Two Bills Drive

‘WHAM, however, has accused the Bills of essentially blocking a possible deal because Russ Brandon, the team’s vice president of business development and marketing, refused a request from station manager Jeff Howlett to speak to the Chargers on his behalf.’

‘[WROC-TV (Channel 8) sports director John] Kucko is now steadily deluged with correspondence from viewers demanding that his station carry the Chargers games over the national game assigned them by the network — or that he even pre-empt the Bills game in favor of San Diego’s. Kucko said the vast majority of the hundreds of fans who have contacted him are female.’

The most surprising boost came from Alex Van Pelt in Buffalo. After Johnson got hurt, Van Pelt came in and threw three touchdown passes. Even though the Bills lost to the Jets, they managed to score 36 points, which was more than any winning team scored in any other game this week. One Bills player told me, "Right now, we just need Alex out there. It’s nothing I can put my finger on but it’s something."

This is the sadness part of the program. I don’t want to give away the ending, but you will not find a victory from here on in (Cowboys, Washington and Detroit rated lower).

After throwing for three touchdowns and 268 yards in a nice relief appearance for an injured Rob Johnson against the New York Jets, Alex Van Pelt is hoping he didn’t unwittingly spark another QB controversy in western NY.

Johnson’s expected to start, which Van Pelt is all in favor of having lived through the controversial Johnson vs. Flutie debate the past three seasons.

"I’m happy I was able to come off the bench and try to help, but that’s my role," Van Pelt said. "I’m my mind, there’s no debate because Rob’s our No. 1 QB and we need him to be in that role.

Buffalo Bills (28): This reclamation project is going to take a lot of time.

The Buffalo Bills are a team that is afflicted with the "two I’s:"

Inexperience and injuries. The Bills have a way to go because of the "two I’s," and there’s a third "I" in there — ineffective. I’d like to see the Bills do better, I pull for them, but it doesn’t look good. They have a bye, then they are on the road for three of their next four.

These are league rankings with the toughest quarter of Bills schedule completed.

Offense: Total 15, Rush 9, Pass 16

Defense: Total 27, Rush 27, Pass 24

Physical aspects are overrated, and instinct is underrated. Instinct is the first requirement on Walsh’s list when he evaluates a quarterback.

The Bills, Seahawks and Steelers, have not gotten what they expected out of the quarterback position.

28. Bills (0-4) (was 29)

Good news: They scored 36. Bad news: Jets scored 42

‘"This is going to be a very difficult year," the 82-year-old owner said Tuesday from his home in Detroit. "But I’m optimistic about the future. We’ve got some good, young players that just need time to develop. If the fans stick with us, and I’m sure they will, they will be rewarded."’

‘So enjoy the regular season. There are 12 games remaining. Yes, there’s good news in that, too. There aren’t 13.’

‘"From the fans’ point of view, they just wanted the quarterback who could win games, but I know the majority of the team basically wanted Flutie in there. I know the offensive linemen were behind him because he could make something happen and didn’t give up many sacks."’

‘Historically, the Bills have had success after a bye week, as they are 9-3 following the break, losing just three times. However, they have lost their last two games following the week off, falling to the Giants in 1999 and Indianapolis after last week’s bye came in Week 4.’

Lou Saban, at 80 years of age, is back coaching in the college ranks.