Two Bills Drive

While the primary focus on the changes to San Diego’s offense in the off-season has been on the acquisition of Doug Flutie, a rookie running back is quietly becoming the key to the Charger offense. LaDainian Tomlinson has made an immediate impact in the NFL for the Chargers, and is filling the role to help pile up yardage and time of possession.

‘"It’s better off for Rob that this game is on the road," said Dennis Williams, sports director at WIVB-TV, the CBS affiliate in Buffalo.’

‘Linebacker Junior Seau (groin) worked on Thursday; Sam Rogers (thumb) didn’t. But coach Mike Riley said Rogers is more certain to play Sunday against the Bills than Seau. "He’s not full speed, so we are going to reserve judgment,” Riley said of Seau. "But it is encouraging that he worked a little bit today." Said Seau: "I practiced at a controlled pace.” Riley said Rogers will play with a cast on his dislocated thumb. If Seau can’t go, Gerald Dixon would move from the strong side to Seau’s weakside position, with Rogers taking Dixon’s spot.’

‘Wiley doesn’t begrudge the Bills’ decision. He just wishes they had made stronger attempt to keep him.’

‘If the Buffalo Bills’ special-teamers didn’t realize they were in for a big test in San Diego, they found out the moment they looked in their locker stalls this week. The Bills’ special-teamers found a sign reminding them that the Chargers rank No. 1 in the NFL in kickoff coverage.’

‘Prick him lightly and you’ll find the resentments are still there, just beneath the surface.’

‘Buffalo Bills defensive end Phil Hansen participated fully in workouts Thursday at the Bills’ practice facility and appears ready to return to the lineup Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.’

‘"It’s the biggest (Bills) game since the last Super Bowl," said Chuck Dickerson, the "Coach" on WGR-AM. "Everyone has chosen sides, and those who deny it are BS’ers."’

‘Strong safety Rodney Harrison did it all for the Chargers last season. He led the team in tackles (127), interceptions (six) and passes defensed (17), and outpaced every NFL defensive back with six sacks. The scary part? He’s playing better this year.’

‘”I’m not even going to respond,” he said. “I’m glad I’m here. I think there are a lot of people here, too, that are glad I’m here. I’ve got a lot of friends on that team and had a great experience in Buffalo. I enjoyed my three years in Buffalo and now I’m in a great situation here and looking to take a run at the playoffs.”‘

‘As of late yesterday, 5,000 tickets remained for Sunday’s game…’.

‘Chargers GM John Butler refused to be interviewed by Buffalo radio or TV stations this week. He did agree to talk to San Diego outlets, but only on the condition they didn’t share the tape with affiliates in Western New York.’

‘"I don’t really care about them," Johnson said of Flutie Nation. "Fans are going to support who they want to and I don’t think it’s really going to change anything."’

‘The two very likely would have been reunited last off-season had the Bills decided to release Johnson and keep Doug Flutie as their quarterback. Instead, Flutie was let go, he signed with the Chargers, and now Johnson’s arch enemy is playing for his buddy. A strange twist indeed.’