Two Bills Drive

‘If you ask me, the replacement officials — it’s popular to call them "scabs" in this town, isn’t it? — didn’t look much different from the regular guys. In some ways, they were better. They didn’t need even one of those tedious, annoying huddles to get their story straight.’

‘Jerome Bettis was the only healthy starter Coach Bill Cowher did not play last night, figuring The Bus had nothing to prove.’

‘Sitting high above the field that he once thought would be his team’s new home, Donahoe was at once proud and disheartened. Edwards (first round), Brown (seventh round) and running back Zereoue (third round) were members of the last rookie class drafted by Donahoe in 1999 before he was forced to resign.’

‘Game 2 at the Mustard Bowl was, appropriately enough, a night for second-stringers. Second-string quarterbacks and second-string referees.’

‘Kordell Stewart looked for Burress on the Steelers’ first snap. And again on their second. And again on their fourth. And yet again on third-and-2 from the Buffalo 3-yard line.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are extremely pleased with backup quarterback Alex Van Pelt, who has lost 13 pounds – down to 217 from 230 – and has proven to be adept at running the West Coast offense. Entering last night’s game, Van Pelt had completed 29 of 47 passes for 275 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Van Pelt, 31, was an eighth-round draft choice of the Steelers in 1993.’

‘There’s no quarterback controversy in Buffalo — and, right now, not much offense, either.’

‘Rob Johnson played only one series for Buffalo (2-2) and was 2-of-4 for 23 yards. Steve Christie missed field goals of 22 and 40 yards for the Bills. Alex Van Pelt replaced Johnson and was 4-of-7 for 25 yards.’

‘Predictions: Indianapolis (11-5); Miami (10-6); N.Y. Jets (10-6); Buffalo (9-7); New England (6-10).’

17. RJ: Ah, now we’re getting into more controversy. Obviously, he has to stay healthy and take fewer sacks. In terms of pure physical ability, Johnson has it all — size, arm strength, accuracy, athleticism. Now, he must show up for 16 games and show what he’s got.

Is the West Coast offense and a re-tooled offensive line the answers to keeping QB Rob Johnson healthy?

The players who have struggled the most in camp are the unit’s most experienced and highest paid, left tackle John Fina and left guard Ruben Brown.

The Patriots put cornerback Ray Hill on the injured reserve list along with three other players.

Hill played for the Bills in 1998 & 1990 as well as for Miami in 1997 & 1999.

#3 – Johnson. Without Flutie looking over his shoulder, he finally reaches the stardom long predicted for him.

#2 – Improved special teams. Units cost Bills at least 3 wins last year so maybe they turn the tide.

#1 – Nobody thinks they can and the Bills play the easiest schedule on paper in the NFL.

‘All in all, the Bills have looked decent in pre-season but, of course, that means little.’

What is the progress of Travis Henry in Buffalo? Who do you think will be the starting RB for the Bills?

Chris Mortensen: Travis Henry has made a real run for the starting job, but I think the Bills will start off using all 3 backs – Henry (the most potential but still inexperienced in the passing game), Sammy Morris (tough, can catch) and Shawn Bryson (speed, catches).