Two Bills Drive

‘It’s said beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. That was certainly the case in the St. Louis Rams’ 31-27 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night at the Trans World Dome.’

‘In an unexpected twist, the Bills have suddenly become a big-play offense. First, there was McDaniel’s 85-yard touchdown reception to go with wide receiver Eric Moulds’ 72-yarder last week and running back Shawn Bryson’s 73-yard effort in the opener. Toss in Avion Black’s 34-yard TD in the first exhibition game and tight end Bobby Collins’ 26-yarder last night, on another blown coverage, and that’s five of Buffalo’s eight preseason touchdowns.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ first-team offense still needs a little work as far as consistency is concerned. But when it comes to quick-strike capability, this group is in mid-season form.’

‘Wiley played most of the first quarter before taking a seat on the bench. The game was an important test for Wiley, who is being counted on to succeed Bruce Smith at right defensive end. "Today was to get over the game hurdle mentally," Wiley said. "My back responded well and now it’s time to get into game shape to do what I can do out there. Candidly, I was the most tired I’ve been as a pro. I was great to go against (left tackle) Orlando Pace and a great team. Now I’ve got all the green flags up, and I can go after it."’

‘Both teams were comically sloppy and for every big, exciting play — and there were plenty — there was a woefully inept one to match. There were enough turnovers, penalties and blown assignments to fill a blooper video, but when it was over, the Bills at least had the satisfaction of walking off the field 31-27 victors over the defending Super Bowl champions.’

‘2 – BUFFALO BILLS. Coach Wade Phillips; 11-5 last season, lost 22-16 to Tennessee in AFC wild-card game. The Bills hit the salary cap wall this offseason and the makeover has left a younger but still dangerous team. Keys include keeping QB Rob Johnson healthy and filling a few defensive holes.’

‘In the first half alone, the teams combined for 45 points, and 582 yards of offense.’

‘"Great players don’t always mean leadership," Phillips said during a conference call Wednesday. "They are certainly great players. All three of the guys we’ve lost are Hall of Famers, but so was Jim Kelly a couple of years ago. "Our captains of our team have been Phil Hansen and Henry Jones. They have been captains of our defense for a long time. So, we didn’t lose either of them. Our quarterback is certainly a leader. Ruben Brown has been a captain of our team on offense. We didn’t actually lose the captains of our team; we lost some great players, all-time great players."’

‘Buffalo’s Rob Johnson also had a big half in an often sloppy game, going 8-for-12 for 237 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson hit a wide-open Jeremy McDaniel for a 51-yard gain to the Rams 5 on the third play of the game. He and McDaniel also hooked up for an 85-yard touchdown with 2:32 left in the first quarter. Johnson hit Jay Riemersma for a 5-yard score and Bobby Collins for a 26-yard score.’

‘The Buffalo Bills got big contributions from three players who gave them very little last season. Shawn Bryson’s three-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter powered the Bills to a 31-27 exhibition victory over the Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams.’

‘Bills coach Wade Phillips is continuing to evaluate rookies before the first roster cuts next week. But his main priority is giving most of the playing time to those he expects will contribute during the regular season. "I plan on playing a good group," he said. "It may not be the starters all the time, but guys who are good enough to play in a (regular-season) game. (Center) Billy Conaty can play. He showed that to us last year. He may play some for Jerry (Ostroski), and then Jerry may come back in. I’d like to have our best players out there for a good while."’

‘…given the nature of the Rams’ high-scoring offense, even with Warner on the sidelines most of the night, the Buffalo secondary will be in for a major test when the Rams and Bills meet at the Trans World Dome in the third preseason game for each team. "We’re looking forward to it, and I know after the game they played the other night they’re going to be a little bit fired up on their end," said Bills defensive backs coach Bill Bradley, referring to the 30-3 pasting the Rams suffered at the hands of the Tennessee Titans. "It’s going to be a challenge. They throw the ball deep a lot, and it’s a contrast to what we just faced (against Detroit). This is a real key game for some of the young guys."’

‘Look for the Rams to turn up the intensity level Saturday night against Buffalo. But will they pull a Tennessee, and summon Michael Buffer, skydivers and fireworks for preseason game No. 3? Absolutely not.’

‘Here are five key areas to watch Saturday night when the Rams play Buffalo at the Trans World Dome…’

‘Earlier in the week, Martz had indicated that Warner might not play because of soreness in his throwing shoulder. But after Thursday’s workout, Martz said, "He’ll probably get at least a quarter of work, maybe a little bit more. If he’s going to play at all, he needs to practice."’