Two Bills Drive

‘Then came the bizarre part. After the game the Dolphins, despite losing, were talking trash.’

‘Covington, an All-South Jersey sports star at Overbrook High School, played for the Buffalo Bills after being drafted in 1995 until he was sidelined with a career-ending knee injury during a noncontact practice in 1998.’

‘The professional career of the former state champion wrestler and football player from Overbrook High School in Pine Hill was cut short in 1997 when he crushed the peroneal nerve just below his left knee. He retained his solid build, but lifting his leg in certain ways was difficult. Sometimes he would falter while walking up stairs. He was living mostly on disability benefits provided by the NFL, his family said.’

‘”Damien was just an excellent kid to coach, and not only was he an outstanding football player and athlete, but he was a great leader,” said Larry Mauriello, who was Covington’s football head coach and assistant wrestling coach at Overbrook.’

‘”But the turnovers didn’t beat us,” Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas said. “I missed tackles I’ve never (missed) before.”‘

The Bills talked all week about finding the big plays after missing it for the past three games. They found it in a big way in the snow and the wind of Ralph Wilson Stadium as the Bills kept their playoff hopes alive with a 38-21 win over Miami.

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With just under two minutes showing on a clock barely visible behind a sheet of white, the song playing over the public address system best summarized the events and emotions in Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday.

“…Let it snow … let it snow … let it snow…”

‘The Dolphins defense had no answers for the passing of Drew Bledsoe and also didn’t help their cause with three turnovers, giving them nine in their two losses against Buffalo this season.’

‘The outcome left the AFC East race wide open with four weeks remaining in the season. No matter the result of the New York Jets-Oakland game Monday night, only one game will separate the four teams in the division.’

‘The Bills’ defense also made a significant contribution, forcing three turnovers after getting none the last three games.’

‘The Miami Dolphins were snowed under by Drew Bledsoe and the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Miami Dolphins quarterback Ray Lucas suffered a stinger in his neck early in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills and was replaced by usual starter Jay Fiedler.’

Miami’s getting hot and Buffalo’s going cold. The one advantage for the Bills is the game is in Buffalo. However, unless Drew Bledsoe really lights it up and Ray Lucas has to start for Miami and lays an egg, the Bills could win – otherwise, you’ve got to go with Miami.

Listen to game if you can not be there.