Two Bills Drive

‘The Buffalo Bills players were optimistic Wednesday that a players-only team meeting that was held this week would help improve the team’s mental attitude after three straight losses. "I don’t think all team meetings are always effective," said quarterback Rob Johnson. "But the team meetings here have been really good. You’ve got guys like Henry Jones and Phil Hansen talking. Doug (Flutie) talked. You get veterans like that who’ve played a lot and hopefully the young guys will listen."’

‘In a move similar to an exhibition game, San Diego Chargers quarterbacks Jim Harbaugh and Moses Moreno will each play a quarter in the first half Sunday at Buffalo. This isn’t the exhibition season, though. The games are real, the Chargers have lost all six of theirs and are desperate for a win heading into their bye week. Harbaugh, coming off a three-interception day, will start. Moreno, who hasn’t played since hurting his right shoulder on Sept. 17, will play the second quarter.’

‘"I just have to approach it the same way," said Smith, who requested the Bills trade him after he was demoted to third string after three unproductive games. "It didn’t happen for me. I would like to be somewhere where I have the opportunity to play, but I have to make the best of it."’

‘"He’s a competitor and a great leader," Linton said. "We have to protect him. We need him for the season." Backup quarterback Doug Flutie, who saw his first action of the year during the final three minutes of the Dolphins game, agreed. "(Johnson) has taken some shots, you don’t want to see the guy you work with get beat up like that," Flutie said. "He’s playing (this Sunday) like anybody would. If I could barely walk on the field, I’m playing. That’s just the way it is, you go until you can’t go anymore."’

‘While listed as probable, Johnson and coach Wade Phillips said there’s no question that Johnson will start against San Diego on Sunday. "I tested it," Johnson said. "It’s one of those things where it gets better as the week goes on. … It’s just one of those things." The question is how much more of a licking he can take.’

‘"This is not a losing program in Buffalo," first-year starter Keion Carpenter said. "They’re used to winning in Buffalo and when you come here, you have to uphold that tradition. The older guys called a meeting and kind of challenged us to step up. We have to do whatever it takes on Sunday. "Guys said what they had to say, spoke about what was on their minds. I think that gave us a spark. I can sense the difference the way guys are walking in the locker room and I sensed a little more concentration on the practice field. It was definitely meaningful."’

‘"It didn’t happen for me," he said. "I’d like to be somewhere where I have the opportunity to be out there playing, but I’m here now and I’ll make the best of it."’

‘News of Smith’s trade request arose Tuesday when agent Scott Casterline told The Buffalo News that he was trying to get Smith dealt before that day’s NFL trading deadline. The trouble is, as Smith pointed out after practice Wednesday, that he fired Casterline about six months ago and is now represented by Herb Rudolph. Smith, however, didn’t hang around long enough to explain why Casterline might have been speaking for him.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are at the point of no return. They rank dead last in punt returns. They rank second from the bottom in kickoff returns. But special teams coach Ronnie Jones doesn’t think those stats will reflect the performance the Bills will turn in Sunday against the winless San Diego Chargers in Ralph Wilson Stadium. "We’re going to get it fixed," Jones said. "I expect us to break out this week and have a good day. I expect to see a lot of improvement this week. "I like what I’m coming up with after watching film. I think I’ve drawn up a play that gives us a good chance at a big return this week."’

‘"I think there’s confusion among the coaching staff," [Antowain Smith’s agent Scott] Casterline said. "Some people want Antowain and some people don’t. I don’t see a resolution unless he plays somewhere else or until there’s a coaching change. "As long as there’s certain coaches on the staff, Antowain’s best future won’t be with the Buffalo Bills, which is too bad because he enjoys the town and his teammates."’

‘…their 0-3 division record virtually dooms them to a wild-card spot and a berth in the post-season is hardly guaranteed.’

‘Running back Antowain Smith didn’t get his wish granted as he remains a member of the Buffalo Bills after the NFL trading deadline struck on Tuesday. A Bills spokesman said no deals had been made after the 4 p.m. deadline passed.’

‘Bills’ spokesman Scott Birchtold withheld comment. "There’s nothing there," he said. "Why would we want to comment on it?"’

‘[Antowain Smith’s agent Scott] Casterline said the Bills told him in May that Smith would be the featured back in the offense. "I flew out there specifically to find out what his role was going to be and what their expectations for him were," Casterline said. "Wade and John told me he was the go-to guy, their franchise back. I feel like I was lied to. "Antowain has been patient and has never complained in his career. He has been a team player. He played hurt on a painful turf toe last year. He needs to be traded."’

‘There was a lot of blame to go around from tight end to weak-side tackle. But two particular offensive linemen will be among the first to stand up and accept responsibility for mistakes made in Miami: right tackles Robert Hicks and Marcus Spriggs.’