Two Bills Drive

‘"He just said go out, play loose and bring some of the fun back," linebacker Sam Rogers said yesterday. "It’s not fun when you lose, so he just wanted us to relax a bit, just do our jobs and have faith that everything will take care of itself in the end." When the dust settled on a very entertaining 23-20 Buffalo victory on a glorious fall day at Ralph Wilson Stadium, several Bills started barking in the locker room.’

‘Bills LB Sam Cowart: Another tremendous performance as he further enhanced his case for a Pro Bowl berth with two fumble recoveries and a game-high 11 tackles, none bigger than his stop on Anderson to thwart the Jets last possession. Two plays before that, Cowart was crossed up on a 12-yard pass to Richie Anderson, but he atoned for that mistake in a big way.’

‘The Jets could only blame themselves, committing four turnovers, three of which led to Bills scores. A fumble by Vinny Testaverde at the Bills 10 foiled a scoring bid in the second quarter. Testaverde was intercepted twice, once by Henry Jones, who ran it back 45 yards for a touchdown. “Turnovers will cause you to lose, and that was confirmed today,” Jets coach Al Groh said. “Too many hurdles to overcome.”‘

Taking over on their own 27 with 2:11 to play, the Bills went to work behind Flutie. After picking up an initial first down, Buffalo (4-4) was faced with a 3rd-and-10, but Flutie hit Peerless Price with a 17-yard pass to move the ball to the New York 40.

‘Coming into the season, the Bills faced the NFL’s toughest schedule based on last year’s records. And, in fairness, their four losses – to Minnesota (7-0), Jets (6-1), Miami (5-2) and Indianapolis (5-2) – have been to teams whose combined record is 23-5. Still, realistically, it’s going to take 10 victories to make the playoffs and that means Buffalo must go 7-2 down the stretch … starting today. And even if Buffalo holds serve at home and goes 7-1 at The Ralph, the Bills must also win 3-of-5 on the road.’

‘Nine consultants who help companies pick suitable regions in which to relocate or expand will be guests of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise at today’s game. They’ll be wined-and-dined in a stadium suite, watching their home team as it rides atop the tough AFC East division. Of course, it so happens that regional marketers have also set up meetings with local development officials who dole out incentives to companies. And yes, there will be a few visits to some commercial office parks and industrial sites on Monday, prior to the visitors’ departure. While they’re here, union leaders will meet with at least one of the visitors to highlight labor-management initiatives that have boosted productivity. Talk about a classic carrot-and-stick strategy.’

‘The AFC East showdown between the Bills and the New York Jets pits two defensive-oriented teams that have a habit of playing close games. In addition, weather forecasts are calling for windy conditions, which could hinder the passing game.’

‘Sammy Morris’ journey to the Buffalo Bills has more twists and turns than a belly dance. He can look back at his days at Texas Tech and laugh now that his troubles are over, knowing his banishment from college, in many ways, saved him from troubles later in life.’

‘It’s time for the Bills’ defense to play a great game. . . . Bills, 20-16.’

‘Indeed, Flutie’s competitiveness was on display last week when he chafed at what he perceives as slights against him and Vinny Testaverde, and at his own benching before Buffalo’s wild-card playoff game last season. "We both went to the Pro Bowl in 1998, yet the following year Vinny has to go through a torn Achilles’ and re-earn people’s respect this year and I’m not good enough to start for this team in the playoffs," Flutie said. "You’re always trying to prove yourself, and Vinny and I have always been in that situation."’

‘If today’s game at Ralph Wilson Stadium were a battle of breakfast cereals, it would be Lucky Charms versus Flutie Flakes.’

‘Prediction: Jets, 27-20.’

‘"Looking at some of the tapes, at times we’ve played like [garbage] but we still won." One of those games was the last encounter against Buffalo, a 27-14 win on Sept. 17 at Giants Stadium, where the Jets scored one TD on a 97-yard Kevin Williams KO return and on a 45-yard Hail Mary pass at the end of the half to Marcus Coleman. There was a consensus among some players that the Jets stole one from the Bills. Buffalo linebacker Sam Cowart disagreed. "They didn’t steal it, we gave it away," Cowart said.’

‘In their first meeting against Buffalo, Bills’ WR Jeremy McDaniel caught a 74-yard bomb on the Jets’ defense. Green, who was late with help on the play, was the culprit, as he was on a couple big plays against Miami. Speaking about the big plays, Jets’ nickel back Ray Mickens said, "You can’t make excuses for that. We have to be on the same page back there."

That, however, isn’t likely to happen until the Jets settle on a consistent starter at free safety. With Bills’ top WR Eric Moulds tied for second in the NFL with 53 receptions – 23 of those coming in the last two games – the Jets face some dangerous possibilities today.’

‘How long can the good times last? How far can the Jets ride this wave? "The sky’s the limit, I don’t know," safety Victor Green said. "Hopefully, all the way to Tampa." Green means Tampa as in the host city of Super Bowl XXXV. Before Keyshawn Johnson starts making dinner reservations for his old buddies for the last week of January, hold on a minute. There’s some more business to be taken care of today against the Bills.’