Two Bills Drive

‘Classy and reserved by nature, Bledsoe never has been one to provide billboard material for the opposition. But if his pride was hurt when he got traded, it may have been trampled in that debacle five weeks ago. He may be quiet about it, but Bledsoe has plenty to prove today.’

‘”In that game, the Patriots played with the formula they used to win the championship last year,” Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe said. “They allowed us to make some plays coming down the field but really tightened up when we got into the red zone. We didn’t put the ball in the end zone and that’s what we need to do.”‘

”’I wouldn’t say I’m running better this year,” he said. ”I look at myself, and I’m a little bit hesitant on certain plays. I look at the film and I see I could have hit the hole a little harder instead of stutter-stepping.”’

‘Since Brady took over on Sept. 23, 2001, vs. the New York Jets in relief of the injured Bledsoe, the former Michigan star has played in 30 consecutive games (including the playoffs).’

‘“At a certain level I was disappointed that I didn’t get to play as a Patriot in the new stadium,” said Bledsoe. “But I am proud of the fact that I was part of the teams that were there when the stadium was approved, and when it started to be built. It’s a little bit disappointing that the thing didn’t get done before I left, but at least I get a chance to come and see it now.”’

‘The Bills are certain to be ready for that approach if the Patriots try to repeat it, so it’s up to the Pats coaching staff to come up with another way to keep Bledsoe out of his rhythm. You can be sure it involves pressure up the middle of the field, because it’s suicide to let Bledsoe step up into the pocket with clean looks into the secondary.’

‘Quarterbacks, quite simply, don’t throw at Law as much as they used to.’

‘Said Moulds: “(Ty Law’s) a pretty good corner, but they play so much cover-two, I mean, everybody says, `He shut you down,’ but it’s pretty simple when a guy has safety help over the top. It’s difficult to get open against that.”’

‘The pick: Patriots by 3.’

‘While the Patriots may be tied for first after rebounding from a four-game losing streak to win four of their last five, they haven’t looked like a team ready to assume command.’

‘One of the keys for Bledsoe today will be avoiding the big mistake. When the teams met on Nov. 3 in a 38-7 Patriots victory, New England attacked him. Today, they’re more likely to rush three linemen and drop eight men in coverage. That will force Bledsoe to throw into tighter spots, with the Patriots gambling he’ll make a mistake.’

‘Williams serves as more than a space-eater in front of superb linebacker London Fletcher. He collapses pockets and greets running backs in the backfield on a regular basis. Even without penetration, he makes it very difficult for offensive linemen to get blocks on the mobile Fletcher.’

‘Boo Drew? Who? Why?’

‘This is a premium game; a first-rate, top-drawer — and top-dollar — attraction.’

‘The biggest bump in production has been tight end. Through 12 games last season, Jermaine Wiggins and Rod Rutledge had combined for 14 catches, 99 yards and 3 scores. Fauria, Cleeland and Graham have racked up 49 catches for 440 yards and 8 scores. That’s a bump of 35 catches, 341 yards and 5 TDs.’