Two Bills Drive

‘These guys wreaked havoc in the Bills’ backfield all day on a variety of blitzes, with Brown forcing a drive-killing Bledsoe fumble as the Bills struggled to get back in the game during the third quarter. By the time the Eagles had built a 16-0 lead through three quarters, a battered defense had held a good offense to five first downs and 134 yards. The Bills made it interesting during clock-bleeding time, but with the game was on the line, Philly made enough plays to win.’

‘You can question plenty of Gilbride’s decisions — calling for a rather slow-developing pass play on Buffalo’s first offensive snap was particularly puzzling, and a pair of throws on two third-and-1 situations in the second half didn’t fool anyone — but any coach is only as good as the players he’s directing.’

‘You know it’s going to be a bad day when your team’s best play is an open-field tackle by a security guard on a fan.’

‘While the flawed decision didn’t cost Buffalo the game, at a time when the Bills are struggling on both sides of the ball, the last thing they need is a mental vapor-lock by the coaching staff. Yet it’s happened three straight weeks.’

‘After two weeks of questions, McNabb provided all the answers on Sunday.

He was poised and patient in the pocket. His throws were on the money. He ran when he had to. He made all the big plays. He played like Donovan McNabb.’

‘Didn’t we see this game last week?’

Sal Maiorana, who covers the Bills and golf for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, has released a book called, "Game Night in Buffalo — A Town, its Teams and its Sporting Memories." Published by Western New York Wares Inc., the 156-page publication takes a look back at 25 notable games and performances in the city’s sports history.

Randy Schultz, a free lance writer and reporter for Western New York Hockey magazine, has released a book, "Legends of the Buffalo Bills," published by Sports Publishing, LLL, of Champaign, Ill.. The book focuses on the players, coaches, owners and media who have shaped the franchise.

Choice One Communications signed a five-year extension of its telecommunications service and marketing agreement with the Buffalo Bills. The Rochester-based company remains the official telecommunications provider for the Bills and Ralph Wilson Stadium. Choice One’s association with the team, which includes in-stadium signage, Choice One Club naming rights, business-to-business marketing, game tickets, special events and community outreach, has also been expanded.

Seventy-five percent of local adults now predict that the Buffalo Bills will still be playing here in 2010. Fifty-four percent say the same about the Buffalo Sabres.

‘For the Eagles to walk into a packed and energized Ralph C. Wilson stadium — and take the opening kickoff right down the field to a touchdown — means this Bills defense is not even close to championship caliber.’

‘The Buffalo Bills greeted their winless visitors with three hours of brotherly love on Sunday.’

‘"You can’t be one-dimensional, and we were one-dimensional today," said coach Gregg Williams.’

‘Philadelphia held the ball for more than 13 minutes of the first quarter and built a 10-0 lead. The Eagles were up 13-0 at halftime, and McNabb led them on a 14-play drive late in the third quarter for a 16-0 lead. He didn’t beat the Bills with his arm but with his head. He was smiling afterward and that, alone, was a change from the first few weeks.’

‘Let’s be honest, though. Eric Moulds’ fellow wideouts are a big part of the problem. Everyone wanted to believe this team wouldn’t miss Peerless Price. They’d be more balanced, right? They’d win with defense and a strong running game. Reed didn’t have Price’s speed, but he was a gifted receiver, a tough runner, and he’d be more than adequate.’

‘"We knew that they had struggled a little bit this season in running the ball, and we knew that their best running back was out," Simon said. "So we just had to go out there and not have a letdown."’