Two Bills Drive

‘The Buffalo Bills acquired starting strong safety Leonard Smith from the Phoenix Cardinals Tuesday night in exchange for reserve cornerback Roland Mitchell and an undisclosed draft pick.’

‘It marked the first time since 1981 the Bills have sold out their first three games at Rich Stadium.’

‘Dawson then started the show by saying, “We’ve taken this show on the road many times, but never have we had the reception we’re having in Buffalo by the media and the fans. For those of you who keep bad-mouthing Buffalo, take a look around. This is a beautiful city, with the skyline behind us.”‘

‘Calvin L. Johnson, 25, of 48 Lyth Ave. was attempting to sell $12 tickets for $20 apiece, and Michael L. Johnson, 25, of 208 Loring Ave. was offering $18 tickets at two for $50, according to undercover detectives from the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, who arrested them in stadium parking lots.’

‘”We feel we’re in the ballgame at all times,” Hull said. “If there’s time on the clock, we feel we’ve got a chance to win the ballgame. That’s what it takes to be a champion. I saw a lot of this last year. We just never say die.”‘

‘The Bills’ opening-game upset of Minnesota gets more impressive by the week. . . . Marv Levy’s baby backfield — Thurman Thomas at running back and Jamie Mueller at fullback — should mature just about the time the Bills need a stronger running game for November and December.’

‘The decision was made after the Bills’ medical staff gave reserve rookie strong safety John Hagy, who had been nursing a mild knee sprain he suffered against Miami Sept. 11, clearance to practice this week. Hagy wore a hefty knee brace during Monday’s light workout at Rich Stadium.’

‘”He was there at 7:10 or 7:15 but you can’t wait 10 minutes,” Kilgore said. “He apologized. He felt bad about it. We taped the show for (today) at 7 p.m.”‘

‘Former Buffalo Bills center Will Grant, 34, and his wife, Jean, 27, both pleaded innocent Monday night to misdemeanor charges of possessing cocaine and marijuana, according to Boston Town Court records.’

‘”Our goal was to get the ball to the 30-yard line,” Kelly said. As it turned out, the Bills got as far as the 23 when Kelly spiked the ball to kill the clock with 15 seconds left, bringing Norwood and the field-goal unit onto the field.’

‘The Bills’ third sterling defensive performance saw them register four sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble.’

‘”When Scott winds up to kick at the end of a ballgame, I’m assuming it’s going to go through the uprights,” said Bruce DeHaven, the Bills’ special teams coach. “I don’t think he’s ever going to miss because of the situation.”‘

‘It’s all by the hair of their chinny-chin-chins — the three victories were accomplished by a combined margin of eight points — but it’s still the best start for the Bills since 1980.’

‘Bills Coach Marv Levy saw the game clock ticking away in the final minute and couldn’t locate quarterback Jim Kelly on the field. ” ‘Oh, oh,’ I thought,” Levy said. In his panic Levy ordered the field-goal team onto the field, fearing time was about to run out. Then I saw Jim waving the field goal team off the field,” Levy said. “He said, ‘Coach, I know what to do.”

‘Buffalo IS fifth in the American Conference in total offense, wide receiver Andre Reed DOES lead the NFL in receptions with 16 and rookie running back Thurman Thomas DOES stand second in AFC rushing, but the Bills have put the ball in the end zone just once in two games.’