Two Bills Drive

‘In recent weeks, Buffalo Bills fans have had to endure drubbings on the football field and watching their quarterback pounded repeatedly into the turf until he couldn’t come back anymore.’

‘”The guy’s not even here anymore, (so) let’s quit talking about him,” Van Pelt said. “You turn on the radio and everyone is saying, ‘Well, Flutie wouldn’t have done that.’ Enough of that already. Let’s move on and let Rob be the quarterback.”‘

‘A few days after he was told to rest and rehabilitate his aching back, Gardener’s back locked up on him, further jeopardizing his ability to return this season. Gardener called the Dolphins Thursday morning and was instructed to go to the hospital. He still was in the hospital Thursday night.’

‘You remember the Dolphins, the team Bills fans love to hate and love to beat more than any other.’

‘Of the 185 points the Dolphins have allowed, 100 came after turnovers.’

‘Gardener was admitted to Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday morning after complaining of new pain in his back. It was the second time in the past two weeks that Gardener, who had a pain-relieving injection last week, had complained of back pain.’

‘After setting a franchise record with 94 receptions and leading the team with 1,326 yards receiving last season, Moulds has 32 catches for 404 yards this year, third among Bills receivers.’

‘Talks have quickly bogged down over the question of how to negotiate a long-term deal for a Pro-Bowl player who will have missed all of this season with a torn right Achilles’ tendon, Cowart’s agent Gene Burrough said on Wednesday.’

‘Centers’ best ability might be what he does in the locker room, having developed a keen ability in providing encouragement without being negative.’

‘"It’s still very premature at this time," coach Gregg Williams said Wednesday. "We definitely want to make sure that he’s healthy."’

‘"I’m frustrated just like every other guy here," Moulds said. "I’m used to winning. One and eight is not something I want to get used to. I’m used to helping the team win, and I feel like I’m not a part of that right now."’

‘In four of the last five games, the Bills have failed to crack 100 yards rushing as a team, and the only time they did surpass the century mark — against San Diego — 67 of their 105 yards came via the scrambling of quarterback Rob Johnson.’

‘The Bills have been penalized 10 more times than their opponents and have lost four out of five replay challenges.’

‘The Bills are obviously reluctant to lavish a huge signing bonus on a player who has struggled with injuries, so the tiered bonus would be a way to protect the team.’

‘Would he accept the invitation and how would the fans react? I believe he’d return because he seems to genuinely believe most people still adore him.’