Two Bills Drive

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."’

‘With the exception of losses to Oakland, the first New England game and the second New York Jets game, the Bills had a chance to win heading into the final period of the other five losses.’

‘"I’m sure Peerless is going to do the right thing and I’ll support him no matter what his decision is," Moulds said. "But I’m hoping he stays. We have a chance to do something special here and it would be a lot better if we were able to do it here together."’

‘Williams still has a lot to prove as a game-day coach. But he’s obviously earned the right to coach another year. Donahoe, the general manager, gushed about him after the win. If he has that much faith in Williams, he should give him a one-year extension and spare him the indignity of coaching as a lame duck next season.’

‘Perhaps no other Bills defender has shown more improvement over the last two games than rookie cornerback Kevin Thomas.’