Two Bills Drive

‘So the night before each of the past 11 contests, the unit has gathered without coaches present to hear one of the first-team players discuss the upcoming opponent and whatever else is on his mind.’

‘When Bowens was signed by the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 22, it marked the fourth team the defensive end had been with in the past 2 1/2 months and fifth in his three-year pro career.’

‘”They stepped up last week in a game they had nothing to win for,” Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler said. “They dug themselves out of the snow and went down to New York and beat a pretty good team. . . We all know Buffalo steps it up when they play against Miami. We’re not expecting a walkover.”‘

‘If the Dolphins win today, they will clinch a home playoff game.’

‘Essentially what the Bills need is for Johnson to reduce his 2002 salary cap charge of slightly more than $11 million. The tricky part is that, while such a reduction can be accomplished easily with a long-term contract extension, Buffalo officials aren’t yet ready to make a commitment to Johnson beyond the 2002 campaign.’

‘…We have to find ways to move [Eric Moulds] around and get mismatches. Without question, he’s too talented not to find ways to get him the ball."’

‘Donahoe and Van Pelt’s agent, Eric Metz, have reportedly agreed in principle to a five-year contract extension worth between $5 and 5.5 million. It is believed the deal will include a $1.5 million signing bonus. The final language of the contract is expected to be completed in the next couple weeks, and until then, no one is willing to reveal much.’

‘Regardless of what happens in the New England game, Wannstedt will not have the luxury of resting his starters because even if the Patriots win, the Dolphins need to win to secure a home wild-card game.’

‘It would seem the Bills’ hope is that Johnson reworks his contract to soften the salary cap hit, preferably based on incentives, particularly games played.’

‘Bromell is one of 10 Dolphins entering unrestricted free agency, among them defensive end Kenny Mixon, safety Brian Walker, cornerback Terry Cousin, running back Lamar Smith and punter Matt Turk. They may be joined by quarterback Jay Fiedler if he opts out of his contract.’

‘The only reason Wannstedt got the Dolphins job is because his man Johnson did to Shula what Spurrier could do to him now.’

‘Linebacker Zach Thomas, who has an injured neck and shoulder, practiced Friday and will play in Sunday’s regular-season finale against Buffalo at Pro Player Stadium because a home playoff game is at stake.’

‘"I know when you play those significant snaps like that, 36 or 38 minutes, it’s hard for the defense to hold in there," Buffalo coach Gregg Williams said. "It’s tough for your defense to hold up that long. In the AFC East, you see all those defensive-minded coaches being the head coaches. They understand time of possession is critical. That’s how you improve as a team: By keeping the [opposing] offenses off the field by your offense being out there longer."’

‘This is almost exactly where the San Francisco 49ers were two years ago, when they finished 4-12 after hitting the same salary-cap wall that has smacked down the Bills.’

‘”I just haven’t been productive,” said Smith, who has rushed for 810 yards on 283 carries. “Teams have been stopping me. Stopping me cold. When Travis gets in there the ball moves, the chains move. He’s playing great. He’s winning games. I haven’t been productive, so we’ve got to find more ways to utilize Travis.”‘