Two Bills Drive

‘The NFL and its officials agreed to a new contract Monday, all but ending the lockout and the need for replacements, a league source told The Associated Press.’

‘What’s unusual with Donahoe’s remarks is that general managers — in Buffalo, at least — have rarely publicly challenged their players, especially during a season. Then again, this isn’t the old Buffalo Bills.’

‘Thus, it’s virtually assured that the Bills’ best defender is out for the season, leaving Buffalo’s run-stopping responsibility in the hands of second-year pro Kenyatta Wright and rookie fourth round draft choice Brandon Spoon. In reality, though general manager Tom Donahoe and head coach Gregg Williams will never admit it, this is the Bills’ worst nightmare come true.’

Phil Hansen will take questions from the Buffalo Bills website.

Tom Donahoe answers a number of questions including:

Football-wise, did it help the young team to get more practice in, would you rather have had more game experience?

“Our situation’s not any more difficult that anyone else’s. With the young team, it has given us more practice time, which we can use, so that our players can improve and further develop. From that standpoint, we can take advantage of the extra time that we’ve had in terms of preparation and our players getting better.”

On Tuesday morning, Levy was en route from Denver to Chicago following Monday night’s matchup between the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants. Shortly into the flight, the pilot announced that their plane would land in Omaha, Neb., due to possible terrorist strikes in New York City and Washington D.C.

“There was a tremendous pulling together of the nation, a oneness of mind that I saw reflected after these events of last Tuesday that I haven’t seen since Pearl Harbor,” Levy told NFL.com.

‘"It’s the challenge we have in every walk of life throughout the country right now," Williams said. "It’s not only here. The (stock) markets opened up (Monday). We’ll do our part. That’s my job, our job as coaches. We’ll do our part to get it back to as normal as we can, whatever that may be."’

‘Rob Johnson, Phil Hansen, Jay Riemersma, Alex Van Pelt, Kris Farris and Michael Early were among those who signed autographs at the Walden Galleria on Saturday. They also accepted donations from shoppers and pooled an unspecified amount of their own money to help in the rescue and recovery project.’

Here’s the explosive Colts offense’s first test against a top-notch defense. With 18-16 and 44-20 wins in Buffalo and Indianapolis, the Colts swept the Bills in ’00 for the first time since ’94.

If they don’t take this deal, which will give them a 50% raise this season and a 100% raise in the fourth year, the NFL is expected to play the season with the replacement officials.

Count on them taking it.

How could they not? As one league insider noted, the stock market is down nearly 700 points and the officials are squawking about a 50% increase for a second job?

Tom Condon, chief negotiator for the union, told USA TODAY Monday night that the report was erroneous and no deal was in place.

"Given everything that you have to go through if you’re one of those last two wild-cards teams, staying around in the playoffs for any length of time is (a hard thing)," said former Buffalo Bills coach Wade Phillips.

‘It’s difficult to gauge how the Bills will react. They are a mostly young team, featuring 37 players with two or fewer full seasons of NFL experience. Receiver Eric Moulds challenged the young players to step up their levels of play. "The veteran players we have know how to win. But the young guys have to come forward and learn how to win," Moulds said. "This team is known for winning ballgames. We have to show those guys how you win around here."’

‘The 6-foot, 240-pounder served as a backup to Cowart and John Holecek, and he made one start last year — ironically against the team he will start against Sunday, Indianapolis. When Williams took over the team, Wright had to prove himself again. With 24 special teams tackles last season, third-best on the team, Wright had an edge because Williams values special teams play.’

‘In addition to linebacker Sam Cowart’s operation to repair his torn Achilles’ tendon, defensive end Bryce Fisher had a screw placed in his thumb. Fisher did not practice yesterday, but is expected to be back tomorrow wearing a cast on his hand to protect the thumb. The Bills are not practicing today. Coach Gregg Williams said if the Bills had played in Miami Sunday, Fisher would have played with a cast.’