Two Bills Drive

‘The Dolphins have made several changes to their playoff ticket policy in an effort to avoid a repeat of the past two postseasons, when two first-round games did not sell out in time for the television blackout to be lifted.’

‘After going undrafted in the supplemental draft, the two-year letterman at Auburn had a chance to make the team as a kick returner in 1999 before a knee injury, which he calls the most frustrating part of this process. In 2000, he was cut in late August, signed to the practice squad, then released again.’

‘Both have been cleared by the medical staff to return to practice today, though it’s unlikely either will play Sunday at Buffalo.’

‘Despite being the only team in the past two years to fail to sell out its playoff games in time to lift the television blackout, the Dolphins are hopeful that will not be a problem this season if they qualify for this post-season.’

‘Buffalo Bills assistant coach Tommy Kaiser and Texas Tech running backs coach Art Briles are among those that Houston athletic director Dave Maggard wants to interview for the Cougars’ head coaching job, according to a Houston television station.’

‘The Book: If you take away the deep ball to Moulds, you’ll force Bledsoe to throw underneath and you will contain Buffalo’s offense. To wit, after averaging 32 points through the first eight games, the Pats, Chiefs, and Jets have held the Bills to just 12 points per game.’

‘Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler and receiver Cris Carter were cleared Tuesday to return to practice. Fiedler has missed the past five games with a broken right thumb and will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Buffalo. Carter, who has missed three games because of a kidney problem, will also return to practice Wednesday.’

‘Over the last two weeks, the Dolphins have put forth the type of performances in all phases that will be needed heading into the final five games of the season. All that will be on the Dolphins’ minds this week, however, is their game this Sunday in Buffalo, as they try to even the season series with the Bills after Buffalo bettered the Dolphins in the first game this year, 23-10, back on October 20 at Pro Player Stadium. Revenge, though, will not be Miami’s primary motive. A Dolphins triumph would guarantee them at least a one-game lead in the AFC East with four to play, while also allowing them to keep pace with the conference front-runners.’

If the Buffalo Bills were a puzzle, it appears that the opposition has just fit the final piece.

Or so it would seem. How else can you explain the Bills' inability to finish big plays? The red zone is icy blue. They're serving up tastier turnovers than a pastry chef.

Gregg Williams said on Monday that Antoine Winfield suffered a lower muscle strain in his leg and with a little rest this week he'll be fine. The injury occurred on the final play of the third quarter while Winfield was covering Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet.

With 43 rushing yards, Henry will becomethe 8th different Bills player with a 1,000-yard campaign and the 21st overall.

‘There are no secrets about what the Bills want to do offensively.’

‘In fairness Williams, Gray and even Smith don’t have the talent they’d like to have at their disposal yet, but that doesn’t excuse many of the Bills mistakes.’

‘"Teams are playing Cover Two," running back Travis Henry explained Monday, referring to the zone defense that gets its name from the fact that it employs two safeties in the deep zone. "It’s hard to get them matched up one-on-one. We’re going to have to get the short passes. We just have to be solid on offense. We can’t make any mistakes because teams are figuring us out. We have to execute on offense."’

‘The owner, Ralph Wilson, is not inclined to fire him. Neither is Donahoe, the general manager. Williams was his choice. It would be an admission that he’d hired the best interviewer, not the best coach. But if the Bills go into full meltdown – if they finish 6-10 or even run the table in reverse and go 5-11 – what choice would there be?’