Two Bills Drive

‘The Bills could be back in the hunt next season so long as, most notably, they score a starting offensive lineman in the draft, sign Sam Cowart to a contact extension that’s cap-friendly for the coming season, and make a decisive (and obvious) decision regarding their starting quarterback.’

‘For those of you keeping score at home, that’s two wins this season for Alex Van Pelt, one for Rob Johnson.’

‘Also, consider that Wannstedt has done this with his team playing a first-place schedule and three games in 13 days; struggling with turnovers and in the running game; and missing its top two projected left tackles, its best offensive lineman (Mark Dixon) and a standout defensive tackle (Daryl Gardener), among others.’

‘A radio report on Tuesday out of Austin, Texas, where Williams starred with the Longhorns, said Williams will push for a trade to Miami this offseason. Williams wanted to be traded last April after the Saints drafted running back Deuce McAllister in the first round. The Dolphins investigated the situation, but were turned down. James, a former UM star, has reportedly told numerous associates he doesn’t like living in Indianapolis. James has done his rehabilitation on his surgically repaired right knee in South Florida, despite the Colts’ objections.’

‘Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler insists what their offense does Sunday against Buffalo at Pro Player Stadium will be dictated by how the Bills’ defense plays and where the best matchups can be found. But he acknowledges that the team no longer adheres to Wannstedt’s philosophy of living by the run.’

‘While the Jets actually outgained Buffalo, 375 yards to 368, the Bills weren’t burned by big plays like they were in Atlanta.’

‘Coach Gregg Williams said he hopes to get defensive tackle Pat Williams back on the practice field Wednesday.’

‘It’s enough to convince a fellow that the Bills are on their way to respectability with a young team that is bound to get better. One thing that could ruin it is the return of quarterback Rob Johnson. Maybe they’ll get lucky and he’ll be lost in a snowbank.’

‘"We’re getting into a groove and playing better. I’d like some of these young guys to have more chances to play but we’ve only got one more game left and we’re going to go out and see if we can win it."’

‘"That’s not our will to do that but unfortunately that’s the way things have been working out," Martin said. "If that’s what we’re going to do then we just have to work on finishing it off at the end, if that’s the team we’re going to be we just have to finish better."’

‘"I’ve played enough years to know it was a screen, especially when Vinny dropped back a second time."’

‘"We were competitive in six of the last seven weeks in close ballgames," said Bills’ coach Gregg Williams. "Today we made enough plays in this ballgame to win a close one … and that’s something this team needed."’

‘Sunday marked the first time this season – in seven such games – that the Jets lost when Martin rushed for 100 yards.’

‘Phil Hansen recorded his first interception since the 1992 AFC Championship game in Miami at a key time, killing a Jet drive to take the lead late in the fourth. Nate Clements also recorded his third interception of the season in the first half, which puts the rookie in the team lead in that category.’

‘Shawn Bryson also followed up last week’s 130-yard performance in Atlanta with his second consecutive 100-yard performance, rushing for 107 yards on 28 carries. With his second solid performance in place of the injured Travis Henry, Bryson becomes the first Bills back since Thurman Thomas in 1995 to rush for back-to-back 100-yard games.’