Two Bills Drive

‘Second-year man Mike Maslowski will make his first NFL start Sunday against Buffalo when he takes over at left outside linebacker for Lew Bush.’

‘"(Johnson) was our starter at the start of the season, and that really hasn’t changed," Phillips said Wednesday in a conference call. "Doug came in when he was hurt. There was no big, monumental decision here."’

‘Gunther Cunningham said Wednesday he was "as close as I can be" to installing starting receiver Derrick Alexander as the Kansas City Chiefs punt returner for Sunday’s home game against Buffalo.’

‘Rob Johnson, back as the Buffalo Bills’ starter after missing four games with a separated shoulder, isn’t worried about Doug Flutie or any quarterback controversy.’

‘Tony Gonzalez and Derrick Alexander, two key ingredients in Kansas City’s rejuvenated passing attack, may have new jobs when the Chiefs meet Buffalo on Sunday.’

‘Not practicing were: guard Ruben Brown (foot), safety Keion Carpenter (ankle), backup defensive back Donovan Greer (ankle), running back Sammy Morris (ankle), nosetackle Ted Washington (neck), backup quarterback Doug Flutie (ankle) and defensive back Antoine Winfield (shoulder).’

‘His once water-tight defense has sprung more leaks than the Titanic in its death throes, but Gunther Cunningham clings to his belief that a rescue boat is in sight.’

‘Thanks to a three-game winning streak, the Buffalo Bills have played their way back into the AFC playoff race. But they are a long way from clinching a spot.’

‘Say what you will about Thurman – and there is plenty to say – but nobody wanted to see him lying on his back, grimacing in pain and cupping his right knee after making one too many cuts in his Hall of Fame career.’

‘"He loves Rutgers," Bills coach Wade Phillips said in a published report. "I don’t know why. He coached there a long time and he has a great feeling for that school. They’d be smart to contact him, but I don’t know if any college job is better than the one he’s got here."’

‘The Chiefs have never gone three straight games without at least one takeaway. But it won’t get easier this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.’

‘The laundry list of ailing Bills: Left guard Ruben Brown (turf toe), free safety Keion Carpenter (strained calf muscle), quarterback Doug Flutie (sprained ankle), cornerback Donovan Greer (sprained ankle), running back Sammy Morris (sprained ankle), strong safety Henry Jones (strained back muscle), nose tackle Ted Washington (shoulder stinger), defensive end Marcellus Wiley (thigh bruise) and cornerback Antoine Winfield (shoulder).’

‘The long-time Buffalo Bills running back suffered a torn ligament in his right knee in Sunday’s 17-7 victory over the Chargers in San Diego and was placed on injured reserve.’

‘It’s true that Arrowhead is a difficult place for a visitor, but the Chiefs lost two games there already. They also lost two home games last year and three the year before.’

‘Given the four-week gauntlet his team is about to embark on starting Sunday in Kansas City, a little rest and relaxation might be exactly what the Bills need right now.’