Two Bills Drive

‘Forget the bogus 18-man injury report Bill Belichick put out for reasons he never will explain. When the Patriots start the second half of the season today against the Buffalo Bills, the majority of those 18 will play. In fact, many of them didn’t even know they were injured when asked.’

‘In 1976, the Patriots rushed for 2,948 yards and averaged a phenomenal 5.0 yards per rush. 1n 1978, when they set the 16-game record for total yardage, they averaged 4.7 yards per carry. With those marks, they established themselves as one of the best teams ever at running the ball, even though it didn’t stay in the minds of some of their fans for very long.’

‘The Drew Bledsoe-Tom Brady competition at quarterback will not be a problem in the second half of a season that has begun with a surprisingly decent 4-4 record for the Patriots and a remarkable 4-2 run for Brady. But there is a real chance it will flare up next summer, when all things will again be equal.’

‘The Patriots begin play in a shiny new facility being built next door starting in 2002. For many players, it’s good riddance to the old place, but for some it’s a fond farewell. After all, this has been the scene of some of the most memorable games in Bills’ history, a college-type atmosphere that will soon be lost in the name of corporate suites and seats with cup holders.’

‘Q: What’s the worst thing about football? A: "The losing. I hate losing, I’ve never been good at it, it’s terrible. I don’t recommend it for anybody. We put so much effort into it, you put everything into trying to be good."’

‘Protect Johnson. It’s the same old story, but here we go again. The guy can play if his line just gives him a chance.’

The Texans will continue occasional tryout sessions until Dec. 27, when they can begin signing players for the team that will begin play next season.

Robert Hicks, who started seven games for the Buffalo Bills last season, is looking for a new start. `It’s a new beginning for me,” Hicks said. “I’m blessed to be able to come down here and show this team what I have. It’s like a rebirth for me.”

‘Both Jerry Ostroski and Jonas Jennings worked with the first team in practice again Friday and are expected to start at the tackle spots.’

‘Miller may be able to do another season after this one. But he would be wise to heed Hull’s pregame words and get out of the booth before more people talk about his decline than talk about his storied career.’

‘Fumbling just about killed Faulk’s Patriots career last season, and coach Bill Belichick had so little confidence in Faulk entering this season that he didn’t put him on the 45-man active roster for the opener in Cincinnati. "We dress the best 45," Belichick said at the time. Faulk hasn’t missed a game since, and his fumbling is in remission: He has fumbled once this season, and recovered it himself.’

‘Defensive end Willie McGinest (leg) and tackle Richard Seymour (hamstring) were upgraded to probable on the injury report yesterday after participating in practice all week. Only starting defensive right end Anthony Pleasant (flu) remains questionable among the regulars on the defensive line. Meanwhile, Matt Light (shoulder) and Greg Robinson-Randall (ankle) remain doubtful, meaning rookie Kenyatta Jones will likely get the start at left tackle and veteran Grant Williams will get the start at right tackle.’

‘Tom Brady was one of the 200 most sought-after players in the 2000 draft, which is a nice way of saying he was chosen 199th overall.’

‘What jumps out to Belichick about the Bills quarterback has been the way he has been hit. If he isn’t sacked, Johnson is hit delivering the ball. It’s far worse than Bledsoe ever experienced. They have an offensive line with three rookie starters.’

‘Adam Vinatieri has been rock solid again this season for the Patriots, while rookie Jake Arians has struggled during his brief tenure with the Bills.’

‘Right now, Vinatieri is fourth in the NFL with 59 points, making 13 of his 14 field goal attempts, including 6 for 7 from 40-49 yards.’