Two Bills Drive

‘So long as Sheppard recognizes where he has failed, he deserves a season to make amends.’

‘Winning today would further illuminate the progress the team has made since the start of the year.’

‘In Vinklarek, the Bills have a friend and colleague whose life story is a steady dose of perspective and inspiration.’

‘"Besides, at the end of the year when it comes time to renegotiate your contract, they want to know how many sacks you have."’

”’It’s been a hard season. We had a lot of little things that didn’t go our way and it forced us to do different things each game. But next year, I feel we’re going to be a lot better."’

‘The Bills have allowed just two sacks in the last three games.’

‘With a victory today at Carolina (1-14), New England (10-5) will clinch the AFC East title. That means the Dolphins would be playing Buffalo to secure a first-round home playoff game as a wild card.’

‘The Dolphins are minus-13 in turnover margin, fourth-worst in the NFL, and their 38 turnovers are tied with Detroit for second-worst in the league.’

‘So the night before each of the past 11 contests, the unit has gathered without coaches present to hear one of the first-team players discuss the upcoming opponent and whatever else is on his mind.’

‘When Bowens was signed by the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 22, it marked the fourth team the defensive end had been with in the past 2 1/2 months and fifth in his three-year pro career.’

‘”They stepped up last week in a game they had nothing to win for,” Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler said. “They dug themselves out of the snow and went down to New York and beat a pretty good team. . . We all know Buffalo steps it up when they play against Miami. We’re not expecting a walkover.”‘

‘If the Dolphins win today, they will clinch a home playoff game.’

‘Essentially what the Bills need is for Johnson to reduce his 2002 salary cap charge of slightly more than $11 million. The tricky part is that, while such a reduction can be accomplished easily with a long-term contract extension, Buffalo officials aren’t yet ready to make a commitment to Johnson beyond the 2002 campaign.’

‘…We have to find ways to move [Eric Moulds] around and get mismatches. Without question, he’s too talented not to find ways to get him the ball."’

‘Donahoe and Van Pelt’s agent, Eric Metz, have reportedly agreed in principle to a five-year contract extension worth between $5 and 5.5 million. It is believed the deal will include a $1.5 million signing bonus. The final language of the contract is expected to be completed in the next couple weeks, and until then, no one is willing to reveal much.’