Two Bills Drive

‘"We still have people fighting for some jobs and we have some holes to fill so it’s a big game, and next week is a big game, too," said special teams coach Danny Smith. "We want to solidify our coverage and return units. We’ll continue to play several people at the positions to give them a chance to win a job."’

‘"Billy is going to be all around the ball, he’s going to be tough and physical, that’s how he plays," said Fletcher. "He’s gonna hit me, he’s gonna hit his teammates, he’s gonna hit the opponents. He’s a physical player and I’m glad to have him as a part of our defense."’

‘Team still lacks depth on defense and has big holes in the front seven. The offense shows promise, though, particularly if Bledsoe returns to Pro Bowl form.’

‘Playoff outlook: Fair. While there is some talent on defense, too many holes remain to be a playoff-caliber squad.’

‘Someone went for a joyride across the outdoor practice field at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘It will probably be the best offense since the peak of the Jim Kelly Era. Yes–Drew’s the perfect fit.’

Josh Reed, Bills (36th overall): He was viewed as the most-polished of all the receivers in the draft, and he has lived up to that. Reed might not have the outstanding speed of some of the others in this class, but he makes up for it with his ability to separate from defensive backs with his great route running. The Bills love this kid and he should be the No. 3 receiver behind Eric Moulds and Peerless Price. Reed has made several nice plays in the preseason. Doesn’t look the part because he is a former running back with a thick body, but he understands the position.

‘This Saturday’s preseason game at Indianapolis might be his last chance to make an impression and return for a second season with the Bills.’

"As long as the franchise can remain viable in every way in the National Football League I envision the Bills honoring the lease"

The Houston Texans have claimed defensive end Erik Flowers. Flowers was a first-round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills in 2000. In addition, the Texans have formally signed quarterback Tony Banks.

‘”It was a good camp, obviously there were a lot of new faces, so we had to learn to work together and learn to communicate with each other,” said quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who joined the Bills in April after nine seasons in New England. “We got a lot done. … We’re not ready to play a regular-season game, but we are close.”‘

‘Though he believes the offense has shown considerable progress in training camp, Riemersma realizes there is plenty of work still to be done. "I think we’ve mastered the base offense," he said, "and here in the next few weeks, we can really start to concentrate on what we’re going to be good at during the season."’

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran safety Henry Jones on Thursday. The 6-0, 200-pound Jones played 10 seasons in Buffalo before being waived last September. He signed with Minnesta and played five games but was waived in October.

"I had chicken wings for the first time on that Saturday (before the game). The waitress said, ‘Have you tried wings?’ I said, ‘No, I could probably eat three or four.’ She said, ‘You’ve got to get them in 10 or 20.’ I said, ‘My God, how can anybody eat 10 or 20 wings?’ She said, ‘How would you like them? Hot, medium or mild?’

‘The 5-foot-9, 190-pound cornerback is locked in a battle for the fourth cornerback spot along with rookie Kevin Thomas, drafted in the sixth round out of UNLV in April. The first three spots are locks with Nate Clements, Antoine Winfield and Chris Watson. Bostic, who last played in the league with the Eagles in 2000, is listed behind Winfield at left cornerback.’