Two Bills Drive

‘"When we came in, both Tom (Donahoe) and I, that was one of the first things we talked about is that there was some division in the locker room," Williams recalled. "So why not get down to brass tax and correct it immediately. That’s something a coach can correct, so we intermixed the team and that’s the way it will be as long as we’re here."’

‘The Buffalo Bills looked ready in their final preseason game Thursday night — ready to go about 3-13 this season. Bills fans can only hope that strangely confident coach Gregg Williams and upbeat quarterback Rob Johnson are saving their good stuff for the Sept. 9 season opener against the New Orleans Saints.’

Probably the most difficult one I’ve had thus far would be that of Jonathan Linton. Jonathan is really a nice person and a hard worker. In retrospect he probably didn’t get a chance, so I apologized to him for that. There’s nothing fair about the business often times. That was probably the hardest one because we moved him to fullback and he got some work. It’s hard to evaluate a player in his position, based on the amount of time he had.

‘Gregg Williams has to cut 12 players from his roster by Sunday afternoon. Problem is, the Buffalo Bills head coach would probably like to release a few more based on his team’s mediocre preseason performances, capped by Thursday’s 20-0 loss at Pittsburgh.’

From the 09.17.01 issue:

Current value: $393 mil; Current Ranking: 23

The skinny: Improved lease and specialty seating in 1999. Small but great football town. Major corporate sponsors are Blockbuster Entertainment, HSBC Bank, Verizon Wireless.

‘The reality is, in the first half, when both team’s first two units were on the field, Pittsburgh enjoyed a rather emphatic 147-63 edge in offensive yardage. And looking at Buffalo’s preseason offense in total, it scored 34 points in four games with a mere three touchdowns. Hardly a ringing endorsement for the touted West Coast attack.’

‘Fisher was one of two Bills’ youngsters whose play was lauded by head coach Gregg Williams. The other was rookie running back Travis Henry. He noted, "Travis Henry ran the football strong and it’s going to be an easy decision (who starts)." Of Fisher, Williams added, "Byrce came off the ball really well … he attacked and rushed the way we want him to."’

‘After the Steelers’ offense moved well on its first two drives with Stewartat the helm, Martin’s offense could barely register any positive yardage. Martin worked eleven series in which the offense gained a total of 63 yards.’

18. Rob Johnson, Bills: He no longer has to look over his shoulder for Doug Flutie to come and steal his job, but he is worthless if he does not stay healthy.

Recap of the game courtesy of the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo held Pittsburgh to just 10 first downs, while the Steelers held Buffalo to just 12.

-Curtis Alexander was the Player of the Game.

-Aaron Schobel recorded 2 sacks for the Bills

-Curtis Alexander led both teams with 47 yards rushing

-Travis Brown was 11 for 22 and 85 yards passing in his Buffalo debut

-Bryce Fisher, Leif Larsen and DaShon Polk all recorded sacks for Buffalo

As the final preseason week of games began Thursday night, all eyes were on NFL replacement officials. If the lockout and bargaining impasse continue, this could get interesting.

“The type of player who thinks he can benefit from intimidation will be encouraged by this,” Levy said. “It’s like the (substitute teacher). Twenty-five kids are well-behaved, the other five look for vulnerability.”

Game stats from pre-season game.

‘If giving the New Orleans Saints little to fear was the Buffalo Bills’ mission Thursday night, they were a smashing success.’