Two Bills Drive

‘"They’re young and improving, a lot like our team," Coach Steve Mariucci said. "They have a handful of real good players and a lot of the youngsters are starting to catch up fast."’

‘"He’s a young pup," linebackers coach Richard Smith said. "Every day is a learning process for him, but he’s a good athlete and it’s ridiculous for him to be sitting there on the sidelines."’

‘Jeff Garcia could have a field day even without sore-footed wide receiver Terrell Owens. Bills opponents have completed more than 65 percent of their pass attempts.’

‘With running back Kevan Barlow expected to miss the game because of a shoulder injury, the 49ers will rely on Hearst more than usual. He seems up to the task. In the past three games, he has rushed for 343 yards and two touchdowns. One of the Bills standing in the way is Foreman, a top run-stopper.’

‘Being a successful head coach in today’s NFL isn’t about strategy so much as it’s about managing personalities and massaging egos. It’s about knowing when to confront a player and when it’s best to let things slide. Most of all, it’s about knowing what to say when 53 sets of ears are listening.’

‘Lewis is sidelined with a groin injury he suffered in the Sept. 9 season opener. But he remains an active spokesman for the California Transplant Donor Network, which will have a booth set up outside 3Com Park from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. so fans can fill out organ donor cards, and in return, receive a Jonas Lewis trading card.’

‘The Bills, losers of five in a row, need a few breaks to go their way. Four of their past six losses have been by seven or fewer points.’

‘As for the game itself, the 49ers (8-2) would do well to take the Bills (1-9) seriously. For one thing, it’s not that long ago that they resided in the same low-rent neighborhood in the standings that Buffalo currently inhabits. Additionally, the Bills nearly knocked off Miami last week before falling 34-27. And the Bills have a pair of dangerous receivers in Eric Moulds and Peerless Price, who have combined for 71 catches for 1,187 yards.’

‘"We’ve been playing physical the last several weeks and we’ve got to go out and do it again," Williams said. "That’s the mark of being a pro, playing hard each week and hopefully gaining some experience with our younger guys."’

‘"Maybe before the ballgame there will be some feelings of nostalgia, but really as we get going it becomes a football game, so we’re competing and we want to win."’

‘[Q:] When you were drafted, what word came immediately to mind when you heard you were going to Buffalo? [A:] "Cold. But to tell you the truth, I’d rather be cold than hot. I hate the heat."’

‘The Bills are merely a blip on the 49ers’ screen and they could be ripe for a letdown.’

‘Can the Bills’ solid run defense (?) slow down the Garrison Hearst comeback parade? I don’t see the Bills slowing Hearst down. The Niner OL is doing a great job, and Hearst is having an amazing year catching the ball out of the backfield.’

New Billls kicker Shayne Graham took time out of getting adjusted to Buffalo to answer some e-mails from fans.

Buffalo Bill Larry Centers spent his evening off this week supporting the Marine Corp Reserve Annual Toys for Tots program at the Walden Galleria Mall. Joined with several members of the local Reserves, the Bills fullback autographed team pictures and helped collect toys for needy children this holiday season.