Two Bills Drive

‘Bills running back Travis Henry started against Cincinnati on Sunday after missing last week’s game with torn rib cartilage.’

‘More telling, Winfield often takes down running backs in the backfield. Among his 39 stops this season, eight were for a loss. That speaks to his ability to read a play and his willingness to deliver a blow.’

Sunday’s game will feature quarterbacks who were taken with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft 10 years apart – Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe and Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer.

‘Since the start of the 1999 season, the Bills stand only 12-14 in The Ralph, including a 1-1 start this season. Last year, they were 5-3.’

‘"The general public probably would look at the Bengals and say that’s a game you should win," Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe said. "But if you don’t play well against this team you’re not going to win. The Raiders were fortunate to get out of there with a victory. The Steelers put some points on the board in the second half to survive. If we don’t play our best football this week, they will get us."’

‘Outcome: Fans can ease off panic button as Bills get back on track with a 27-16 victory.’

‘Bills cornerback Nate Clements against Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson.’

‘Hold on a second, guys. Cincinnati has won one game. I don’t care how competitive they’ve been, or whether they could be 3-1 instead of 1-3. Until proved otherwise, they remain the lovable Bungles, perennial NFL doormats.’

‘The saddest sight in the loss to Philadelphia was that of Buffalo rushing Donovan McNabb with three linemen late in the game on a third-and-long when the Bills desperately needed the ball to mount a comeback. Two of the three rushers were rookie Chris Kelsay and backup Ron Edwards. McNabb had time to survey the field then, unbothered, completed the pass that choked off Buffalo’s last chance. Whatever became of the vaunted blitz package the Bills were supposed to use this year?’

‘"This was an opportunity I really looked forward to," said Steckel, who replaced Steve Fairchild, who left to become the St. Louis Rams’ offensive coordinator. "I’ve been with eight pro teams and this is one of the classiest organizations I’ve been around. I really feel like they have taken care of me in my transition and my family. I’m learning a lot of football because this is a great coaching staff. Every day I’m continually learning, and I’ve been coaching a long time."’

‘"It’s a real confident calmness about Dick," said Williams, 45, who noted that LeBeau has been in the NFL for exactly as many years as he has been alive. "His ego is one that can get along with anybody. He’s a great teacher."’

‘”He still thinks right now he could go out there and play for about 12 or 20 snaps better than the other guys we’ve got out there,” Williams said.’

‘Bills 20, Bengals 17.’

‘”They’re going to be very competitive. Marvin Lewis is not a loser, he’s far from it,” Adams said. “I have a lot of respect for Marv. I have a Super Bowl ring partially because of Marv. I’m very thankful for the time we spent together and the things I picked up from him. Hey, they’re coming in here to win. They’re a different ballclub when a Marvin Lewis is on staff.”‘

‘Who throws the hardest ball you’ve had to catch?

“Drew, so far. In terms of having a flat out gun, Kordell (Stewart) has a pretty good gun, but flat out velocity, Drew has a very strong arm. When he needs to, he can get it there.”‘