Two Bills Drive

‘Another defensive plus was the performance of middle linebacker London Fletcher. He finished the season with a team record for tackles, becoming only the third Bill to log over 200 in a season. But, unlike earlier in the year, his stops came closer to the line of scrimmage, rather than downfield, and he made more impact plays.’

‘"I felt like if we had played better defensively in the first half of the year, we would have had a better chance," said cornerback Antoine Winfield. "The offense carried us most of the year. We made too many mistakes and didn’t hold up our end. But we got better and guys started to get more comfortable in their roles. We just have to carry that over to next year."’

‘"I called (wife) Cara from the car (Sunday night), and it got a little emotional there," a misty-eyed Riemersma said. "I talked to guys like Phil Hansen and John Holecek, asking them how they handled it. I wear my emotions on my coat sleeve and it’s been tough. It really has. You really never know in this business what’s going to happen, but certainly you can see the writing on the wall."’

‘As Bledsoe said, there are no more long-term building projects in the NFL. You strike when the opportunity is there. Next year, in the third season of the Gregg Williams era, the door figures to be open wide for this team.’

‘Riemersma is scheduled to be the third-highest paid player on the team in 2003. With a base salary of $3.5 million and a salary cap figure of $4.8 million, only Eric Moulds and Drew Bledsoe will count more against the cap than Riemersma. By cutting Riemersma, the Bills would eat the $1.3 million portion of his bonus he is still owed, but they would save his $3.5 million in base salary.’

‘At 2-4 in the East Division and 5-7 in the conference, Buffalo had no chance in those hair-pulling tiebreaker scenarios.’

‘A play here, a play there, and they’d be breaking down film of the Steelers or Colts today.’

‘This year’s Sun Bowl legend, Thurman Thomas, shocked a large Rotary Club of El Paso team luncheon audience Monday at the Convention Center by saying he’s a recovering alcoholic. The former All-Pro running back for the Buffalo Bills said he recently spent 28 days in an Alcoholics Anonymous rehabilitation program in Minnesota.’

‘Thomas — the Buffalo Bills’ star who played for Oklahoma State in the Cowboys’ 35-33 victory over West Virginia 15 years ago — was honored as 2002’s Legend of the Sun Bowl Monday.’

‘"You heard a lot about me not being willing to help out on the salary cap. I was willing to give back two million (dollars). That wasn’t enough in their eyes. Everyone put out that Jay’s agent (Jack Wirth) wouldn’t talk with the Bills, but they were not willing to negotiate long term."’

‘Q — Would you only play for Washington next year or consider another team? A — I’m not going to get into that.’

‘Q: Was there a point during this season when you felt the offensive line got it? Teague: If you’re thinking, "We’ve got it," you probably don’t. We’ve still got room for improvement."’

‘Buffalo Bills defensive line coach John Levra retired Monday, ending a 44-year career.’

‘Newman said he doesn’t expect to re-sign with the Bills once he’s eligible to become a free agent in March. Riemersma faces the prospect of being released as he’s scheduled to make $3.5 million in the final year of his contract next season a figure that might be too expensive for the Bills. ”I wear my emotions on my coat sleeve and it’s been tough,” Riemersma said, his eyes welling with tears. ”You really never know in this business what’s going to happen. But, certainly, you can see the writing on the wall.” Riemersma, a seven-year veteran, said he’s prepared to restructure his deal but isn’t sure the Bills are willing to listen after the two sides failed in a bid to renegotiate the contract last spring.’

‘After spending last spring revamping the offense, including wholesale changes along the line and bringing in Kevin Gilbride as his coordinator, team president Tom Donahoe’s challenge this offseason is improving his defensive unit. Buffalo finished 27th in points allowed, 24th average yards rushing (132), and last in generating 19 takeaways.’