Two Bills Drive

‘It’s not hard to understand while fans and experts alike set the bar low — about small mammal height — for the Dolphins this season, labeling them an "also ran" in the rugged AFC East Division. So much for opinions.’

‘While Dallas sports talk-show callers seem indifferent that former Cowboys coach Chan Gailey is enjoying success as Miami’s offensive coordinator, Chicago’s callers can’t fathom how Wannstedt has become "Winning Wanny" with the Dolphins just two seasons after being swept out of the Windy City for losing 24 of his last 32 games there.’

‘Linebacker Zach Thomas, cornerback Sam Madison, left tackle Richmond Webb, defensive end Jason Taylor and special-teams player Larry Izzo are on their way to gaining berths with the coaches and players voting slated for Dec. 11-12.’

‘The closer it gets to Sunday, the more likely it appears quarterback Jay Fiedler and running back Lamar Smith will be back in the starting lineup for the Dolphins.’

‘Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $2,500 by the NFL on Thursday for entering Buffalo’s bench area for a drink of water and taunting the Bills during the Buccaneers’ 31-17 victory Sunday.’

‘More unlikely to play are: — Running back Sammy Morris, tied for the team lead with five touchdowns, who’s missed three games with a high ankle sprain and strained tendons. — Defensive back Donovan Greer, who reaggravated a foot injury while appearing in only one play last weekend. — And halfback Sheldon Jackson, who reaggravated an ankle injury in practice Thursday.’

‘Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler took most of the snaps in practice again Thursday, and barring a setback he’ll start Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.’

‘"For cold weather, we love the way we play," guard Mark Dixon said. "Our offense is not built around the weather having to be right. We hand the ball off a lot, and it doesn’t have to be warm to hand it off."’

‘Buffalo has hosted Miami eight times in November, December of January since 1986 and won all eight games. Of course, most of the players involved in many of those contests are adjusting to life after football, but the trend has been particularly strong over the past three years.’

‘"The defense does have some key injuries right now, and we have to help them out as much as possible," center Jerry Ostroski said. "The way we can help them out is put points on the board. Hopefully, we can get that on track this week.".’

‘If the team misses the playoffs, Phillips and his supporters will no doubt use the current rash of injuries as an excuse. He shouldn’t get off that easily.’

‘"I’ve just been thinking about going through my rehab and I’m supposed to have surgery next week," he said. "Once that’s done, when the season’s over with, I’ll have made up my decision on what to do."’

‘"To make a long story short," Cottrell said, "we’re not switching defenses."’

‘"I was really looking forward to going up there and playing in that stadium and being on the opposite sideline to see how the fans and everybody would react to me being in a Dolphins’ uniform," Thomas said yesterday. "It was something I was really looking forward to."’

‘The Dolphins are optimistic quarterback Jay Fiedler and running back Lamar Smith will return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s game at Buffalo.’