Two Bills Drive

Buffalo was on track to jump close to the .500 mark even before the Drew Bledsoe trade, and if all the other pieces continue to fall into place as expected, a nine-win season seems realistic. If Bledsoe shines and stays healthy, the Bills could be this year’s surprise team.

‘"I think camp should be a max of three weeks with two preseason games, maybe three at the most," said linebacker London Fletcher, who is wrapping up his inaugural Fisher camp after spending the first four years of his career with the St. Louis Rams.’

‘"Erik did everything we asked him to do, he worked hard, but for whatever reason it didn’t happen for him here."’

‘Bills offensive guard Corey Hulsey, a key backup, suffered a left knee sprain in Tuesday’s morning practice. He’s likely to miss today’s final practice at St. John Fisher College, but coach Gregg Williams said he’s not been ruled out of playing in Saturday’s third preseason game at Indianapolis.’

‘"They’ve got a good quarterback now and they’ve just got to give him a little bit of protection. I don’t know how far they can go, but I think they can definitely make the playoffs."’

‘The 24-year-old Flowers started six of 31 games during his first two seasons and had four sacks and one interception. He played little in Buffalo’s first two preseason games and was moved down the depth chart when the team signed Chidi Ahanotu yesterday.’

Basically, the "46" has worked twice in NFL history — the 1985 Bears and the 2000 Titans, where Williams cut his teeth. But each of these squads had premium talent and considerable good luck. Everyone else who has tried to use the "46" has paid dearly, since while most defenses are designed to cover up weaknesses, the "46" is designed to expose weaknesses and dare you to attack them.

Guard Corey Hulsey suffered a minor knee sprain (left) midway through the morning workout on Tuesday. He’ll be held out of Wednesday’s workout. A decision as to whether he’ll play in Saturday’s game will be determined later in the week.

‘"We’ve got a lot of talent, a lot of speed, and I see some big plays coming out of this unit this year."’

‘The reality is the 6-foot-4, 290-pound, 32-year-old Price and the 6-foot-2, 285-pound, 31-year-old Ahanotu are journeymen. If you doubt it, ask yourself why they were unsigned some three weeks before the season starts.’

‘Of the nearly 60-man roster (including injured reserve) president/general manager Tom Donahoe inherited in January of 2001, only 19 remain, a mere seven of them starters. And it’s not unreasonable to assume that come the final cutdown on Sept. 1 that number could be a dozen left from the 2000 season.’

For years, Bledsoe and Riemersma had watched each other play in divisional clashes between the Bills and New England Patriots. They knew each other well, yet didn’t know each other at all. That’s the thing with division rivals, particularly those who play on the same side of the ball: You watch those opposing players twice each year, get to know their styles and, if they’re deserving, admire their skills.

With the Bills down by four, Buffalo intercepted a Dan Marino pass very late in the game. The radio reception became very spotty, with much garble and interference… a long Kelly pass to Andre Reed in the dying moments put the ball on the two-yard line.

‘Flowers is the latest member of the Bills’ 2000 draft class — the last overseen by former general manager John Butler — to be released.’

‘4. 1971 Bills.’