Two Bills Drive

‘Northern, who will play this week at defensive tackle in a nickel-defense situation, has been working with some of the Vikings’ coaches, gladly surrendering all the information he has on the Bills’ scheme and their personnel. "In practice, I might see something and point how the Bills do it," Northern said. "I practiced against that offense and I know it pretty well, so there are some things I can help with . . . I’d love to help us expose something that directly helps us win the game." Lacina and Paup (who is out for the next six games with a fracture in his knee) have talked to their teammates about the habits of some of the Bills’ players. "I was talking to Johnny (Randle) about some of the Bills’ offensive linemen," Lacina said. "I was around those guys and know a lot of their little secrets. Knowing the personnel is big part of playing a team."’

‘"They’ve done it extremely well, and so they are really good at it," said Vikings coach Dennis Green. "The biggest thing is that you have two uncovered linemen right in there with the nose tackle, and so the nose tackle can move a lot of different ways. It gives you an extra athlete on the field. If you don’t get a lot of looks at it, you have to make a lot of decisions, and learn a lot of things in a short period of time. You don’t have the continuity of what you played last week and the week before, and now you play that this week. The big thing is, it’s a great run defense. That makes a big difference."’

‘Moss will present enormous problems for the Bills because at 6-foot-4, he has an eight-inch height advantage on cornerback Antoine Winfield, and a six-inch gap on the other corner, Ken Irvin. In Buffalo’s dime defense, the tallest of the six defensive backs is strong safety Henry Jones who stands an even 6-feet.’

‘Asked about losing the job to Johnson last season, Flutie said, "Well, in my mind, I don’t feel I ever lost it. I felt like it was taken from me. But none of that means anything. "My role with this team right now is as the No. 2 quarterback. And my job is to fill in when he’s banged up or come in at the end of ballgames, whatever it may be. … "My job basically is as a Band-Aid right now."’

‘Perhaps the biggest reason the Buffalo Bills have the fourth-best run defense and the best defense on first down stands about 6-4 and weighs 330. His name: Ted Washington.’

‘The Bills make their first visit to Minnesota against the Vikings since 1979 in a game that was played at Metropolitan Stadium (Buffalo played in the Metrodome for Super Bowl XXVI).’

‘Norway’s Leif Ove Dolonen Larsen played his first game in the U.S. National Football League when Buffalo Bills defeated San Diego Chargers 27-24 on Sunday. Larsen, who joined the NFL team this season after being drafted from college football, played defensive end and completed an honourable debut, according to reports.’

‘Expect a Vikings win, maybe even by the biggest margin of the season, which to this point has been 12 points.’

‘Rob Johnson’s shoulder separation and Doug Flutie’s ensuing return to the huddle has sparked more passionate debate than a presidential election (isn’t there one of those coming up?) and as many conspiracy theories as a death in the Kennedy family.’

‘Rookie Sammy Morris made a strong statement with 60 yards on eight carries, including an impressive 32-yard touchdown, in the Bills’ 27-24 victory over the San Diego Chargers last Sunday. "It feels great to have an opportunity to make an impact on the team," said Morris, a fifth-round pick from Texas Tech. "It’s nice to know the coaches have confidence in me. Hopefully it will continue." There’s no reason it shouldn’t.’

‘"Gary has worked hard, and that’s why he’s still kicking," special teams coach Gary Zauner said. "There’s a reason why Gary is still kicking so effectively . . . He’s never stopped working hard, and he’s in great shape. He’s dedicated his career to being the best and he is."’

‘The Buffalo Bills are seeking their first victory in Minnesota. They are 0-2 here.’

‘At 255 pounds, the 11th player chosen in the 1999 draft is bigger than all four of Buffalo’s linebackers, and he’s only 12 pounds lighter than Wiley and 18 pounds less than the other defensive end, Phil Hansen. "He’s huge, and everyone says you don’t know how big he is until you get out there," said Wiley. "What’s incredible is that he’s that fast at that weight. When I weighed 255 I wasn’t that fast. "If I get to him, I’ll just hold on and hopefully some other guys will come help me out."’

‘Featuring the dual threat of tailback Robert Smith and quarterback Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings are averaging 158.2 yards rushing per game.’

‘While it is difficult to find fault with a 6-0 start, the Vikings have identified one aspect they hope to improve Sunday against Buffalo. They have fallen behind during the first half in three games, including last week at Soldier Field. With games looming against such offensive powerhouses as St. Louis and Indianapolis, the Vikings say they need to begin games stronger.’