Two Bills Drive

‘"We know we have to score points, and we know we have a great quarterback who’s smart and proven," said Moulds. "When that happens the confidence level goes up at ever position."’

‘The Bills’ marketing department couldn’t have asked for a better opening-night performance from their new franchise quarterback, or from their revitalized offense.’

‘"Obviously, it’s the first preseason game so you can’t tell all that much," Fletcher said. "I won’t draw any conclusions, but we have a long ways to go. We did do some good things, but there’s a lot to work on."’

‘The starters played fairly well for the most part. Bledsoe had mostly good protection on his 11 throws and left the game in one piece. The run blocking still needs work, as expected. Although the running backs had a few good gains, the Bills finished with just 50 yards on 15 attempts.’

‘During the regular season, most campers arrive on Thursday – Wednesday for more important games – and stay until Monday. The extra time allows fans to ponder the finer points of Bills football.’

‘If memory serves me, this multimillionaire hid behind bankruptcy laws to shaft people he owed money when his restaurant closed.’

Action photos of Eric Moulds, Drew Bledsoe, Price, Reed and others

‘For the record, the Cincinatti Bengals defeated the Buffalo Bills in friday night’s preseason contest by the score of 24-17, scoring 17 unanswered points in the second half. However, I don’t think you’ll find a soul in Buffalo who realy cares.’

‘There weren’t a lot of other positives for the Bills on this warm summer night, especially during a dreadful second half when the Bengals possessed the ball nearly 23 of the final 30 minutes.’

‘As Bledsoe trotted off the field, his Buffalo "rookie" jitters behind him, he was serenaded to a sound that could become habit this fall, "Drewwww!" "Drewwww!" "Drewwww!"’

‘The Buffalo Bills are talking a good game regarding stopping the run this season. That can’t be bad because having confidence is a positive first step in the pursuit of any goal.’

‘In two series, Buffalo’s first team defense delivered some blows, but also surrendered 96 yards and a touchdown. “We had them in some third-and-long situations, and we were unable to stop them from converting,” admitted middle linebacker London Fletcher, echoing a persistent problem last season.’

‘”He knew he had a limited amount of time and he never was flustered,” Bills coach Gregg Williams said. “He did a good job with the team on the sideline and a good job with the team in the huddle. His presence was felt from the moment he stepped in the stadium.”‘

‘The Bengals outgained the Bills 371-228 yards and achieved the balance they like. They had 190 yards passing and 181 yards rushing, including an even 100 by second-year back Rudi Johnson. Johnson averaged 7.1 yards on 14 carries.’

‘Last season, the Bengals allowed an average of 19.3 points a game. The goal for 2002 is 14. The defense allowed 302 yards of offense a game. The goal is 280.’