Two Bills Drive

‘”The system fits well,” said the NFL’s all-time leader in running back receptions (808 for 6,691 yards). “It gives me an opportunity to catch a lot of footballs.”‘

‘A three-time Pro Bowl choice, most recently for the 2001 Bills, Centers turned 35 June 1. He said several teams were interested in him, but the Patriots, who signed him to a one-year contract for the veterans’ minimum of $750,000, seemed the best fit because Centers likes their coaching staff and the way they use their running backs.’

‘”That’s not to knock or criticize anyone, and it was just a deal where Drew was much more comfortable and much more successful going down field than the quarterback the previous year.”‘

‘”Two years ago, I was in the Pro Bowl and was very productive on a not-so-good team,” Centers said. “When we got the new offensive coordinator in, and Drew Bledsoe, the combination of the two probably kept me from being as productive as I was before.”‘

‘It’s a good thing for Driver he showed well today, because Battles could put Driver off the roster.’

‘Gates open at 9:00 a.m.’

‘"It was like a dream coming true, like I was coming into the league all over again," said Spikes, who was the Bills’ centerpiece addition in free agency this offseason. "It was almost like hearing the commissioner call your name again on that stage. That’s the way I felt. Just to see it, man, I don’t know. It was almost like, and I know I shouldn’t say this because it sounds so harsh, but it was like I was a slave getting his slave papers."’

‘"I’m just trying to enjoy this experience and give it my all everyday," Johnson said following a recent practice. "I understand the Bills have three great quarterbacks, everyone’s confident. I’m just trying to learn and give myself the best chance."’

”’Willis is a rookie and I’m competing with guys that are on the field,” Henry said. ”And until Willis gets out here, I don’t know. I’m having fun right now and trying to get better every day.”’

What do you do on your free time?

“During training camp, I just go back to the room, maybe watch a movie. If I can get on a golf course I’ll try to get on a golf course maybe play a few holes, but we really don’t have time for that. I play some Tiger Woods golf on play station, kick back and maybe take a quick nap before practices.”

‘Wire was hitting everything that moved. Just squaring off and popping people. Not to hurt them, but to condition himself and the recipient. I looked at it as toughening both players. Simonton would square off and pop him back. It was fun to watch! On another play Wire ran in untouched and said hello to Drew (no contact on that one)…’

‘Lofton didn’t dance or get in any Raiders’ faces after the first of his two touchdowns that day. He just came off the field as he always did, Bills coach Marv Levy recalled. “You could read it in his face, but he was too much of a gentleman to give them the finger or anything,” Levy said.’

‘The players like Gregg Williams. But they aren’t out there on the field trying to get the coach a new contract. They know if they do their jobs, this team will win. If this team wins, Gregg Williams will be around for a long time. That is why I think come January, this question about the coach will answer itself.’

Later, and well away from the hulking players, the governor conceded that “growing up, I was a Jets fan” (even though that team wasn’t even founded until Pataki was 15 years old) and that “obviously, I love the Bills – the only real New York team right now.“

Veteran DE Chidi Ahanotu, who started for the Bills last season, is at home in Toronto, taking care of his three young kids and hoping to make it to somebody’s training camp. After eight years with the Buccaneers, Ahanotu was a late signee with the Rams in 2001 and ended up starting for the eventual NFC champions. Last year, he signed with the Bills on Aug. 19. "I think I’m being typecast," Ahanotu says. "Now teams see me as a guy they can bring in at the last minute and stick right in there. I would’ve loved to have signed early on (in the free-agency period). It’s frustrating." Ahanotu received an early offer from the Bills, and the Broncos and 49ers have also shown interest.