Two Bills Drive

‘If anything, the Jets have proven, in the short term at least, they can win without Johnson. The long term is a story yet to be written. But the Jets can at least play against Johnson with a little swagger knowing they have not crumbled without him and have started 3-0 for the first time since 1966.’

‘There are two ways to look at the Jets’ special teams performance in yesterday’s 27-14 victory over the Bills. Either they really took a step up after two disappointing weeks or they finally met a special teams unit that’s worse.’

‘On the surface, the Jets seem to have overcome the loss of Keyshawn Johnson. But at least one person begs to differ. That person is named Keyshawn Johnson.’

‘Special Teams: A+…A day of redemption. The stars were Kevin Williams (97-yard kickoff TD) and Chris Hayes (forced fumble, recovery).’

‘"Our confidence is pretty high," Jets’ cornerback Ray Mickens said. "I’d be lying if I said it was anything else. We’ve shown we can win on the road, at Lambeau, we’ve shown we’re a tough team."’

‘The Bills, playing all day like a kid sticking its hand in the fire, got burned, 27-14, in a contest decided largely by the kicking game.’

‘All touchdowns are worth six points on the scoreboard, but in the heart, clearly some are worth more than others. Marcus Coleman’s Hail Mary on the final play of the first half yesterday lifted the Jets’ spirits and ripped out the Bills’ guts in a 27-14 Gang Green win at Giants Stadium. Coleman’s 45-yard TD with no time on the clock sent the Jets into halftime with a 21-14 lead, and gave them all the momentum.’

‘"That’s what’s most frustrating; it’s between the ears. If you get your butt whipped, [that’s one thing]. But when you don’t play well, that’s the toughest thing," said defensive end Marcellus Wiley from Columbia, who saw his team allow a 97-yard kickoff return to Kevin Williams, get a field goal blocked, lose their first three fumbles of the season, and give up a 45-yard Hail Mary to defensive back Marcus Coleman on the final play of the first half.’

‘There aren’t supposed to be 78,000 fans wildly cheering the Jets, but there are. New York isn’t supposed to be going ga-ga over Gang Green, but it is.’

‘One of the unsung Jets heroes yesterday was special teams ace Chris Hayes, who had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a special-teams tackle. He was a catalyst for a special teams unit that entered the game much maligned.’

‘The Jets not only beat the Buffalo Bills yesterday, 27-14, they stunned and demoralized a team that had been tied with them for first place. They ran over and around them, with Kevin Williams’ thrilling 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. They duped them, leaving five of their players lying silent and in a heap in the end zone after Marcus Coleman’s 45-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from Testaverde broke a 14-14 tie.’

‘You know, he who forgets the past is doomed to repeat it.’

‘Yesterday, in an impressive 27-14 victory over Buffalo, the Jets’ special teams were masters of mayhem. "Special teams aren’t about individuals," Hayes said. "It’s a team. It’s about hustle plays."’

‘Though Washington and Williams combined for 10 unassisted tackles and five assisted ones, they could not stop the Jets when it mattered most.’

‘Once again, it was the Vinny of now instead of the Vinny of ’98. And once again, it was good enough.’