Two Bills Drive

‘…defensive lineman Warren Sapp, frustrated by Tampa Bay’s 6-5 record, placed much of the blame for the team’s inconsistency on the new offense of first-year coordinator Les Steckel.’

‘Lynch, who dislocated his left shoulder against Chicago on Sunday, is listed as doubtful with a shoulder sprain, though he did practice Friday with the scout team.’

‘Running back Sammy Morris, who leads the Buffalo Bills with five touchdowns, will miss his second straight game with a sprained ankle.’

‘Winfield’s injury puts two men on hot corners: Donovan Greer and Chris Watson.’

‘"He’s had one of the top defenses in the league for the last few years at Buffalo. I think he has the respect of his players and the respect of people all over the league."’

‘When the Bills play the Buccaneers in a game that both teams need to win to keep their playoff runs on track, the key matchup of the day will be Buffalo’s average offensive line against Tampa Bay’s outstanding defensive line.’

‘Dunn’s "Homes for the Holidays" program, now in its fourth year, is an act of love and caring. It provides people with homes. People who wouldn’t normally be able to afford them on their own.’

‘"[Cowart] plays the run, the pass, he’s outstanding," Phillips said. "He’s around the ball every play. He’s a great tackler. He’s consistent. He’s a great player."’

‘The Bills’ new 4,500-square-foot training facility is getting a workout this week as heavy snow blankets upstate New York. Phillips said he believes the team actually gets better as it is forced indoors because the quality of the facility is so high.’

‘"What he does well is adjust to the ball. When the ball is in the air, he adjusts to it no matter which way it’s thrown. Usually, the way they like to throw to him depends on what the defense gives."’

‘"I was playing like a robot," Carpenter said, recalling his first few games as the Buffalo Bills’ new starting free safety. "I was trying to play mistake-free. And the plays weren’t happening."’

‘Tampa Bay’s defense has made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks this season. The Buccaneers have recorded 43 sacks, second in the NFL and only one off the franchise record set in 1997. The Bills have given up 33 sacks, the ninth-highest total in the league, while Johnson has been sacked 29 times. Uh, oh.’

‘Cornerback Antoine Winfield’s season is officially over as the Buffalo Bills placed him on the injured reserve list. He had successful surgery Wednesday to repair torn cartilage on his right shoulder.’

‘The Buccaneers rank 25th in the NFL in passing offense and Shaun King is far from a polished quarterback, but when he takes on the Bills Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, his mouth will be watering in anticipation. The Buffalo secondary is in disarray with the season-ending injury to starting cornerback Antoine Winfield and the nagging sprained ankle that might keep nickel cornerback Donovan Greer on the sidelines again.’

‘In addition to the five sacks, which ties him for the second-most on the team, Newman is tied with fellow Tampa native Ted Washington for fifth on the team with 65 tackles. Through 11 games, he already has 17 more tackles and 1 1/2 more sacks than Northern had all of last season.’