Two Bills Drive

‘"[Bledsoe’s] a better passer, a more accurate passer, so you have to be tighter in coverage rather than worry about him running the ball,” Austin said. "He won’t hurt us if he runs, but he will hurt us with his arm. You have to play tighter coverage.”’

‘The Bears’ secondary needs help against Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe, who is considered one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL today. He has 119 consecutive passes without an interception, although he threw 2 in the season opener.’

‘Bledsoe has revived interest in the Bills since being traded from the New England Patriots after his quarterback job was given to Tom Brady. The revival will be short-lived, however, if the defense doesn’t hold up its end.’

‘Statistics suggest opportunity this week for all Bears special teams, especially return teams.’

‘While not a superstar, Thomas did rush for 1,183 yards as a rookie, and he’s coming off a 111-yard performance in last week’s loss against a stout New Orleans defense.’

‘During the roughly two-hour drive to Ralph Wilson Stadium, Ahanotu grabs some more sleep, works the cellular phone and gets himself ready for the football assignment ahead. On the way home, he does more of the same while trying to forget about the game that has become his profession. In that sense, he believes the time and the $5,000-a-month or so he pays Cameron to chauffeur him is well spent.’

‘He has emerged as the Bills’ defensive quarterback, calling the plays in the huddle and barking at teammates he believes are letting up. He did some of his best yapping last week about his former teammates.’

"That will be a weapon for us as we get more proficient in our offense. At times if we need to change things up we may go to a no-huddle earlier in the game."

This weekend, prior to the Chicago Bears game, the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse is transformed into the largest indoor tailgate party in the league: Tops Gameday Experience. In addition to a variety of interactive games, and food, the Bills Experience features the live broadcast of the 97 Rock pregame show.

Apparently it helps to be on a winner. Three of the top four play for unbeaten teams, while the fourth – Drew Bledsoe – is on pace to break Dan Marino’s passing yardage record for a season.

‘The Bills are one of just three teams (along with Baltimore and Cincinnati) in the NFL that hasn’t picked off a pass.’

‘"Last year this time I was sitting at home watching games on TV. To know I’m back in football and starting and having fortunate things happening to me is a blessing. The Bills have been good to me."’

‘Drew Bledsoe is on his way back, but he has company. Kevin Gilbride, come on down.’

‘The Bills’ defense allows 5.3 yards per rush and ranks 28th against the run. But it is not for lack of trying. The Bills mass eight, sometimes as many as 10, men on the line to stop the run, meaning the Bears may adjust their approach slightly. “It’s unlike some things that you’ve ever seen, so it gets hard sometimes,” offensive coordinator John Shoop said.’

‘”They’re going to throw the ball 40 or 45 times,” said cornerback Reggie Austin, who stayed after practice Thursday with the wide receivers, running routes to work on his technique for catching the ball. “They know we’re thin, so they’re going to try to get one of us out of there to see who’s coming in next. You definitely have to have your track shoes on.”‘