Two Bills Drive

‘With all of the former Lone Star State and Houston Oilers coaches and players populating the roster, you would think the Erie Canal was a football pipeline extending 2,000 miles south.’

"Their defensive scheme presents some real problems from a pass protection standpoint. Trying to figure out who is blitzing and where they are coming from and how they are doing things- their defense looks really good. We have a challenge ahead of us."

‘Capers helped popularize the "zone blitz," which has been one of the most significant tactical developments in football in the past decade.’

‘"I’ve seen a lot of guys who it takes a while to learn the game," Flowers told the Chronicle. "It took Trent Dilfer a while. Now, he has a Super Bowl ring. It’s too early to throw the bust tag on me. I know my abilities, and I know I’m not (a bust). I will be successful in this league, whether it’s now or later on."’

‘Aside from Williams, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and defensive backs coach Pat Thomas were Oilers assistants. Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and defensive assistant Steve Jackson were Oilers defensive backs.’

‘Ex-Bills Jay Foreman, Erik Flowers, Avion Black and Matt Stevens are all members of the Texans. All but Flowers are playing key roles for the NFL’s newest team.’

‘”I remember warming up and seeing Bruce Smith coming out of the tunnel. … I think I peed down my leg,” Bledsoe recalled with a laugh yesterday.’

‘”Mike’s paying better attention to detail than he was at first. He’s getting better with his steps and getting leverage. He’s getting his weight down. He’s just not refined right now, but he will be.”‘

‘Veteran offensive lineman Ryan Schau practiced at full speed Wednesday for the first time since injuring his right knee the week of the Sept. 8 season opener. Schau worked with the first-team offense at right guard, the position at which Weary has started the first four games. So does that mean it’s a given Schau will start at right guard Sunday when the Texans host the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium?’

‘Kelly, who led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, will be a partner, with different day-to-day duties than a normal owner. The active owner is said to be someone with 15 years of involvement in Busch Series team ownership.’

‘A related press conference is scheduled for Friday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.’

”’Put it this way, I have supreme confidence in those two guys right now,” said Bledsoe as the Bills prepare for Sunday’s game at Houston. ”Teams, I think, are starting to focus on trying to shut them down, but they’re still making plays.”’

”’You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to try to win,” said Williams, after getting limited time in the team’s afternoon practice session. He added that the injury isn’t severe enough to require him to wear any additional padding.’

The Bills are this year’s Indianapolis Colts: All offense, no defense. But at least they are more competitive.

‘Buffalo was a great place for Hull to play – a working class city that appreciated the often unsung heroes along the offensive line.’