Two Bills Drive

‘The Bills allowed 487 yards of total offense to the Falcons, committed 12 penalties for 95 yards, Van Pelt’s throwing was erratic, there were dropped passes, blown defensive assignments and coverages, lack of a pass rush, and some questionable coaching decisions.’

‘The players made their share of blunders in this game, but the coaching staff did its part, too.’

‘Hard-working relatives, friends and neighbors from Franklin, N.C., who made the two-hour trip to the Georgia Dome once they heard their native son would be starting at running back for the Buffalo Bills against the Atlanta Falcons.’

‘Coaching: Team was far from mentally sharp, committing 12 penalties, the most in 11 games. Decision to go for two points after going ahead 20-16 was the wrong one. Decision to squib kick the last kickoff also backfired. Decision to make Chris Chandler look like Dan Marino also a bad one. Add it up and it equals 2-12. F’

‘"At the coin toss, Chandler looked a little pale," said Bills defensive end Phil Hansen, whose team had just one sack. "He said, ‘Hey, man, I’m sick; take it easy on me.’ I laughed, and went back and told the whole defense to get after Chandler; he’s sick. Then, he turns around and sets a record for yards."’

‘The Bills elected to squib kick instead of kick deep after tying the score with 48 seconds left, so the Falcons started the last possession at their 43.’

‘Sunday’s dramatic win over the Buffalo Bills not only was the Falcons’ final home game of the year, but also the final home game for Smith as team president.’

‘Chris Chandler is a good player who has remained unloved.’

‘The Falcons converted nine of 14 third downs, and running back Rodney Thomas finally got a chance to pitch in and rushed for 41 yards, just enough to keep Buffalo honest.’

‘130: The number of rushing yards gained by Buffalo running back Shawn Bryson. Indianapolis’ Dominic Rhodes gained 177 yards last week against the Falcons.’

‘The Falcons almost certainly need to win their final games against Miami and St. Louis, and for the Bucs to lose to Baltimore Saturday and Philadelphia next week. Even then, what the Saints and Giants do might still keep them home for the postseason.’

‘The officiating crew of referee Larry Nemmers had a bad day. They failed to nullify Buffalo’s game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter, when the Bills were in an illegal formation and appeared to snap the ball after the play clock had run out.’

‘"I just wanted a chance, just an opportunity," said Feely, who was a perfect 4-for-4 in field goal opportunities Sunday. "There’s nothing else going through your mind when you’re out there. You just want to be fundamentally sound."’

‘He completed 28 of 40 passes for a franchise-record 431 yards.’

Shawn Bryson: 16 attempts, 130 yards, 2 touchdowns.