Two Bills Drive

‘Tom Day, a former Buffalo Bill whose avocation later in life was helping other former NFL players in times of need, died suddenly Monday at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst. He had entered the hospital Saturday for tests. His death came one day after his 65th birthday.’

‘The Buffalo Bills cut 14 players Monday as teams trimmed their rosters to 65. Both players from the University at Buffalo, receiver Drew Haddad and fullback Josh Roth, were among the survivors with more cuts coming by Sunday. Quarterback Phil Stambaugh, who did not play a down in the first two preseason games, was among those released.’

‘After an encouraging return from surgery to repair a bulging disk in his neck, an injury that cost him all of last season, Panos will miss at least the regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 3 after tearing a muscle under the arch of his right foot.’

‘"Tom was the joy of the defensive line," said Lou Saban, who coached Day in Buffalo. "He had a lot of spirit and a lot of drive. He was playful at times, but when the whistle blew, he got the job done."’

‘The Bills trimmed their roster by 14 players yesterday. Now comes the hard part, trimming to the NFL regular season limit of 53 by Sunday. "That’s the toughest cut overall," coach Wade Phillips said. "All the guys who left today didn’t have quite as much of a chance because of ability. Certainly the next cut, it’s about guys with more ability who have a chance of making an NFL club."’

‘Free-agent rookie quarterback Phil Stambaugh was among 14 players cut by the Buffalo Bills Monday…All 14 players were free-agent pickups this offseason.’

‘Williams’ penchant for knocking back centers – and everything else in his path – has made him a key player on the Bills’ defense. Although his playing time is limited because he backs up Ted Washington, Williams makes the most of his opportunities. He had 44 tackles, 21/2 sacks and nine quarterback pressures for the NFL’s top-ranked defense last season. Not bad for a guy who usually gets fewer than 20 snaps per game. "I just try to go out there and make things happen," said Williams, 28. "I’ll do anything the team needs to be successful."’

‘If Rob Johnson’s performance in St. Louis Saturday night wasn’t enough to induce the Doug Flutie loyalists to call a truce in their carping about Johnson’s status as the Bills’ starting quarterback, nothing will. Confronted by the toughest pass rush in the NFC and an overall defense that was a pillar in the Rams winning the last Super Bowl, Johnson did what he has done best for most of his brief experience as the Bills’ starter – produce a lot of points in a spectacular manner.’

‘Wilson has said it before: Winning is what sells tickets. In Buffalo fans appear to support that theory one game at a time.’

‘It’s said beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. That was certainly the case in the St. Louis Rams’ 31-27 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night at the Trans World Dome.’

‘In an unexpected twist, the Bills have suddenly become a big-play offense. First, there was McDaniel’s 85-yard touchdown reception to go with wide receiver Eric Moulds’ 72-yarder last week and running back Shawn Bryson’s 73-yard effort in the opener. Toss in Avion Black’s 34-yard TD in the first exhibition game and tight end Bobby Collins’ 26-yarder last night, on another blown coverage, and that’s five of Buffalo’s eight preseason touchdowns.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ first-team offense still needs a little work as far as consistency is concerned. But when it comes to quick-strike capability, this group is in mid-season form.’

‘Wiley played most of the first quarter before taking a seat on the bench. The game was an important test for Wiley, who is being counted on to succeed Bruce Smith at right defensive end. "Today was to get over the game hurdle mentally," Wiley said. "My back responded well and now it’s time to get into game shape to do what I can do out there. Candidly, I was the most tired I’ve been as a pro. I was great to go against (left tackle) Orlando Pace and a great team. Now I’ve got all the green flags up, and I can go after it."’

‘Both teams were comically sloppy and for every big, exciting play — and there were plenty — there was a woefully inept one to match. There were enough turnovers, penalties and blown assignments to fill a blooper video, but when it was over, the Bills at least had the satisfaction of walking off the field 31-27 victors over the defending Super Bowl champions.’

‘2 – BUFFALO BILLS. Coach Wade Phillips; 11-5 last season, lost 22-16 to Tennessee in AFC wild-card game. The Bills hit the salary cap wall this offseason and the makeover has left a younger but still dangerous team. Keys include keeping QB Rob Johnson healthy and filling a few defensive holes.’