Two Bills Drive

‘”I do know I have a lot of fans there and there are a lot of people who appreciate what I did,” Bledsoe said earlier in the week. “I expect a little bit of a mixed reaction. There will be some people who cheer for me. But during the course of the game, I expect the New England fans to do exactly what they did when I was there which was support their team.”‘

”’The people are friendlier in the south. People in New York, they just walk past you. You say something and they just keep walking.”’

‘The winningest coach in Bills history wasn’t even aware of Second String until a reporter mentioned it to him the other day. When apprised of the film’s plot, his interest was piqued. “I’ll probably take a look at it, just out of curiosity, and who knows, maybe I’ll enjoy it,” he said of the dramatic comedy that airs at 8 p.m. Dec. 18 on TNT.’

‘A loss by Buffalo will effectively eliminate it from the congested conference race due to its poor AFC (3-6) and division (2-6) records, dooming the Bills in any tiebreaker among 9-7 teams.’

‘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.’