Two Bills Drive

"Antoine Winfield:

CB Bills If he was three inches taller, no one would overlook the third-year veteran, who, at 5-foot-9, packs tremendous power in a small package. The big hitter possesses explosive closing speed to the ball."

‘But at 1-5 following last Sunday’s bitter 27-24 loss to the San Diego Chargers, the club is facing a stiff challenge to fill all the seats at Ralph Wilson Stadium for five final dates. Of those five, a game against top rival Miami on Nov. 25 is close to selling out and beating the 72-hour television blackout. About 4,000 tickets remain for the Dolphins. However, approximately 14,000 remain for Seattle (Nov. 18) and 20,000 each for Carolina (Dec. 9) and New England (Dec. 16).’

‘"I don’t know yet, we’ll see, there’s a lot of week left, we’ll see what happens," Ostroski said.’

‘But upon further review, Bills coach Gregg Williams said Jenkins’ kickoff return quite likely never would have happened had the officials been more alert. Williams said that a San Diego player — he didn’t identify who — threw his helmet to the ground in the field of play after a replay challenge of Travis Henry’s go-ahead touchdown run was upheld, giving Buffalo a 24-20 lead. "That’s classic — that’s a 15-yard penalty," Williams said. "We’re kicking off from the 45."’

‘So will the fickle fans at the Ralph acknowledge that effort, plus the one from a week earlier in Jacksonville where Johnson was solid in a 13-10 win over the Jaguars? "I’m looking forward to coming home and playing and getting some crowd response," Johnson said yesterday. "I think they see what we are doing here and how we are competing and trying to win. I think they will respect that and give us a good homecoming."’

‘Despite Manning’s presence and productivity, the Colts’ success since 1999 mirrors the leaguewide trend. Consider they’re: 4-5 when Manning has thrown for 300 yards, a record that includes a 3-0 mark when he’s eclipsed 400 yards; 20-4 when James has rushed for 100 yards.’

‘Admit it. With the talent on this team, there was no way in the world you thought someone would say something like this: Man, the Colts desperately need Jerome Pathon to come back from his injury.’

‘"I’m assuming he’s playing," Buffalo coach Gregg Williams said Wednesday. "He’s answered the bell every time. That’s the kind of competitor he is."’

‘"A quarterback is not generally known as a tough guy but Rob showed everyone Sunday that he’s every bit as tough as anyone on our team," Centers said Wednesday following the Bills’ practice. "He laid to rest a lot of questions out there concerning his ability to lead us. The Rob Johnson critics have to be quiet now. They really don’t have much to base their criticism on."’

‘Things are going to be different this weekend as far as the Bills are concerned. That’s because they believe this isn’t the same young and inexperienced unit they were at the start of the season.’

‘Nobody at the Indianapolis Colts is saying Edgerrin James won’t play Sunday. Nobody’s saying he will, either.’

‘While listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Indianapolis, Ostroski’s presence was the first sign of good news for Buffalo’s banged-up offensive line.’

If nothing else was accomplished with the Buffalo-San Diego game, it’s this: The controversy is over. Both Rob Johnson and Doug Flutie played heroically, both played with a lot of character. They fit their teams — be glad the controversy is over. I don’t think either QB came out on top or looking bad, both did great things. Let’s put the manufactured controversy to rest.

After taking a 24-20 lead with 1:30 to play, thanks to a courageous comeback effort by Johnson, the Bills in order: allowed a 72-yard kickoff return, allowed Chargers quarterback Doug Flutie to score the deciding points on a 13-yard run.

The past two weeks is a sign of progress. This young team will be a playoff challenger next season.