Two Bills Drive

‘The New York Jets were in position to write another chapter in their fairy tale season and close the book on the Buffalo Bills’ playoff hopes Sunday afternoon. But then the Bills did what they had failed to do too often the past month – they found a way to win.’

‘Last week, strong safety Henry Jones apologized to the Buffalo Bills’ offense for the defense’s lack of support against the Minnesota Vikings. Sunday against the New York Jets, he made sure there wouldn’t be a repeat.’

‘The Jets’ first-year coach repeatedly referred to his team as "an easy mark" following a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium. New York committed four turnovers, including three in the first half by quarterback Vinny Testaverde. Safety Henry Jones returned one of Testaverde’s interceptions 45 yards for a touchdown.’

‘There’s an adage in sports: "If you have a big gun, then shoot it."’

‘The fact is the Jets gradually became overrated. These guys might have been 6-1 going into the game on a sunny Sunday at The Ralph, but they weren’t a 6-1 team.’

‘The Buffalo Bills won a game Sunday, but lost a key member of their defense. Defensive end Phil Hansen suffered a sprained right knee that will sideline him from four to six weeks, according coach Wade Phillips.’

‘Player of the Game: Bills linebacker Sam Cowart recovered two fumbles and recorded a team-high 11 tackles.’

‘This time it was Doug Flutie who made the critical third-down throw. This time it was the Bills’ defense that forced four turnovers that resulted in 13 points. This time it was Bills kicker Steve Christie who came through in the closing seconds.’

‘On one of the biggest plays of the game against the Buffalo Bills yesterday, the Jets’ troubling free-safety position betrayed them once again. Scott Frost, a quarterback-turned-safety who received the starting nod over Kevin Williams, was beaten on a 52-yard bomb from Doug Flutie to wideout Eric Moulds that gave the Bills a first-and-goal on the Jets’ 1-yard line midway through the fourth quarter.’

‘His five catches for 131 yards in yesterday’s 23-20 loss in Buffalo gives Coles 15 receptions for 239 yards in the Jets’ past three games.’

‘"That showed the magic is still there, certainly," Phillips said. "The Jets contained him pretty well. They know a lot about our spreads. But he still made the plays."’

‘Except this time there was no incredible come-from-behind win. The Jets reached into their bag of miracles once more and all they came up with was a good effort and a few pieces of lint.’

‘Doug Flutie was up to his usual improvisational trickery and Buffalo’s defence was turning turnovers into touchdowns. Sound vaguely familiar?’

‘If Doug Flutie made a statement yesterday, it is likely to blow away with the fallen leaves surrounding Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘This time there was no miracle for the New York Jets.’