Two Bills Drive

‘Second-year Bills fullback Phillip Crosby, a native of Bessemer City, has blossomed in Buffalo this season. After being cut by the team last year, then signed back in April, he has played in every game and earned his first start last week.’

‘After yielding no sacks for the first time in 70 game during a 25-22 overtime loss to San Francisco on Nov. 18, the Carolina line has surrendered 12 sacks in the past two losses – including a season-high eight on Sunday during a 27-23 defeat at New Orleans.’

‘Coach George Seifert is used to hearing tight end Wesley Walls complain about not getting enough passes thrown his way. So Seifert’s response to Walls’ latest outburst – which came on Monday when Walls expressed his opinion that he is getting phased out of the offense and that his future with the team is in question – was somewhat predictable yesterday.’

‘Temperatures for Sunday’s game in Orchard Park, N.Y., are expected to dip into the 30s or 40s and there’s even a chance for snow. At least one Panther player didn’t seem to mind. "I like the cold. Everyone slows down to my speed," said left tackle Todd Steussie.’

‘”I have a duty to them to make sure they know what being proud and being a Buffalo Bill is all about. Yeah, you’re darn right,” Hansen said. “After playing here for 11 years, you’re darn right I care. This is part of my life.”‘

One of the most asked questions in Western NY is the status of beleaguered Rob Johnson and whether he will be returning next season. Donahoe said that he spoke briefly with the agent of Johnson and informed the agent that any consideration for the return of Johnson could not be at the cap figure Johnson will have next season ($11 million.) The GM said that it will be something to talk about at the end of the season.

The next morning, former Bills head coach Marv Levy spoke with Howard Simon on W N S A and when asked about Johnson by a caller, Marv Levy feels that Johnson’s "time is up" in Buffalo, considering all the events over the past couple of years.

The Colts, plagued all season by short kickoffs and facing another possible blow with an injury to kicker Mike Vanderjagt, have signed veteran Doug Brien.

To make room for Brien, the team released veteran DB Thomas Smith, signed in September after being waived by the Chicago Bears.

‘Alexander, who spent last spring playing in the defunct XFL, rejoins the Bills after being cut last August. He was cut despite a promising preseason in which he had 29 carries for 178 yards.’

‘Alexander (5-11, 204) takes the place of QB Dreisbach, who was signed off the Bills PS to the 53-man roster of the Lions. He was originally drafted by Denver in the 4th round of the 1998 Draft out of Alabama and spent that season on the Broncos’PS before being released during the next preseason. He will wear #35 with the Bills.’

Mementos that will be on display in Buffalo include the following:

‘However, with Sunday’s loss to San Francisco and New England’s win over New York, the Bills are now assured of being seeded fourth in the new AFC East in terms of scheduling purposes for next year. This means Buffalo will host the fourth seed from the AFC North, and visit the fourth place seed in the AFC South.’

“Our effort was disappointing, and it hasn’t been up to this point. You think playing a team with the record the 49ers have, and a national television game, that you’d be able to get a better effort, and we didn’t. We’re very disappointed in that, and we have to take the steps to correct that, and we’ll try to do that this week.”

Transcripted from press conference:

Van Pelt says Carolina will not come here and die and they will be playing to win and but the Bills will not quit they can still go 6-10; there are no quitters on the Bills and they will be playing to win even if they do not win until they go into Miami the last week. Hard practicing team who just needs to translate it to wins.

Other notes:

First part of halftime for Marv Levy – it will be quick (2-4 minutes).

Same layout as Jim’s weekend.

Roster Move – filled PS with RB Curtis Alexander (from preseason).

David Dinkins to be our PS QB.

Pro Football Hall of Fame’s traveling exhibit will visit the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse and be on display at the Bills Experience prior to Sunday’s game.

The Panthers have no bright spots on offense or defense, but the Bills pass the ball well and defend against the pass even better. Buffalo’s two for two in the series, with wins in 1995 and ’98.