Two Bills Drive

‘Centers has provided the team with veteran leadership since he arrived in Western New York this past May. Playing in for the NFL for over a decade, he has proved to be one of the league’s best fullbacks. ‘

"I’ll never forget that first time I walked into the Buffalo Bills’ team meeting room in early November of 1986 upon being appointed in midseason to take over as head coach," Levy recalled at his Hall of Fame induction. "Sitting in that room were a young Jim Kelly, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, Kent Hull and Darryl Talley were there, great leaders."

"I will disagree, and say [Larry Centers and Jay Riemersma] are adequate [blockers for the run]. Larry Centers, has, and has been, a good blocker in our system, and that’s another thing you’ll see us package things out and sometimes have success of bringing three, four wides and still running the football. It basically comes down to the five guys up front most of the time, because if the formation that comes into the ballgame, it dictates how many people you have to have in come in and block anyway."

‘The confidence-challenged Bills might take heart in one fact: Carolina ranks 31st on defense.’

‘Detroit’s signing of quarterback Scott Dreisbach off the practice squad creates an opening for David Dinkins.’

‘…the Bills figure to contest Detroit (0-11) and the Panthers for the second pick behind expansion Houston. At worst, the Bills will pick fourth.’

‘…but for the first time in the Bills’ weekly press release, Travares Tillman was listed ahead of Carpenter on the depth chart.’

‘The streak of 57 consecutive sellouts (every game at Ericsson Stadium since it opened in 1996) could be in serious jeopardy over the next few weeks. That could lead to the first television blackout of a Panthers game in Charlotte since the team moved into the stadium.’

‘Second-year Bills fullback Phillip Crosby, a native of Bessemer City, has blossomed in Buffalo this season. After being cut by the team last year, then signed back in April, he has played in every game and earned his first start last week.’

‘After yielding no sacks for the first time in 70 game during a 25-22 overtime loss to San Francisco on Nov. 18, the Carolina line has surrendered 12 sacks in the past two losses – including a season-high eight on Sunday during a 27-23 defeat at New Orleans.’

‘Coach George Seifert is used to hearing tight end Wesley Walls complain about not getting enough passes thrown his way. So Seifert’s response to Walls’ latest outburst – which came on Monday when Walls expressed his opinion that he is getting phased out of the offense and that his future with the team is in question – was somewhat predictable yesterday.’

‘Temperatures for Sunday’s game in Orchard Park, N.Y., are expected to dip into the 30s or 40s and there’s even a chance for snow. At least one Panther player didn’t seem to mind. "I like the cold. Everyone slows down to my speed," said left tackle Todd Steussie.’

‘”I have a duty to them to make sure they know what being proud and being a Buffalo Bill is all about. Yeah, you’re darn right,” Hansen said. “After playing here for 11 years, you’re darn right I care. This is part of my life.”‘

One of the most asked questions in Western NY is the status of beleaguered Rob Johnson and whether he will be returning next season. Donahoe said that he spoke briefly with the agent of Johnson and informed the agent that any consideration for the return of Johnson could not be at the cap figure Johnson will have next season ($11 million.) The GM said that it will be something to talk about at the end of the season.

The next morning, former Bills head coach Marv Levy spoke with Howard Simon on W N S A and when asked about Johnson by a caller, Marv Levy feels that Johnson’s "time is up" in Buffalo, considering all the events over the past couple of years.

The Colts, plagued all season by short kickoffs and facing another possible blow with an injury to kicker Mike Vanderjagt, have signed veteran Doug Brien.

To make room for Brien, the team released veteran DB Thomas Smith, signed in September after being waived by the Chicago Bears.