Two Bills Drive

‘"I had heard of the rule," he said of Rule Three, Section 20, Article Two, Paragraph C, which says the ball is dead when a player who has any part of his body out of bounds touches the ball. "I guess everybody knows about it now," Patten said.’

‘"I have never seen a play like it," Bills coach Gregg Williams said.’

‘In the NFL officials handbook, it’s rule three, section 20, article two, paragraph C: "The ball is out of bounds when a loose ball touches a boundary line, or anything on or outside such line."’

‘And while there’s no truth to the rumor that the crew that officiated the game received a game ball from New England, it certainly played a major role in the Patriots’ fourth victory in a row and third straight in December.’

‘"It always feels good when you win when you’re going against your old team," Smith said. "That run at the end put us in position to kick the winning field goal, so that’s extra special."’

‘There are many playoff scenarios still in play, but the most encouraging reads like this: If the Patriots win their final two games, and the Jets lose of any of their last three, the Patriots win the division title.’

‘Patten was the central figure in a bizarre play which seemed destined to derail the New England Patriots but instead sent them on their merry way.’

‘The breaks — as they have virtually all season — went against Buffalo.’

‘On the winning drive, the Patriots were aided by an instant replay after David Patten fumbled and safety Keon Carpenter recovered for the Bills at their 41. But Patten was ruled to be out of bounds when he fumbled along the sideline.’

‘"I thank God for the gifts he gave me," Smerlas said. "God made me a big, strong, 300-pound man who could kick some (behinds) on the field."’

‘Travis Henry, the Buffalo Bills’ leading rusher, was knocked out of the game with a sprained left knee in the second quarter Sunday against New England.’

Buffalobills.com sat down with Bills Director of Pro Personnel John Guy to find out the latest on the New England Patriots, who visit Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday. Guy, who has provided tips this season on the opposition, also evaluates the Patriots’ playoff chances and gives an update on his report from last month.

‘The Bills are feeling better about themselves after beating Carolina last week for their second win. They would like nothing better than to derail the Patriots’ roll towards the postseason in their final home game.’

‘The Brady-for-Bledsoe switch is the most stunning of many strange turns the Patriots’ season has taken. And it’s the biggest reason New England takes the field in Ralph Wilson Stadium today as one of the most surprising success stories in the NFL this year.’

‘So why aren’t Riemersma’s numbers up? Part of the reason is that the Bills’ offensive line has been decimated by injury and Riemersma had to be used more as a blocker than a pass receiver.’