Two Bills Drive

8. Drew Bledsoe / Bills – The Patriots were begging teams outside their division to trade for him. They told people they believed Bledsoe still could be an exceptional quarterback if he went to a new, positive situation, but he would never regain the passion and effectiveness he showed under Bill Parcells if he stayed in New England. Unfortunately for them and the other teams in the AFC East, the only team that believed them was the Bills, and now the Pats have another tough team to face. Just think of how the Skins would be with Bledsoe in Steve Spurrier’s offense.

The Bills-Raiders game this Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is sold out and will be televised locally. Check for the local broadcast affiliate in your area.

Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe has been selected as the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for his outstanding performances in September.

The Bills and Raiders have met 31 times in a series that dates back to 1960. Oakland holds a 16-15 series lead after a 20-14 win at Orchard Park in 1999, the last meeting between the clubs. Tim Brown had 183 receiving yards in a 1993 meeting between the two teams

‘"I’ve got a few more years on me than most 30-year-olds, but I’m only 30," Bledsoe said.’

The Bills won their first AFC Championship with one of the most dominating performances ever displayed in a title game. Buffalo set the tone for the day by driving 75 yards after the opening KO and scored the initial TD when QB Jim Kelly picked up a bad shotgun snap and scrambled to find WR James Lofton for a 13-yard pass.

‘The Raiders rank No. 1 in the NFL against the run, allowing just 52 yards a game.’

‘"Well, I’ve been lucky," Gilbride said. "This isn’t the first good team I’ve been on, or the first great offense. But I’m very proud of the way these guys have bought into what we’ve been teaching. Now the key is, can we keep on doing it the rest of the season? That’s the measuring stick."’

‘The Bills rank 30th in the NFL in punt return coverage and 31st in kickoff return coverage.’

‘He is on stage again. He got his wish. Buffalo got its quarterback. “Crazy,” he says. “I guess it just worked out."’

‘But, truth be told, the fourth-year pro — who started all 32 games the Bills played in 2000 and 2001 — is not thrilled by his lack of involvement in Buffalo’s defensive scheme this year.’

‘But players have been lobbying for an all-blue look at home and all-white look for the road ever since the new colors were unveiled in June. Coach Gregg Williams and general manager Tom Donahoe have listened.’

‘Could there be a better Week 5 Sunday night or Monday night matchup than the Bills hosting the Oakland Raiders?’

‘Granted it’s early in the season, but both veterans are on pace to shatter a number of team and league passing records. So don’t expect either to stop flinging it now.’

‘"Drew Bledsoe has changed that football team," Raiders’ outside linebacker Bill Romanowski said. "He’s given them the ability to throw downfield. The guys believe in him."’