Two Bills Drive

‘Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp ripped offensive coordinator Les Steckel in Saturday`s editions of The St. Petersburg Times, blasting Steckel`s play-calling, formations and the unit`s lack of identity.’

‘The Bucs` run to the playoff compulsories very likely begins or ends today at home against the Buffalo Bills, who are hoping Warren Sapp doesn`t revive their quarterback controversy by splitting hairs — Rob Johnson`s hairs, for starters.’

‘Channel 5 general manager Gary Wordlaw said these Syracuse blackouts violate the league’s 75-mile rule, but the station is powerless to stop the Bills from imposing them here.’

‘The sixth-year veteran has 11 1/2 sacks this season, third best in the NFL and just one shy of his total for last season, when he was named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year.’

‘The Fox Sports Net called an audible on the Empire Sports Network and refused to allow it to repeat "The Last Word with Jim Rome" program dealing with the Rob Johnson-Doug Flutie controversy for a second time on Monday.’

‘Antowain Smith isn’t kidding himself. Sure, if he were to have a big game against the rugged Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense tomorrow at Raymond James Stadium, the Buffalo Bills veteran running back might just salvage his once-promising career.’

‘Contrary to what some may be thinking, the wheels haven’t completely fallen off the Buccaneer bandwagon. A few big wheels definitely have come off, though, and that’s where players such as Dexter Jackson come in.’

‘"He wanted to try it," Coach Tony Dungy said, "but I still doubt right now that he’ll play. He’s doing better now than he was."’

‘Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer is making Super Bowl XXXV tickets available to Raymond James Stadium suite holders, but the cost includes a minimum $1,000 donation to his charitable foundation.’

‘…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.’