Two Bills Drive

‘"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.’

‘Through the long-running controversy the past three seasons over whether Johnson or Flutie is the right guy for the Bills, Moulds has thrived, rising up the ranks of the NFL’s top receivers.’

‘[In 1999] Williams underwent three surgeries, but the Jets actually cut his salary by a third during the sickness. Williams said Wednesday that episode had repercussions on his being waived three weeks ago.’

‘Thomas will ride with the team from the hotel to the stadium, a route where visiting teams are greeted rudely by some of the NFL’s most passionate fans.’

‘Quarterback Jay Fiedler and running back Lamar Smith got through Wednesday’s practice without major complications, which increases the possibility they’ll be in the lineup Sunday at Buffalo.’

‘This much is sure when the Dolphins play the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday: Johnson will be the starting quarterback. Not Doug Flutie.’

‘Fiedler, who had not practiced since Nov. 17, said he felt good, but he remains listed as questionable.’

‘One year removed from a rare illness that nearly killed him, Kevin Williams finds it easy to look on the bright side.’

‘Jay Fiedler, who has been sidelined by a pinched nerve in his neck, returned to practice Wednesday and might start Sunday at Buffalo.’

‘Sidelined by a season-ending knee injury, Thomas plans to watch from a Rich Stadium skybox as the Bills play his new team, the Miami Dolphins.’

‘With only four games left in the regular season, the Buffalo Bills’ beleaguered special teams are showing no signs of crawling out of the mire in the NFL statistical rankings.’

‘The Buffalo Bills will present former standouts Darryl Talley and Ernie Warlick with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Distinguished Service Award in an on-field ceremony prior to Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against the Miami Dolphins.’

‘Or as Wannstedt said Monday when asked if he had checked the forecast: "No, but it’s December in Buffalo, 20 degrees, right? Whatever. It will be a good challenge for us."’