Two Bills Drive

‘This week they not only have a chance to maintain a one-game lead on the pack, they can also put a severe dent in Buffalo’s playoff hopes with a win.’

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‘Meanwhile, Tampa Bay right guard Frank Middleton was spared by the league. Bills coach Wade Phillips had the league review the play in the second quarter where Middleton cut blocked Buffalo linebacker Sam Cowart.’

‘"Stepping in for a player like Cowart is a challenge," said Foreman, who will make his first NFL start Sunday when the Bills host the Miami Dolphins. "But I’m not Sam Cowart. All I can do is go out and play to the best of my abilities."’

‘On a football field, however, Dolphins defensive ends Jason Taylor, 26, and Trace Armstrong, 35, are the same.’

‘"Jay and Lamar actually went through the practice OK," Wannstedt said. "They both went harder than they did. They both took more plays. We’ll see where they’re at."’

‘It’s not hard to understand while fans and experts alike set the bar low — about small mammal height — for the Dolphins this season, labeling them an "also ran" in the rugged AFC East Division. So much for opinions.’

‘While Dallas sports talk-show callers seem indifferent that former Cowboys coach Chan Gailey is enjoying success as Miami’s offensive coordinator, Chicago’s callers can’t fathom how Wannstedt has become "Winning Wanny" with the Dolphins just two seasons after being swept out of the Windy City for losing 24 of his last 32 games there.’

‘Linebacker Zach Thomas, cornerback Sam Madison, left tackle Richmond Webb, defensive end Jason Taylor and special-teams player Larry Izzo are on their way to gaining berths with the coaches and players voting slated for Dec. 11-12.’

‘The closer it gets to Sunday, the more likely it appears quarterback Jay Fiedler and running back Lamar Smith will be back in the starting lineup for the Dolphins.’

‘Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $2,500 by the NFL on Thursday for entering Buffalo’s bench area for a drink of water and taunting the Bills during the Buccaneers’ 31-17 victory Sunday.’

‘More unlikely to play are: — Running back Sammy Morris, tied for the team lead with five touchdowns, who’s missed three games with a high ankle sprain and strained tendons. — Defensive back Donovan Greer, who reaggravated a foot injury while appearing in only one play last weekend. — And halfback Sheldon Jackson, who reaggravated an ankle injury in practice Thursday.’

‘Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler took most of the snaps in practice again Thursday, and barring a setback he’ll start Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.’

‘"For cold weather, we love the way we play," guard Mark Dixon said. "Our offense is not built around the weather having to be right. We hand the ball off a lot, and it doesn’t have to be warm to hand it off."’

‘Buffalo has hosted Miami eight times in November, December of January since 1986 and won all eight games. Of course, most of the players involved in many of those contests are adjusting to life after football, but the trend has been particularly strong over the past three years.’