Two Bills Drive

From the 09.17.01 issue:

Current value: $393 mil; Current Ranking: 23

The skinny: Improved lease and specialty seating in 1999. Small but great football town. Major corporate sponsors are Blockbuster Entertainment, HSBC Bank, Verizon Wireless.

‘The reality is, in the first half, when both team’s first two units were on the field, Pittsburgh enjoyed a rather emphatic 147-63 edge in offensive yardage. And looking at Buffalo’s preseason offense in total, it scored 34 points in four games with a mere three touchdowns. Hardly a ringing endorsement for the touted West Coast attack.’

‘Fisher was one of two Bills’ youngsters whose play was lauded by head coach Gregg Williams. The other was rookie running back Travis Henry. He noted, "Travis Henry ran the football strong and it’s going to be an easy decision (who starts)." Of Fisher, Williams added, "Byrce came off the ball really well … he attacked and rushed the way we want him to."’

‘After the Steelers’ offense moved well on its first two drives with Stewartat the helm, Martin’s offense could barely register any positive yardage. Martin worked eleven series in which the offense gained a total of 63 yards.’

18. Rob Johnson, Bills: He no longer has to look over his shoulder for Doug Flutie to come and steal his job, but he is worthless if he does not stay healthy.

Recap of the game courtesy of the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo held Pittsburgh to just 10 first downs, while the Steelers held Buffalo to just 12.

-Curtis Alexander was the Player of the Game.

-Aaron Schobel recorded 2 sacks for the Bills

-Curtis Alexander led both teams with 47 yards rushing

-Travis Brown was 11 for 22 and 85 yards passing in his Buffalo debut

-Bryce Fisher, Leif Larsen and DaShon Polk all recorded sacks for Buffalo

As the final preseason week of games began Thursday night, all eyes were on NFL replacement officials. If the lockout and bargaining impasse continue, this could get interesting.

“The type of player who thinks he can benefit from intimidation will be encouraged by this,” Levy said. “It’s like the (substitute teacher). Twenty-five kids are well-behaved, the other five look for vulnerability.”

Game stats from pre-season game.

‘If giving the New Orleans Saints little to fear was the Buffalo Bills’ mission Thursday night, they were a smashing success.’

‘It looks like rookie Nate Clements may hold the key to dramatic improvement in the return game for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have kept their prize rookie under wraps on returns most of the preseason. But Clements gave a glimpse of his potential on kickoff returns Thursday when he had a 42-yard return in the third quarter. The Bills are trying to rebound from last season when they ranked 31st in the NFL in kickoff returns.’

‘"The first offense, and the first defense, I was very pleased with how they played," said Coach Bill Cowher.’

‘"It was pretty good," quarterback Kordell Stewart said. "They made a few mistakes, and the fans got on them a little bit. But there was not much of a difference on the field."’

‘Donahoe, who’s in his first year as vice-president and general manager of the Buffalo Bills, declined to be interviewed Thursday night at Heinz Field…"I wish Tom Donahoe the best of luck," Steeler running back Jerome Bettis said. "He’s a good football man. I should know. He’s the guy who brought me to Pittsburgh."’