Two Bills Drive

‘"I don’t think this team has played up to the expectations that we’ve had, or that everybody else had for us this year," Belichick said. "I didn’t expect to be 4-10 this year. I don’t think anybody else did either."’

‘I usually ascribe to the “Who needs it more?” theory. But in the case

of the Bills and New England, the question becomes “Who wants the season to end less?”‘

‘Everyone who has ever cursed the National Football League for its blackout rule should take a few moments Sunday afternoon to give Paul Tagliabue and his minions in the league office a word of thanks.’

‘Johnson, who has four interceptions in his past two games and has been sacked 19 times in his past three, is battling his critics as well as a sore throwing elbow and shoulder.’

‘When Buffalo Bills defensive end Marcellus Wiley hits the free agency trail (it’s the green one) this off-season, he won’t be pulling an A-Rod.’

‘There aren’t many major trades in the NFL, but the Denver Broncos figure to be shopping a running back this off-season. Shouldn’t Buffalo be interested?’

‘Johnson is banged up terribly, and he might not be physically capable of producing much on offense.’

‘But because Christie is one of several veteran Bills who will be an unrestricted free agent in February, there is a chance today’s meeting with the New England Patriots may be his final home game in Buffalo.’

‘The reality of the situation is, however, that players are playing either for a chance to return next season or not.’

‘The Bills at least have a reason for their problems. They’re really banged up on defense, having lost key defenders like Sam Cowart, Antoine Winfield and Sam Rogers for the duration.’

‘"The no-huddle has a place and we’ve shown we can use it. If we felt it would help by running it all the time, it’s something we wouldn’t hesitate to do."’

‘"Well, look at it this way. We definitely have more experience this season in games that mean nothing than the Bills. So I guess we’ll have to see how they react."’

‘The Bills and Patriots play today at Ralph Wilson Stadium and, for the first time since 1987, neither team will be playing in the postseason.’

‘There is no quarterback controversy as far as Wade Phillips is concerned. For as long as he remains coach of the Buffalo Bills, Rob Johnson will be the starter, and Doug Flutie the backup.’

‘Bledsoe, who turns 29 on Valentine’s Day, has said he would like a contract with bonuses tied to the performance of the team, rather than to his performance.’