Two Bills Drive

‘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.’

‘Tuesday, Fiedler was with four teammates and his agent to promote a new cause. The emcee, Jim Mandich, called Fiedler a "stand-up guy” for showing up two days after the loss to the Jets, lowlights of which were shown during the luncheon. Fiedler wasn’t here to talk football, but to stand up for Ellie — daughter of his agent Brian — and kick off the Reach for the Stars Foundation to Benefit Children with Cystic Fibrosis, which got a $25,000 kick-start from sponsor Funny Bagels Inc.’

‘Meanwhile, the Dolphins will continue to use Ernest Grant and Jermaine Haley in Gardener’s place. Vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said the team has no plans to sign another tackle even though they have only Grant, Haley and Tim Bowens at that position healthy enough to play.’

‘Fiedler has 15 interceptions, second-most among NFL quarterbacks, and three lost fumbles. He’s responsible for 18 of the Dolphins’ NFL-high 26 turnovers.’

‘It usually takes more than one man to block Daryl Gardener, so it shouldn’t be surprising it’s going to take two Miami Dolphins to replace him Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. With Gardener sidelined because of a back injury, second-year pro Ernest Grant will make his second career start. He had four tackles in last week’s 24-0 loss to the New York Jets.’

‘It’s hard to get up in the morning and come back here knowing you’re 1-8 and more than likely seeing who you’re going to draft next year, rather than looking at making it into the playoffs."’

‘"My job is to take that pressure and be the scapegoat of the offense, whether that is the case or not," Fiedler said. "I’m going to take everything on myself, and say it is my fault every time."’

‘Long snapper Dan O’Leary will miss the rest of the season for the Buffalo Bills because of torn ligaments in his right hand and thumb.’