‘But this loss was the result of a kicker named Mike Hollis doing his job and winning the game for Buffalo and a kicker named Doug Brien losing the game for the Vikings by missing two extra points.’
BillsBeat - September 16, 2002
Vikings notebook
‘The Vikings allowed the Bills to gain 260 yards in the fourth quarter and in overtime.’
The Randy ratio
‘Vikings coach Mike Tice has vowed to throw to Randy Moss on 40 percent of the Vikings’ passes this season. A look at how the plan played out in Game 2…’.
Who's to blame for the Vikings' loss against the Bills?
‘Drew Bledsoe, darn that Bill.’
Vikings can't finish
‘The game had so many highlights, twists and turns that even the players had difficulty keeping up.’
Bledsoe at his best under pressure
‘"He gave a special performance," Buffalo coach Gregg Williams said of Bledsoe. "He was really cool all game. The other guys were feeding off him."’
The Vikings' defense is learning about the fine line between victory and defeat
‘"They had their moments and made the plays when they had to,” Vikings cornerback Corey Chavous said. "It was one of those games that you play in when both teams are in desperate need of a victory. We battled for five quarters, but they made the plays that made the difference."’
Williams' rushing effort wasted
‘Lost in the misery was that for the second consecutive week the Vikings ran the ball effectively. Williams led the way with 102 of the team’s 213 yards on the ground.’
Culpepper blames self - again
‘Culpepper fumbled four times, losing the ball three times and costing his team 13 points.’
Brien deserves blame, but so do others
‘While the blame for the loss starts with Brien, there was plenty to spread around.’
Brien's exit appears near
‘"Who misses two PATs in a game? High school kickers make those," Brien said earlier. "I’m just so disgusted with myself, I’m not even worried about (the possibility of being released)."’
Extra points
‘Members of the Vikings’ secondary still might be smoldering from the torching they received from Buffalo’s Peerless Price.’
The skinny
‘Worst uniform: Buffalo. Boys, the Arena League is a spring league.’
Flush with Bledsoe infusion
”’With Drew,” said Price, `if you’re down, 40-0, you believe you can win.”’
Mike Doser: Reliving the biggest play of the day
It was the second week in a row, the Bills drew up a clutch play on the spot to take advantage of something they saw in the defense. It was a witty piece of play-calling on Bledsoe and OC Kevin Gilbride’s part. Of course, Bledsoe and Price had to execute it to perfection.