Two Bills Drive

The extra week of preparation might give Belichick’s Patriots an edge. So, undoubtedly, will the unique character of the Patriots’ defense. Theirs is the only unit in the league that switches back and forth from a 3-4 to a 4-3, defying characterization and confusing opponents. "That gives you fits," Bills coach Gregg Williams says. "It adds practice time and game-plan time. And to their credit, they are flexible enough personnel-wise to do it."

‘Say what you want about the 2001 Bills, but they managed to become more competitive as the season wound down.’

Former Bills DC who lost head coaching job to Gregg Williams is to interview with former Bills GM Bill Polin. Jets GM Terry Bradway informed his coach of the call but it remains unclear when Cottrell will interview for the job.

In his Monday Morning Quarterback column, SI's Peter King makes his rookie of the year picks:

"… Guard Leonard Davis of Arizona, a piledriver from day one, is my offensive rookie, while Buffalo's rookie shut-down corner, Nate Clements, edges Pittsburgh's Kendrell Bell as defensive rookie …"

‘A few million bucks in a $100 million-plus business would be sacrificed but, in the long run, it just might be an investment.’

"I was at my kid’s baseball game on a Friday at 7:30. I got a call from Ralph Wilson on my cell phone and he said "What are you doing?" I said ‘I am at my kid’s baseball game.’ He said, "you made it to the Wall of Fame." I said, "Ralph, that’s great!"

Marcellus Wiley was the only ex-Bill listed on Pro-Bowl roster.

There are only a handful of NFL players that will always be remembered for at least a single play or moment. Most of them are legends of the game: Walter Payton, Franco Harris, Joe Montana, Don Beebe.

‘"The one thing we have to do is be very thorough. Whoever this player is, he’s going to make a lot of money. I’m not against paying great players a lot of money, but this guy better prove to all of us he can be a great player."’

‘"Not much less than what they paid (wide receiver Eric Moulds)," [Cowart’s agent Gene] Burrough said by telephone from his office in Duluth, Ga., when asked what he felt Cowart was worth. "I don’t expect a $12 million bonus, but not too much less."’

‘The Bills have 6 unrestricted free agents, 7 restricted free agents and 6 exclusive rights free agents.’

‘Most pleasant surprise: Jonas Jennings.’

‘Moreover, Hansen brought a work ethic to the field that set an example for younger players. He came to play every game. No complaining. No showboating. No whining when he was injured or sometimes overshadowed by marquee players.’

‘"We can’t just bring a guy back and say, ‘The job’s yours, you’re the guy,’" Wilson said Thursday night from his home in West Palm Beach, Fla. "Who knows, maybe (third-stringer) Travis Brown’s the guy."’

‘I will stay on the stairmaster three times per week, and lift some light weights through the beginning of March. I learned from the veterans and our strength and conditioning coach, Rusty Jones, that it is critical to back off the training and let your body heal.’