Two Bills Drive

‘For all the enthusiasm generated by the Bills’ off-season trade for quarterback Drew Bledsoe – and he played well again on Friday night – this team’s hopes for dramatic improvement rest with the performance of its defensive line. And, so far, the returns haven’t been good.’

‘Though they were trailing only 17-13 — and ultimately lost 24-21 — the Bills’ first-team defence surrendered 293 yards to the Vikings offence by halftime. Given that the Bills meet the Vikings for real in Week 2 of the fast-approaching NFL season, they may want to get up to speed sooner rather than later.’

‘The starting offense rolled for 293 yards in the first half and did not punt in five possessions; quarterback Daunte Culpepper threw for 189 yards and tailback Michael Bennett ran for 49 yards in 30 minutes of work.’

‘• Cornerback Tyrone Carter briefly was credited with a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the second quarter before officials reversed the call on replay. The call was so obvious that coach Mike Tice sent his defensive players back on the field while officials were still reviewing the film.’

‘But the evening clearly belonged to the Vikings’ offense.’

‘Overall, the secondary had a decent day against Drew Bledsoe, who completed 6 of 8 passes for a modest 70 yards.’

‘So much for first impressions. After a promising preseason debut, the Buffalo Bills took a step backward in a 24-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Friday.’

‘But the defense struggled, yielding 4.4 yards per rush and 7.6 yards per pass.’

‘”Could there conceivably be a situation where I would return? Yes. That’s all I can say. I don’t want to try to define it. I don’t want to shut the door on it, but I’m not actively seeking such a role.”‘

‘He started 11 games for the Bills last season and recorded 52 tackles and two sacks before he injured his left knee and required surgery.’

Price, 32, has spent the last six seasons with the Bills after joining the team as a free agent prior to the 1996 season and has played in 78 games (20 starts). In 2001, he started the first 11 games of the season at left defensive tackle before suffering a knee injury at San Francisco (12/2) and missed the remainder of the year.

buffalobills.com is streaming LIVE audio of Bills – Vikings preseason game.

Cornerbacks Nate Clements and Antoine Winfield will test their skills against arguably the most explosive receiver in the NFL.

The Bills and Vikings have met nine times in regular season play and Minnesota holds a 7-2 edge in the series.

Riemersma: I think first and foremost is the excitement around here and I don't know if you would have had that without having Drew in here. He commands respect in the huddle and his presence in both the huddle and on the field is just phenomenal. It's just fun to play with him.

‘"(Last week) didn’t sit well with the D-line or the whole defense," rookie defensive tackle Justin Bannan said. "We had a lot of mental mistakes, but then again, that’s what preseason is for. That’s how you improve."’