Two Bills Drive

‘In a brutal season in which people’s expectations have been lowered to just wanting to see glimmers of progress under new coach Gregg Williams, the Bills took a leap off the Golden Gate Bridge.’

‘In taking a 14-0 halftime lead, the 49ers outgained the Bills by 222-74, had a 14-4 edge in first downs, and Jeff Garcia completed 15 of 19 passes for 148 yards.’

‘Secondary: A very long night against the NFL’s fifth-ranked passing game. Garcia was 9 of 9 at one point and in the first half, and converted 6 of 7 third-down passes. A 17-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens against Antoine Winfield was a simple mismatch of size. Reserve Tai Streets beat safety Travares Tillman for a 23-yard score. F.’

‘"Those guys up front are the keys to it all," said Hearst, who rushed for a score early in the second quarter. "Tonight, they just took control and smashed people."’

‘"We not only had trouble on defense, we had trouble converting on offense."’

‘Hearst is on pace for 235 carries and 1,242 yards this season, and he is improving weekly. The extra money that he will earn will cost the 49ers significantly against next year’s salary cap. But the 49ers figure this kind of performance is worth it.’

‘The 49ers’ turnover ratio (+1 on the season) is mediocre. Buffalo has been much worse (-12).’

‘The Niners have ranked among the top six in the NFL in offense 18 of the past 20 years.’

‘Regardless of the outcome, the Bills can take some solace in the 49ers’ turnaround. By following the same formula, a return to respectability could be around the corner.’

‘To the insiders, to those who play the game for a living, there might be no worse job in the NFL than being the No. 3 quarterback.’

‘The view from here is that Van Pelt received the opportunity of his NFL career when Rob Johnson told the Buffalo media this week that his season is over as a result of his broken collarbone.’

‘"It was 13 years. I spent the greater part of my coaching career in Buffalo. It’s something looking at those uniforms and hearing the name. A part of me will always be a Bill. It’s a lot easier this year than last, of course."’

‘Who knows what heroics Bronson will perform in tonight’s contest against the Buffalo Bills?’

‘Bills coach Gregg Williams imported his aggressive defensive scheme from the Titans. It’s a style the 49ers have rarely faced. To counter, the 49ers probably stick with what they do best — attack teams with a good balance of run and pass.’

‘"They’re young and improving, a lot like our team," Coach Steve Mariucci said. "They have a handful of real good players and a lot of the youngsters are starting to catch up fast."’