Two Bills Drive

‘Don’t be confused by Williams’ optimistic swagger. He’s trying to prop up his young team’s confidence and help sell tickets. But he’s no dummy. He talks about making the playoffs and contending for the Super Bowl, but his actions tell another story.’

‘When Donahoe and Williams arrived in town they pledged that no old favorites would be dumped unless there was a viable "Plan B" to take his place. That’s why the cutting of Jones was a last straw. The new guys are looking for a linebacker-type to play strong safety. Jones is no linebacker, but he averaged 109 tackles the last four seasons. His replacement, Raion Hill, has zero starts in his short career and a total of four tackles. He doesn’t sound like a viable "Plan B" to me.’

‘We plan to send eight staffers to the game – including Executive Sports Editor Howard Smith, who coordinates the coverage from the press box. They’ll file their stories, columns and photographs for Monday’s Sports tab.’

‘The Saints appear to be catching Buffalo at a good time. The Bills, like the Saints last season, are still in the throes of an offseason overhaul. The club has a new head coach, general manager, coaching staff and 16 new players.’

‘"I see a significant difference in how the two teams went about the job," said Larry Felser, a longtime Bills watcher for the Buffalo Evening News. "The Saints, it seemed, brought in new free-agent blood, but they kept the players worth keeping. The Bills seemed to go out and make changes in the name of change."’

‘Today’s game is the first for the Saints at Rich Stadium since that fateful day 12 years ago.’

‘"I always knew Jim (Haslett) was cut out to be a coach. Jim has one of the big intangibles you need to be a great head coach. He’s not afraid to cut anyone’s throat and then leave them for dead." — Former Bills NT Fred Smerlas.’

‘”They’re going to get to the quarterback,” admitted Johnson, who may benefit from the Bills’ switch to the rhythmic, quick passing game of the West Coast offense. “They’ve hit every quarterback they’ve played.”‘

‘The feeling is that this afternoon’s game at soldout Ralph Wilson Stadium has all the makings of a train wreck.’

‘Well, the hype and posturing are over, it’s time for the Buffalo Bills to show what they’ve got. And, frankly, there’s some legitimate concern.’

‘"We want to make a statement throughout the year and it starts today," said Joe Johnson. "It’s very important we rattle (Rob) Johnson early and take out the running game."’

‘The majority of fans and media in western New York think not. There isn’t much hope for success today, or in 2001, the negative nabobs insisting that the Bills have undergone too radical a change, are too young and are simply not talented enough to contend for a playoff berth. Not surprisingly, the attitude is much different within the confines of One Bills Drive as players, coaches and front office officials deny the team is about to embark on the mother of all rebuilding years.’

‘What pops into your head when someone mentions Buffalo? ”The cold weather. I don’t know what it would be like. Everybody I talk to back home, it’s ‘How’s the weather? Is it cold up there? Is there snow on the ground yet?”

‘"When Travis gets the ball, you get the feeling he knows where he’s going. He understands the importance of not rushing things and letting the play unfold. Thurman was like that. Real patient with the ball, real intelligent — then boom he sees his opening and takes advantage of it. And Travis can’t be a treat to tackle because he is nothing but shoulder pads and knees coming through that hole. Like a bowling ball ready to make contact with pins."’

‘But because the NFL is so parity-driven, there is still a glimmer of hope that the Bills can be competitive this year.’