‘If ever there was a game in which the Buffalo Bills could use a boost from their famous circle-the-wagons mentality, today is it.’
BillsBeat - December 3, 2000
Calming influence
‘"With Ted as the coordinator, he’s the type of guy who’s very into his players," strong safety Henry Jones said. "He exudes confidence. Hopefully he can pass that along to the players who get in there.’
Defense gives Dolphins luxury of pounding on wounded Bills
‘The Bills are too banged up. . . . Miami, 17-16.’
Dolphins hope to feast on battered, bruised Bills' 'D'
‘The Bills’ injury situation is so pronounced head coach Wade Phillips got his squad together for a Rah-Rah session after Wednesday’s practice.’
Hobbled Bills cannot afford any self-pity
‘Diving into the deep end today are linebackers Jay Foreman and Corey Moore (for the injured Sam Cowart and Sam Rogers) and defensive backs Donovan Greer and Travares Tillman (for Antoine Winfield and Keion Carpenter).’
Injuries test a team's depth
‘Healthy is not a word used much these days to describe the Bills. Bruised, battered, decimated — yes. Healthy — no.’
Buffalo offense needs to break loose
‘"We realize we have to play our best game for ourselves and the team," said quarterback Rob Johnson, whose injury du jour is sore ribs. "But we don’t feel we have to force things or create things that aren’t there and end up playing worse."’
Bills schedule next season will be easier without Rams
‘Buffalo will be the only AFC East team not to play the potent St. Louis Rams.’
Bills scouting report
‘Bills can win if … Their play mirrors their situation — do-or-die. This is a must win, the Bills are at home and, despite their injuries, they should put forth a huge effort.’
Bills, not chills, the concern
‘Buffalo, somehow, must make do without the NFL’s leading tackler, linebacker Sam Cowart, who injured his ankle against the Tampa Bay Bucs last weekend. Another linebacker, Sam Rogers, is out with a groin injury as is safety Keion Carpenter (ankle) and cornerback Antoine Winfield, who recently had shoulder surgery.’
Do Dolphins gain from players' pain?
‘More than 10 current Dolphins and several former Dolphins accuse the team of not telling players about the full extent of their injuries and risking careers by pressuring players to return before they’re ready.’
Secondary among NFL's elite
‘The Dolphins have allowed only nine pass plays of 30 yards or longer this season — the longest a 42-yarder.’
Today, Dolphins will make move toward playoffs
‘Hoping not to slap the kiss of death onto the Dolphins’ doughty mugs, I have to say it. This is their day.’
Cold weather may benefit Dolphins today
‘Sure, the Dolphins must overcome Buffalo’s frigid weather and frenzied fans, but they come armed with a running game that cares little about wind chill or a 12th man who lines up in the stands.’
Dolphins don't fare well in Buffalo's elements
‘The list sounds like something sent to Santa Claus by the children of this frigid region when Dolphins equipment manager Tony Egues tells what comprised the 5,000 extra pounds of gear taken to today’s road game against the Buffalo Bills.’