Two Bills Drive

‘The ’82 strike seemed to ruin the Buffalo Bills, who were 2-0 going into it, then went 2-5 after the strike and missed the playoffs and struggled through the next four seasons, going 16-48. Last year’s strike, however, seemed to do no damage at all to team morale. The Bills held together and returned to the field without missing a beat.’

‘”The more I learn, I hope to make a run next week, if not the following week. I feel comfortable with myself learning. It’s just a matter of me learning this system and the coaches feeling comfortable with me. Being a reserve is “strictly not my goal,” Smith said, but he added: “They’re not gonna mess up something that is working, that is winning for them, just to get me in there, then I make mistakes. It’s gonna have to be a joint thing. They feel good about me and I feel good about what I’m doing and we’ll go from there.”‘

‘A judge Thursday began considering a request from Buffalo Bills receiver Andre Reed and his brother and sister to have assault and other charges lodged against an off-duty Buffalo police officer and others linked to a Sept. 5 fight in an Elmwood Avenue bar.’

‘Despite the limited playing time, Riddick always manages to get himself noticed on the field. In last Sunday’s 16-14 victory over New England, he ended the Bills’ drought for touchdown passes with his 3-yard scoring reception early in the fourth quarter.’

‘”I was surprised. Anybody would be surprised,” Drane said. “But, then again, I feel I can’t let anything disrupt my concentration on the game or the way I practice. You can’t let that rattle you. I can’t worry about what they do in the front office. I tend not to worry about things that happen or happened in the past. I just look forward to going to work and doing the best job I can every day.”‘

‘The Buffalo Bills acquired starting strong safety Leonard Smith from the Phoenix Cardinals Tuesday night in exchange for reserve cornerback Roland Mitchell and an undisclosed draft pick.’

‘It marked the first time since 1981 the Bills have sold out their first three games at Rich Stadium.’

‘Dawson then started the show by saying, “We’ve taken this show on the road many times, but never have we had the reception we’re having in Buffalo by the media and the fans. For those of you who keep bad-mouthing Buffalo, take a look around. This is a beautiful city, with the skyline behind us.”‘

‘Calvin L. Johnson, 25, of 48 Lyth Ave. was attempting to sell $12 tickets for $20 apiece, and Michael L. Johnson, 25, of 208 Loring Ave. was offering $18 tickets at two for $50, according to undercover detectives from the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, who arrested them in stadium parking lots.’

‘”We feel we’re in the ballgame at all times,” Hull said. “If there’s time on the clock, we feel we’ve got a chance to win the ballgame. That’s what it takes to be a champion. I saw a lot of this last year. We just never say die.”‘

‘The Bills’ opening-game upset of Minnesota gets more impressive by the week. . . . Marv Levy’s baby backfield — Thurman Thomas at running back and Jamie Mueller at fullback — should mature just about the time the Bills need a stronger running game for November and December.’

‘The decision was made after the Bills’ medical staff gave reserve rookie strong safety John Hagy, who had been nursing a mild knee sprain he suffered against Miami Sept. 11, clearance to practice this week. Hagy wore a hefty knee brace during Monday’s light workout at Rich Stadium.’

‘”He was there at 7:10 or 7:15 but you can’t wait 10 minutes,” Kilgore said. “He apologized. He felt bad about it. We taped the show for (today) at 7 p.m.”‘

‘Former Buffalo Bills center Will Grant, 34, and his wife, Jean, 27, both pleaded innocent Monday night to misdemeanor charges of possessing cocaine and marijuana, according to Boston Town Court records.’

‘”Our goal was to get the ball to the 30-yard line,” Kelly said. As it turned out, the Bills got as far as the 23 when Kelly spiked the ball to kill the clock with 15 seconds left, bringing Norwood and the field-goal unit onto the field.’