Two Bills Drive

‘If there is a favorite among the 15 [finalists], it is Kelly, the only one in his first year of eligibility.’

‘Kelly is the only candidate in his first year of eligibility.’

‘Quarterback Jim Kelly, Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell and punter Ray Guy were among the other finalists for the Class of 2002, which will be announced Febuary 2 in New Orleans.’

There’s a strong sense around the NFL that Buffalo is banking on picking either Joey Harrington or David Carr, the top two QBs in this year’s draft class. It’s likely team president Tom Donahoe will let oft-injured QB Rob Johnson go, leaving Alex Van Pelt, who recently agreed to a five-year contract extension, as the starter.

Jim Kelly, QB, 1986-1996 Buffalo Bills

James Lofton, WR, 1989-1992 Buffalo Bills (among others)

Kelly also played two seasons in the defunct USFL with the Houston Gamblers (1984-85).

Ted Washington never gets tired of going to the Pro Bowl.

Although he’s a Pro Bowl veteran, this will be the first time Washington has represented the NFC. His other three trips — 1996, 1997 and 2000 — came when he was in Buffalo.

Offseason plans: get an intern in Cleveland Clinic in their computer area.

Just Buffalo related remarks:

Q: You recently said that Buffalo would try to get Harrington or Carr in the April draft, yet we’re also hearing they are going to trade down for more picks. Any updates?

A: I think that the Bills are very high on Carr and Harrington, but there are a couple of other QBs that may catch their eye, too, like Kiitner and Davey, so if they got great value for the fourth pick that would enhance their overall draft – and still get a QB they believe will be a quality NFL starter – then I’m sure they would consider it. But that’s what the next couple of months are about – to evaluate everything.

Q: What do you think of the Johnson situation in Buffalo? Personally, I think they should let him go if he wont accept contract changes. I doubt houston would want to take him in the Expansion draft.

A: Don’t be so sure about that. Chris Palmer was one of Rob’s offensive coaches in Jacksonville and he was pretty high on the guy, I think. Palmer is the Houston OC.

Ex-Bils DC Ted Cottrell is going head-to-head with Bucs ex-HC Tony Dungy for positions with Panthers and Jets. Indianapolis will interview New York Jets DC Ted Cottrell on Saturday and the Panthers will meet with him on Thursday. Dungy’s agent is still working on times and places to meet.

‘The fact the Bills were competitive, with nine games decided by a touchdown or less, encouraged and impressed Wilson and left Williams on solid footing.’

‘It could be that Cowart’s condition is merely a convenient excuse to jettison another veteran.’

Carolina officials on Tuesday sought and were granted permission to discuss their head coach job with Cottrell. It marked the 2nd consecutive day in which the Jets granted permission to talk to Cottrell, who will meet with Colts officials by the end of this week.

An 18-year league veteran, Cottrell moved to the Jets staff in 2001 after spending 7 years on the Buffalo Bills staff, the last three of those seasons as DC. His defense led the NFL this season in takeaway/turnover differential and Cottrell was key in making a critical switch at midseason from a "cover two" scheme to a "cover three" alignment.

Ex-Bill great Bruce Smith has warmed up to new Redskins coach Steve Spurrier. "He’s a coach that believes you should burn it on the game field instead of the practice field," Smith said.

Smith injured his shoulder early in training camp and didn’t come close to repeating his 10-sack season of the previous season, finishing with just five. Smith called Spurrier "very refreshing" and noted the coach’s no-tackling rule in practice.

Smith is 12 sacks short of Reggie White’s NFL career record of 198, a mark Smith would dearly love to have. He also wants one more chance to win a Super Bowl, having lost four in a row during his 15 seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

‘Nevertheless, Irsay said that while he has "tremendous respect for guys like Marv Levy and Ted Marchibroda," he sounded somewhat reluctant to endorse Levy as his next coach. "If we could just meet, if we stirred up the coals, I think he would have a different view," said Levy. "But he has to be open for it to work."’

‘"I didn’t apply for the job," said Levy, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August after posting a 154-120 record (including playoffs) during 17 years as a head coach. If the Colts expressed an interest? "I’ll give you an honest answer rather than dance," Levy said. "I would probably listen."’