"Buffalo has gained confidence each week and with Miami playing a tough game Monday night in Green Bay, the Bills have a chance to take over the AFC East lead. Expect a high-scoring affair with Buffalo winning a close one at home."
BillsBeat - November 1, 2002
A rivalry is born
‘The Patriots’ problems go beyond Brady – their offensive line has struggled, they have had trouble running and stopping the run, and they aren’t making as many big plays on special teams – but as long as they are behind Bledsoe’s Bills in the AFC East, Brady’s going to hear about it.’
Lately, it's been anything but Patriots' day
‘The roster remains mostly intact – only three starters from the Super Bowl are gone – and coach Bill Belichick didn’t suffer any losses on his staff. But the Patriots seem to have forgotten how they won the Super Bowl in the first place.’
Drew fatigue can't deter Pats' admiration society
‘The Patriots genuinely liked Bledsoe. They admired him as a player and maybe even more so as a man.’
Ex-Bucs defensive end Jones pays visit
‘Free agent defensive end Marcus Jones paid the Buffalo Bills a visit Thursday. Jones, a former first-round draft pick, was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers three weeks ago.’
Fireworks start in Buffalo around 1 p.m.
‘The early returns suggest vindication for Bledsoe and expulsion from Mensa for Belichick.’
Children's Hospital/Buffalo Bills Sports Challenge
Join Bills quarterback Alex Van Pelt and his teammates at The 2nd Annual Children's Hospital/Buffalo Bills Sports Challenge. Children and their adult guests are invited to this highly anticipated event which features the following stations:
Patriots down but not out
‘”We’re not pushing the panic button around here,” wide receiver Troy Brown insisted, “but we are pushing the urgency button.”‘
Buffalo shuffle works for Smith, too
”’I think I have an understanding of what Drew is going through,” said Smith. ”I think I had the same feeling last year. I wanted to do really well against them [the Bills]. I built it up in my own head last year. Part of me wanted to show them they made a mistake, and they didn’t know what they were doing. We won both games against Buffalo last year and I felt satisfied, or at least I felt that I showed them the player I always was.” That was last year. This season, it’s just another game.’
Belichick vs. Bledsoe
”’Our records are pretty close to even,” said Belichick. ”He’s made plenty of good plays. He’s a good player.”’
From now on, a fine for not staying in line
‘The Patriots are expected to use the same five offensive linemen in Buffalo Sunday for the second straight game. Mike Compton and Woody will continue to rotate at center/left guard depending upon whether it’s a shotgun situation, Joe Andruzzi is back at right guard, and Kenyatta Jones appears to be holding on at right tackle.’
They could get caught in throes
‘The Bills, who are 16th in the league against the pass, appear especially vulnerable in the secondary as starting cornerback Antoine Winfield will miss a third consecutive game following arthroscopic surgery Oct. 18 to repair torn cartilage in his right knee.’
Amid hype, don't forget defense
‘. The Pats have given up big plays and small ones. They’ve been porous against the run while the secondary (particularly Smith and Buckley) have been hit for several long gains.’
Ex-mates huddle up to discuss Drew
‘“He had to be prepared for that, that’s what it’s all about. You have to be prepared in case your number is called. He went out and did the job knowing other people were depending on him and did real well.”’
It's Belichick vs. Bledsoe
‘Bledsoe has the two leading receivers in yardage in the AFC. Bledsoe has the fourth-leading rusher. Bledsoe has the home field. Bledsoe has the momentum. Bledsoe has the emotion. Bledsoe has motivation, and his teammates want nothing more than to win one for Drew. Belichick has O-T-I-S and other assorted problems. Edge: Bills.’