Two Bills Drive

‘So it wasn’t a huge surprise that the Steelers’ offense appeared as bewildered as a tourist in the middle of Siberia without a map during Sunday’s 20-3 victory over the Bills. It helped that Buffalo, which was missing starting offensive tackles John Fina and Jonas Jennings, looked even more lost than Pittsburgh.’

‘Let’s put it right out there: Could the Buffalo Bills actually be the worst team in the NFL right now?’

‘The question was never whether these Bills are better than these Steelers. Such musings became impertinent once Buffalo reached two more rungs down the depth chart to plug the holes in what was already a makeshift offensive line. Can’t run, can’t win, the day’s only remaining mystery being why it took Pittsburgh so long to file away an opponent clearly inferior. No, the question was never which team is better. What’s worth considering, though, is which team is better off?’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ list of walking wounded grows longer each week. Quarterback Rob Johnson, offensive tackle Kris Farris, defensive end Phil Hansen, wide receiver Jeremy McDaniel, defensive tackle Leif Larsen and defensive back Tony Driver left with injuries during Sunday’s 20-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.’

‘There were so many flags thrown it was a wonder that no one slipped and fell. The teams combined on 18 penalties for 182 yards. The Steelers had the most infractions with 12 for 125 yards. "I’m not going to answer anything about the officiating," said Steelers coach Bill Cowher. "I was told a long time ago that if you have nothing good to say, you say nothing at all."’

It’s time to say what the coaches have refused to admit. The Bills are not a good football team.

The Bills’ offense is a mess. They can’t get the ball to their top player, WR Eric Moulds, and they’re running game has become virtually non-existent. Granted, the team has gone through some devastating injuries on both sides of the ball. But there is no excusing such a bad showing at home on Sunday.

The Pittsburgh Steelers left the Buffalo Bills physically and emotionally devastated.

The Bills not only lost 20-3 on Sunday to a rusty Steelers team coming off a 21-day layoff, but they ran into further injury woes, leaving the rest of their year in question.

‘"We did not play well enough to win this football game, we did not play well enough in all areas," he continued. "Guys have to play better and coaches have to coach better in order for us to get this thing going."’

‘From coach Gregg Williams right down to the 53rd man on the roster, the Bills were angry at themselves. Probably angrier than the fans were at them. It’s about time.’

‘As the Bills get out the super glue this week and try to put the pieces back together again, pride is about all they’ve got left.’

‘"If these stadiums are half-full, then the terrorists win. I’m not going to let them ruin my Sundays." Many apparently shared his sentiments.’

‘It’s beginning to feel a lot like 1985 at One Bills Drive.’

‘In one those pitiful duels the NFL doesn’t publicize, Rob Johnson played down to the level of (gasp!) Kordell Stewart, and lost his seventh straight start. With his line crumbling around him, Johnson threw for 104 yards, produced one field goal and got hurt. Did nothing overly horrible (he did overthrow Eric Moulds at the goal-line), but nothing great, so why not just buy a ticket? Backup Alex Van Pelt threw a bad interception to seal the deal.’

‘"Not disappointed, pissed," Williams said after watching his overmatched team fall to 0-3. "Not discouraged. Pissed."’

‘Fullback Larry Centers didn’t think he was going from bad to worse when he left the Washington Redskins for the Buffalo Bills. But at best, early in this NFL season, it’s a wash.’