting. But after that wore off, I realized what a great opportunity it was to have him in here. It was a great chance to work with another great QB, another great mind to pick. So after the initial disappointment, I was excited.”’

‘“Any time Centers is on the field, that’s certainly one option,” said Belichick. “I think Buffalo does a good job using all their receivers down there in the red area. Riemersma is a good red-area receiver. Centers is a good red-area receiver. Moulds and Price are guys who, if they get single coverage, can beat you on different option routes. They run fades, slants underthrown fades and fades in the back of the end zone."’

‘In last Sunday’s 24-16 loss to the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium, Patten did not record a single reception – and let a sure touchdown pass from Tom Brady sail through his hands in the end zone. Patten plans to turn things around in tomorrow’s big AFC East showdown with the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y.’

‘This is the toughest week of the Patriot quarterback’s fledgling career.’

‘"They’ve changed offenses," Belichick said of the Bills. "(Gilbride’s) brought in a whole new system, which is what Kevin has run pretty much everywhere he’s been, whether it was at Houston, Jacksonville or San Diego. In Pittsburgh it was more adapted to the Pittsburgh style."’

‘"I think the sky’s the limit," Price said recently. "All the pieces have to be in place for a receiver to be successful. He’s got to be in an offense that gives him opportunities. He needs a quarterback who believes in him. I believe I can be a top five receiver in this league. It’s just the way I think, and the way I should think."’

‘Centers — a 13-year veteran — is the kind of player who can quietly kill you while you mistakenly devote all your attention to the more notable skill players.’

‘Graham was the Patriots’ first-round draft pick this season — the 21st overall pick — but he hasn’t had much time to showcase his potential. He was inactive for the season opener, then caught four passes in the next three games before injuring his shoulder. Without much playing time lately, there’s a chance he could be rusty Sunday afternoon.’

‘As Bledsoe prepares for his first game against the team he once symbolized, motivation isn’t hard to come by.’

‘"He’s a significant player and they gave up a significant draft choice for him," Belichick said. "They know they’re getting a good player. We know we’re trading a significant player. But, you can only have one quarterback."’