Two Bills Drive

‘Before we had reason to position the ”P” word in even the same paragraph with the Patriots, many New Englanders were using other, not-so-nice ”P” words to describe the team’s defense.’

‘The Patriots were the busiest team in the NFL last offseason, and now we know why. The Pats signed 21 veteran free agents heading into training camp, and the 16 players that remain have helped turn them from a last-place team to one gunning for a division title.’

‘Bruschi has been many things to the Patriots over his six-year career – special teams stalwart, pass rushing specialist, weak-side linebacker in the 4-3 and inside linebacker in the 3-4. Now Bruschi, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, is playing perhaps the best football of his life in yet another role.’

‘Well, the Patriots are actually right in the middle of it, standing fifth among nine teams who still have a reasonable chance to make the playoffs.’

Ad with Eric Moulds:

Picture yourself in Ralph Wilson Stadium on a Sunday afternoon. It’s the Buffalo Bills vs. the Baltimore Ravens. You’re standing on the 50-yard line with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. No, you’re not some deranged, half-naked fan who, having had too much to drink, managed to stumble out onto the field. Believe it or not you are the franchise player; the marquee guy.

‘But the way this young team rallied – 30 players on Buffalo’s 53-man roster are in their first or second season – was encouraging, given this year’s lack of success. As Williams correctly noted, "We had every opportunity to have an excuse not to play." And his team’s willingness to not quit might ultimately have saved him from being fired.’

‘Bills coach Gregg Williams said that the injury is in a non-weight-bearing area and that Williams may be able to return before the end of the season.’

‘ Trailing the Carolina Panthers by 11 points at halftime on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills did an uncharacteristic thing on the way to securing their second victory of the season: They ran the ball with a purpose.’

‘Already this season, Price was twice fined $5,000 for picking up unnecessary roughness penalties against New Orleans on Sept. 9 and Indianapolis on Sept. 23.’

‘Donahoe is looking beyond 2002 and he could want more bodies by trading down. What happens at the box office can’t be a major concern in building a team back into playoff contention.’

‘Price hit a 49ers player after the final play of the game, an interception thrown by Alex Van Pelt at the San Francisco 1-yard line. Price was called for a personal foul.’

‘Nosetackle Pat Williams, the Bills’ second-leading tackler, will miss at least two weeks with a cracked bone in his left leg, further depleting Buffalo’s defensive line.’

‘Buffalo receiver Peerless Price was fined $30,000 by the NFL for shoving an opponent from behind after the Bills’ game against San Francisco. The league considered two $5,000 fines Price received for unnecessary roughness earlier this season in determining the amount of the $30,000 fine, NFL spokesman Dan Masonson said Monday.’

‘But the best aspect of the second victory in the Gregg Williams era was the reaction to it. No wild celebrations, no "I told you so’s" from the players, no rash predictions.

‘They’ve heard this song before.’