Two Bills Drive

‘"It’s difficult for me to get in the flow of the game when I’m checking protection and releasing to the flat, which I seem to be doing a lot in this offense," Riemersma said after the Bills’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. "We’ve got to find a way to free the release guys and get rid of the ball quicker. Bottom line."’

‘Indeed, life hasn’t been nearly as good for Johnson since he started the 1997 season opener for Jacksonville in place of the injured Mark Brunell and threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-27 win. The performance led to his trade to the Bills — Jacksonville got a first- and fourth-round pick — and a five-year, $25 million contract when he arrived.’

‘…Jay Riemersma is still waiting for his opportunity to become a major contributor to the Buffalo Bills offense. The sixth-year tight end has been told in each of the last two training camps that he would be a prime receiving target in Buffalo’s passing offense, yet he has spent the majority of his time helping the Bills’ perpetually weak offensive line protect quarterback Rob Johnson.’

‘As for Coughlin, who earns $2.5 million a year as one of the league’s most successful coaches, he’s sparring with a media that is quick to remind everyone that Jacksonville is 11-14 since a 62-7 rout of the Miami Dolphins in the 1999 playoffs.’

‘True, but Johnson hasn’t done enough since being traded to the Bills three years ago to make the Jaguars or their followers forget Aug. 31, 1997. Replacing an injured Mark Brunell, Johnson made his first NFL start a memorable one against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite leaving the game twice with a severe ankle sprain, Johnson completed 20 of 24 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 25 yards for a touchdown in the stirring, 28-27 Jacksonville victory.’

‘"It’s a defense obviously we’re familiar with because of Tennessee," Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell told Buffalo reporters this week. "You have to study. Coach Williams’ scheme is not an easy one to play against. There are some unconventional [defensive] fronts, and they do different things with their safeties. They do things you don’t normally see, like linebackers lined up in different positions."’

War Room 28 (was 27)

Bills continue to be horrible on "D", although offense under backup QB Van Pelt showed signs of improvement.

28. Bills (0-4) (was 28) Week off came at a good time for Buffalo

Same three teams below us.

‘Moorman, who replaced steady veteran Chris Mohr, ranks second in the league, averaging 48.1 yards a punt, playing an important role on a team whose inexperienced and banged-up defense requires all the help it can get.’

Schottenheimer denied Smith permission to attend the Hall of Fame induction of former coach Marv Levy, because of jealousy of Marv’s Bills besting Marty’s Chiefs in the 1993 AFC championship game. The snub against Levy was both very, very small on Schottenheimer’s part and got him off on such a bad footing with Smith, Washington’s best player, that by early October, Bruce was denouncing Schottenheimer on-camera to ESPN’s Andrea Kramer.

‘As for his own fate, Johnson admits, "Obviously, I didn’t expect to get hurt this much … that’s been my problem here. But I think over the last three years, I think I’ve played very good football … winning football."’

Some good things happened during the bye week. The Bills were able to place on their website pictures and profiles of the new Jills cheerleaders.

"After watching yesterday’s ballgames, getting a chance to see some of the things that took place, and you can see again, the division is wide open," Williams said. "Everyone in our division has at least two losses, we need to win in front of a national spotlight, and get on a roll right now. We have the opportunity to play emotional, the way we need to play when we get down there, and that is wide-open football and have a chance to get a win here."

"I’d have to say have the guys have confidence in me. If you prepare yourself well, when you come into the game, you give off a feeling of confidence. If the guys believe in you, there’s not a lot of drop off. Some places, if you’re not prepared, and don’t know how to call the plays in the huddle, or aren’t familiar, the guys will say ‘great.’ When you’ve done your work and prepare as the starter, the guys respond well."

‘"I’m excited," he said. "I had some good times down there. I have some really good friends. . . . I’m just looking forward to having the chance to play against some of the guys I used to play with."’