Two Bills Drive

‘Frankly, I thought the Bills had too many holes – soggy running game, inexperience in too many places, ghastly work on the return and coverage special teams – to qualify for the playoffs. I’m starting to change my mind and only part of the reason has to do with Rob Johnson’s big game in the road victory at Kansas City.’

‘Anonymous comments from an offensive player in Sports Illustrated three weeks ago caused an uproar, but the team seemed to rally behind Johnson last week in Kansas City and the turmoil appears to have passed – at least on the surface.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are on a serious roll, and if they can keep it going, the playoffs may not be their only reward. They might just take the AFC East Division title as well.’

‘Well, for the Bills, brains had nothing to do with anything. This game was about heart. It was about guts. And we all found out Sunday the Bills have plenty of both.’

‘The Bills are 7-4 and very much alive in the playoff hunt because they have two QBs who can play.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ worst fears about the health of left cornerback Antoine Winfield were realized yesterday when it was determined he’ll need season-ending surgery on his right shoulder to repair torn cartilage.’

‘Coach Wade Phillips said on Monday that Winfield was examined by team doctors who have scheduled surgery for Wednesday.’

‘"To make the play like he did, it was a defining play for us," Phillips said. "It defined our football team. … It’s the grittiness, the toughness, the want-to, those kind of things that I think our team has. He showed that."’

‘As much as they dominated early, the Bills could easily have lost this one … and probably would have early in the season.’

‘I’ve got to believe that Johnson has put all his doubters to rest once and for all.’

‘After Sunday’s 21-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Buffalo finds itself only one game out of first in the division and very much in contention for a playoff spot.’

‘". . . and he decided he was going to step up and be a quarterback. He said he was going to make the plays to help us win the ballgame. And he did."’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ defense looked a little shaky at times Sunday. But when it mattered the most, the unit was as sturdy as ever.’

‘He brought the Bills from behind in the fourth quarter to win, the measure of a successful quarterback in this league. His stage was one of the most hostile venues in football for a visiting team. He made the game-winning play and he sacrificed his body to do it.’

‘Antoine Winfield said after Sunday’s 21-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs that he might be gone for the season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder.’