Two Bills Drive

‘They’re a division rival with a storied history against the Dolphins, even though defensive end Phil "MMMBop" Hansen is the only player remaining from the glory years of the early 1990s. And, most important, they’re not the New York Jets.’

‘An NFL source said Gardener will miss at least the next month while hoping rest and rehabilitation will alleviate some of the problems being generated by a fragmented disc in his back. Gardener then will be reevaluated to determine whether he can return this season.’

Questions:

The Bills will participate in several community relations initiatives today: Food Bank of WNY, Buffalo City Mission, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army and annual banquet for Canisius High School.

Nostalgia Stat: The Bills retired their first-ever jersey, setting aside forever Jim Kelly’s No. 12 during a halftime ceremony, then went on to their 7th consecutive home loss. With Kelly as the starter, Buffalo was 74-23 at home.

Sociological indicator: Last year when the Dolphins retired the No. 13 of Dan Marino, whose accomplishments were about the same as Kelly’s-better stats, fewer championships, both whiffed the big game-the Miami ceremony was a nationally televised spectacular featuring rock bands, Broadway staging, fireworks, dry-ice clouds, and gorgeous half-naked dancers. For Sunday’s ceremony in Buffalo, Kelly simply walked to the center of the field with his wife, daughter, dad, and handicapped son, then spoke briefly about the importance of loyalty to family. Oh football gods, why did you deny this man a Super Bowl ring?

‘The Bills are currently on a five-game non-scoring streak in the first quarter as they head into Sunday’s meeting with the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘"The frustrations he expresses to me are private," Williams said. "He and I will handle that together, and we have to continue to find ways to get him the ball."’

‘Jim Kelly, co-founder with his wife of the Hunter’s Hope Foundation, is expected to present her with a March of Dimes Mother of the Year Award during the noon event in the Crowne Plaza Rochester, 70 State St.’

‘After Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Bills are being outscored an alarming 62-16 in the first 15 minutes and 66-20 in the first 15 minutes after halftime.’

‘It didn’t take long for long-snap specialist Mo Unutoa to make an impact on the Buffalo Bills.’

‘"Jay is the starter, and my only comment is we’re going to get it squared away and play turnover-free football."’

‘Still, it isn’t necessarily true Fiedler has to get better because he’s in his second year as a starter. Hard truth: some get worse the longer they play. With Fiedler, you take more chances because he’s going to keep taking the big swing.’

‘Smith had 14 carries for 51 yards in the first half, and Wannstedt thought the early 3-yard runs would later translate to 7-yarders. But Miami’s deficit made Smith less of a factor.’

‘"No," he said. "Jay is the starter, and I’ve got confidence that he will get [the turnovers] corrected this week. I’m counting on him, just like everybody else is. I’m expecting it to be corrected."’

‘Dolphins defensive tackle Daryl Gardener received good news on his sore back but still likely will miss Sunday’s game at Buffalo.’