Two Bills Drive

‘With the signing yesterday of 6-foot-2-inch, 230-pound former Buffalo Bills running back Antowain Smith to a one-year contract for $560,000, the Patriots made themselves bigger at that position. The question, of course, is whether they made themselves better.’

‘It appears all is well with the Corey Moore situation, at least from the Buffalo Bills’ point of view.’

‘Said Belichick: "Why was he featured in some games and not others? You’d have to ask people in Buffalo."’

‘"It just didn’t work out for me," Smith said. "The offense kind of changed from my rookie year. They brought in a different offensive coordinator. From there it kind of went downhill for me."’

‘It helps that Williams, unlike Phillips, stresses discipline and attention to detail — from film study to fitness. For the first time, Johnson, son of a disciplinarian football coach, feels at home under the stricter regime.’

‘Smith was impressive in early workout this spring for the new Bills staff and Donahoe conceded there was a time he looked like the team’s best back. But then he abruptly stopped showing up for workouts and that, combined with his cap status, sealed his fate.’

‘Mackler said he and Moore were especially incensed over comments Williams made Wednesday, questioning Moore’s commitment and criticizing him for failing to return Williams’ messages.’

‘Running back Antowain Smith signed a one-year contract Thursday with the New England Patriots after four years with the Buffalo Bills.’

‘After ranking 26th in the NFL in rushing with no feature back, the New England Patriots on Thursday signed free agent running back Antowain Smith. Terms were not disclosed.’

"He has prepared his whole life to be an NFL head coach, so don't expect Gregg Williams to blow it."

‘The Patriots have just signed running back Antowain Smith formerly of the Buffalo Bills.’

‘"I just think that the ship wasn’t run tightly," Brown said. "The plays weren’t being called correctly. The right personnel weren’t in all the time. The players were put in an awkward situation and it wasn’t fair for us to be in that situation because a lot of us came out and really busted our humps."’

‘Modrak is considered one of the most astute talent evaluators in the NFL. He immediately became a target of several teams after being fired by Philadelphia last month. With the Bears moving at a slow pace, he decided joining the Bills was a better option.’

‘Citing a host of troubles, from poor play-calling to an overall lack of organization, the five-time Pro Bowl guard accused Phillips of messing up what could have been a memorable Bills era.’

‘Considered a prime candidate for future NFL executive openings, Modrak didn’t rule out the possibility his time might be short with the Bills.’