Two Bills Drive

‘Antowain Smith isn’t kidding himself. Sure, if he were to have a big game against the rugged Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense tomorrow at Raymond James Stadium, the Buffalo Bills veteran running back might just salvage his once-promising career.’

‘Contrary to what some may be thinking, the wheels haven’t completely fallen off the Buccaneer bandwagon. A few big wheels definitely have come off, though, and that’s where players such as Dexter Jackson come in.’

‘"He wanted to try it," Coach Tony Dungy said, "but I still doubt right now that he’ll play. He’s doing better now than he was."’

‘Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer is making Super Bowl XXXV tickets available to Raymond James Stadium suite holders, but the cost includes a minimum $1,000 donation to his charitable foundation.’

‘…defensive lineman Warren Sapp, frustrated by Tampa Bay’s 6-5 record, placed much of the blame for the team’s inconsistency on the new offense of first-year coordinator Les Steckel.’

‘Lynch, who dislocated his left shoulder against Chicago on Sunday, is listed as doubtful with a shoulder sprain, though he did practice Friday with the scout team.’

‘Running back Sammy Morris, who leads the Buffalo Bills with five touchdowns, will miss his second straight game with a sprained ankle.’

‘Winfield’s injury puts two men on hot corners: Donovan Greer and Chris Watson.’

‘"He’s had one of the top defenses in the league for the last few years at Buffalo. I think he has the respect of his players and the respect of people all over the league."’

‘When the Bills play the Buccaneers in a game that both teams need to win to keep their playoff runs on track, the key matchup of the day will be Buffalo’s average offensive line against Tampa Bay’s outstanding defensive line.’

‘Dunn’s "Homes for the Holidays" program, now in its fourth year, is an act of love and caring. It provides people with homes. People who wouldn’t normally be able to afford them on their own.’

‘"[Cowart] plays the run, the pass, he’s outstanding," Phillips said. "He’s around the ball every play. He’s a great tackler. He’s consistent. He’s a great player."’

‘The Bills’ new 4,500-square-foot training facility is getting a workout this week as heavy snow blankets upstate New York. Phillips said he believes the team actually gets better as it is forced indoors because the quality of the facility is so high.’

‘"What he does well is adjust to the ball. When the ball is in the air, he adjusts to it no matter which way it’s thrown. Usually, the way they like to throw to him depends on what the defense gives."’

‘"I was playing like a robot," Carpenter said, recalling his first few games as the Buffalo Bills’ new starting free safety. "I was trying to play mistake-free. And the plays weren’t happening."’