Two Bills Drive

‘The Buffalo Bills will present former standouts Darryl Talley and Ernie Warlick with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Distinguished Service Award in an on-field ceremony prior to Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against the Miami Dolphins.’

‘Or as Wannstedt said Monday when asked if he had checked the forecast: "No, but it’s December in Buffalo, 20 degrees, right? Whatever. It will be a good challenge for us."’

‘The Dolphins are 0-5 in Buffalo in games played after Thanksgiving.’

‘When Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt says a 9-3 record doesn’t guarantee a playoff spot, he isn’t seeking extra motivation for his team entering Sunday’s game at Buffalo. He’s speaking from experience.’

‘The Dolphins have signed Kevin Williams — no, not the former University of Miami receiver, but the ex-Jets safety who survived a life-threatening bacterial infection last year.’

‘With just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay’s 31-17 win over Buffalo on Sunday, the Bills’ nightmare recurred when Karl Williams exposed their punt team with a 73-yard runback. The score, which came after a 57-yard Chris Mohr punt, gave the Bucs a 24-14 lead with 5:34 remaining, consigning Buffalo’s comeback hopes to "Please, Lord" status.’

‘When Buffalo’s already-battered defense lost three more defensive starters during a31-17 loss to Tampa Bay, the Bills’ playoff hopes were also finished Sunday with a noticeable limp.’

‘Inexperienced to begin with, and now suddenly injury-riddled, the Bills punt and kick return squads rank at the bottom of the NFL’s 31 teams, and their punt coverage unit is 21st overall.’

‘The Miami Dolphins put backup safety Greg Jeffries on injured reserve Tuesday after he underwent surgery on his left knee. The team signed former Jets safety Kevin Williams to replace him.’

‘The Miami Dolphins today made a move to add depth in their secondary, signing safety Kevin Williams.’

‘"It’s not the way I wanted it to come to an end," said Cowart, who leads the NFL in tackles and was on pace to obliterate the Bills’ season-season record. "Injuries are part of the game. Anytime that uniform goes on, you’re taking a risk."’

‘The Bills on Sunday lost three key defensive players who had combined to record 305 tackles, 10 1/2 sacks and eight interceptions this year.’

‘Bucs coach Tony Dungy said the tackle was not illegal but an unfortunate dose of bad luck.’

‘Their 31-17 loss may have doomed their chances of competing for a playoff berth the final four games of the regular season, thanks to an unprecedented rash of injuries to their No. 5-ranked defense.’

‘"The season doesn’t end today," Irvin said about as often as Rob Johnson gets sacked. "We still have to play four football games and everybody on this team believes in everybody who’s on the field. We are a very sound football team."’