Two Bills Drive

‘"I’m looking for the first group to play better; fewer errors," said offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard. "Sometimes the defense has something to say about it, but we want our guys to improve. If we’re not improving now, we’re back to the drawing board."’

‘For five unlucky players, tonight’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals will be their last as a member of the Buffalo Bills. The Bills’ 70-man roster must be trimmed to 65 by the NFL deadline Tuesday. The final cut to 53 is one week from Sunday, so players on the bubble are running out of time to make an impression.’

‘Traditionally, the third preseason game on the schedule is the one where teams play their starters at least a half, and sometimes longer. That will be the case tonight when the Buffalo Bills take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium (7:30, channel 13, 96.5 WCMF-FM). Coach Gregg Williams said the first-string offense and defense will most likely play into the early part of the third quarter before he begins to substitute.’

‘The death of a parent certainly is a good excuse, but Germany doesn’t use it. He’s deeply religious. "God has a plan for me," he said calmly.’

It looks like this is the year they find out about Rob Johnson because he’ll count $10 million against the cap next season and they either have to re-sign him or let him go. … Do I think Johnson will put them over the top? No. Do I think they have a chance for anything at all? Possibly, because I like Gregg Williams so much and think their defense will be good.

‘The Bills are doing the same thing at running back that the Bengals are doing with their quarterbacks — waiting until the last week to make a choice.’

‘Peerless Price and Avion Black insist they aren’t fighting for the same job, and you can’t blame them. After all, how many people actually aspire to become a punt returner in the National Football League?’

‘The Buffalo Bills were relieved to be home Thursday after spending most of the previous four weeks sleeping in dormitories and attending meetings at St. John Fisher College.’

For the 3rd year in row, TBD will bring fans together for the annual pick ’em contest. This season we will host the contest on CBS Sportsline. Just sign-up at the link above. The group password is “gobills”. Come join us!

‘"We’ve seen him play. We like his speed. We think he’s got a chance to be a top-flight (speed) pass rusher," coach Dick LeBeau said. "If he can get to the quarterback, we’ll have a spot for him."’

‘The Bengals are hoping linebacker Corey Moore has a little revenge on his mind Saturday. Especially since his Bengals debut will come against Buffalo, the team that just cut him Wednesday. ”It’s going to be just line him up and say, "Sic ’em,’ ” Jim Lippincott, one of the Bengals’ directors of pro/college personnel said of Moore, who was acquired off waivers Thursday.’

‘The Bengals assume Moore’s Buffalo contract, which means Cincinnati is liable for his relatively low $289,000 base salary only if he makes the team.’

‘"We’ve known for several years here in Buffalo with Alex backing up that he can go in and win games for us just like anybody else can," Riemersma said.’

‘Corey Hulsey will be glad to know that the majority of Buffalo Bills fans responding to a team Web site poll want him to start at right guard.’

‘Rookie Travis Henry worked out for the first time since injuring his groin against Philadelphia last week, but Shawn Bryson suffered a sprained ankle and probably won’t play tomorrow at Cincinnati.’