Two Bills Drive

‘"We not only had trouble on defense, we had trouble converting on offense."’

‘Hearst is on pace for 235 carries and 1,242 yards this season, and he is improving weekly. The extra money that he will earn will cost the 49ers significantly against next year’s salary cap. But the 49ers figure this kind of performance is worth it.’

‘The 49ers’ turnover ratio (+1 on the season) is mediocre. Buffalo has been much worse (-12).’

‘The Niners have ranked among the top six in the NFL in offense 18 of the past 20 years.’

‘Regardless of the outcome, the Bills can take some solace in the 49ers’ turnaround. By following the same formula, a return to respectability could be around the corner.’

‘To the insiders, to those who play the game for a living, there might be no worse job in the NFL than being the No. 3 quarterback.’

‘The view from here is that Van Pelt received the opportunity of his NFL career when Rob Johnson told the Buffalo media this week that his season is over as a result of his broken collarbone.’

‘"It was 13 years. I spent the greater part of my coaching career in Buffalo. It’s something looking at those uniforms and hearing the name. A part of me will always be a Bill. It’s a lot easier this year than last, of course."’

‘Who knows what heroics Bronson will perform in tonight’s contest against the Buffalo Bills?’

‘Bills coach Gregg Williams imported his aggressive defensive scheme from the Titans. It’s a style the 49ers have rarely faced. To counter, the 49ers probably stick with what they do best — attack teams with a good balance of run and pass.’

‘"They’re young and improving, a lot like our team," Coach Steve Mariucci said. "They have a handful of real good players and a lot of the youngsters are starting to catch up fast."’

‘"He’s a young pup," linebackers coach Richard Smith said. "Every day is a learning process for him, but he’s a good athlete and it’s ridiculous for him to be sitting there on the sidelines."’

‘Jeff Garcia could have a field day even without sore-footed wide receiver Terrell Owens. Bills opponents have completed more than 65 percent of their pass attempts.’

‘With running back Kevan Barlow expected to miss the game because of a shoulder injury, the 49ers will rely on Hearst more than usual. He seems up to the task. In the past three games, he has rushed for 343 yards and two touchdowns. One of the Bills standing in the way is Foreman, a top run-stopper.’

‘Being a successful head coach in today’s NFL isn’t about strategy so much as it’s about managing personalities and massaging egos. It’s about knowing when to confront a player and when it’s best to let things slide. Most of all, it’s about knowing what to say when 53 sets of ears are listening.’