December 31, 2004

Maddox, Scott back in Steelers' lineup _ but possibly not for long

Tommy Maddox and Chad Scott figured to be among the Pittsburgh Steelers' most important players this season.

Steelers Promote St. Pierre to Active Roster, Release Veteran Receiver

The Steelers have made two roster moves as they head into their regular-season finale this Sunday at the Buffalo Bills.

Where are they now?-Tim Tindale

Tim Tindale wants to apologize to anybody who tried to cross the Peace Bridge when he was there in the mid-1990s.

Bills would rather not be in the company of '73 team

The only other nine-win team to go home for the playoffs was the 1973 Bills, who went 9-5.

“Moment of Truth” Game for Bills

The foolin’ around with games versus the league’s dregs is over. This Steelers game will be a “day of reckoning” of sorts for these Bills.

Moulds encourages Colts to help Bills by beating Broncos

"But I was trying to tell him to ask (coach) Tony Dungy to let them play at least a half and let Peyton try to add to his touchdown record. Marvin said he would mention it to coach Dungy. Hopefully those guys will go out to Denver and play well."

Lindell flying under radar

Somewhere along the line, a place-kicker usually has a chance to decide the outcome of a game. Rian Lindell is still waiting for his.

It's a Buffalo stampede

Roethlisberger's jersey is top seller

Scott replaces Townsend at left cornerback

Notebook: Steelers injury list unchanged

Steelers to face tough offseason choices

Steelers Notebook: Farrior fined for facemask penalty

Steelers' Scott returns for start vs. Buffalo Bills

Scott makes his return to the starting lineup Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y., against a Buffalo Bills team that has scored 228 points in its previous six outings, in a game that has absolutely no bearing on the Steelers' playoff seeding.

From the ashes

With a win Sunday, and some help, the Bills could make history.

Big Ben right on time

Big Ben won't toll for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, good news for the Buffalo Bills but bad news for football fans in general.

December 30, 2004

Bills' OG Villarrial questionable with rib injury

Bills' guard Chris Villarrial missed his second straight practice Thursday because of a rib injury, but expects to play in Sunday's season finale against Pittsburgh.

Donahoe's Stamp Evident on Bills' Rise

Flip through the Buffalo Bills' media guide and you'll have difficulty finding much information on team president Tom Donahoe.

Do You Bill-ieve?

Excitement surrounding the Buffalo Bills is building with playoff hopes hinging on a couple of big games this weekend.

Bills fans are excited again, snapping up team merchandise

Fans of the Buffalo Bills are daring to hope their team will make it to the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season.

Steelers Try to Avoid Late-Season Letdown

The Pittsburgh Steelers insist they'll play Sunday's game at Buffalo as if it is any other during their unexpectedly good season.

'Billieve' shirts make debut, other merchandise flying off shelves

The Buffalo Bills are asking their fans to show that they believe in the team's playoff chances by wearing the word on their chest.

BillsZone’s Postgame Report Card: Bills vs. 49ers

Quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe had a solid game against a terrible 49ers defense. Actually, it was one of his best since the Bills played at Miami a few weeks ago. He did a great job executing the no-huddle and the short passing game. Bledsoe was 21/32 for 172 yards and threw 1 touchdown. He took command and moved the offense down the field for points in 5 out of 7 drives, with 3 of them for touchdowns, and never turned the ball over. Shane Matthews had a good game himself in relief. He drove the offense down the field 52 yards for 2:40, completing it with a beautiful 33-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans. Matthews was 2/3 for 44 yards and 1 touchdown for a whopping 149.3 QB rating. JP Losman came in to finish the game in the 4th quarter and just handed the ball off to run out the clock. Grade: A

Running Backs: Willis McGahee had a stellar comeback after being day-to-day and then questionable on the injury report with a hyper extended knee earlier in the week. Everyone thought that he wasn’t going to play much, if at all. He ran all over the defense and showed no ill effects from the injury. McGahee had 15 carries for 102 yards and ran for 2 touchdowns, but he did lose a fumble. He also caught 1 pass for 14 yards. Shaud Williams came in to give him rest and did a nice job filling in. Williams had 15 carries for 93 yards, including a sweet 27-yard touchdown run. Daimon Shelton had another day with solid blocking. He also caught 1 pass for 4 yards. Overall, it was a great day for the Bills backs. Let’s hope they can keep this up next week against a very tough Steelers defense. Grade: A

Wide Receivers: Lee Evans continues to wow the fans. He caught 2 more touchdowns, which moved his total to 9 (Bills rookie record) for the season. Evans caught 8 passes for 92 yards and 2 TDs. He also had a nice 21-yard run on a reverse. Eric Moulds had another good day, catching everything that Bledsoe threw his way. He finished the day with 8 receptions for 81 yards. Josh Reed had 2 receptions for 11 yards. Jonathan Smith had 1 nice catch for 11 yards. Overall, it was another good day for the Evans/Moulds duo as they both caught every single pass that was thrown their way. I hope to see this for many years to come. Grade: A+

Tight Ends: Both were used mainly for their blocking. Ryan Neufeld did a great job making some holes for McGahee. Rod Trafford had some good blocking, plus he caught a 5-yard pass to convert a third down. Grade: B

Offensive Line: This line deserves a lot of credit. Bledsoe had tons of time to throw and there were some big holes for the backs to run through too. They also did a nice job keeping up with the no-huddle offense as the 49ers defense wore down. The line allowed only 1 sack according to the stats. However they did get away with a sack and fumble that wasn’t counted and was ruled an incomplete pass. Grade: A

Defensive Line: Aaron Schobel had a nice game. He was pressuring the 49ers quarterbacks all day. Dorsey and Pickett looked lost out there. Schobel also recovered a fumble and helped force an interception from his pressure. Chris Kelsay didn’t do much and lost time to Ryan Denney who finished the game with 5 total tackles. Sam Adams also put some pressure on the quarterbacks and had a sack. He did struggle with the run a bit. Pat Williams only had 1 tackle and also allowed Kevan Barlow to run over him quite a bit as he missed some tackles. Overall, the pressure outweighed the run defense and that helped the Bills defense shut down the 49ers. Grade: B+

Linebackers: Takeo Spikes was his usual self. He was all over the field and in the backfield pressuring the quarterback. Spikes had 7 tackles, and 1 sack, and almost got an interception, but he couldn’t get his hand onto it. London Fletcher had a good day too. He also had 7 tackles and made some big plays to help hold San Francisco to under 100-yards rushing. Jeff Posey missed a tackle that would have stopped a run for only a 1-yard gain. He also had a roughing the passer penalty as he hit the quarterback and knocked him down well after the ball was thrown away. Posey finished the day with 4 total tackles. With how dominating this game was, the Bills even had a chance to check out some of their backups. Josh Stamer did the best by tipping a pass and intercepting it. He also had 2 tackles. Mario Haggan and Angelo Crowell both saw some action too. Grade: A-

Secondary: Nate Clements had another solid game with good coverage. He also added another interception to his resume, when he deflected a pass and caught it. Terrence McGee was good and had 7 total tackles, but he was burned on a 4th down and 17. Kevin Thomas had a great play towards the end of the 2nd quarter and it was probably the turning point of the game. He came in on a blitz and Dorsey never saw him coming as he sacked him and forced a fumble, which the Bills recovered. Lawyer Milloy was rather quiet in the game, but still managed to get an interception. Troy Vincent was also very quiet and has only 1 tackle. Apparently, these guys weren’t needed because Buffalo shut San Francisco down to only 109 total passing yards and 2 interceptions from the defensive backs. It was a pretty good day by the secondary and hopefully they can do the same thing to a potent Steelers offense next week. Grade: A

Special Teams: The unit that is called Special Teams, continues to the be special for the Bills. They may have not had any points or any huge plays, but they definitely helped the Bills in the win. The coverage team was great again, as they held Maurice Hicks to 7 kick returns for an average of 13 yards and 3 of them within the 20-yard line. The kick return team was also solid as they helped Jonathan Smith get a 28-yard return on one kick return and helped Terrence McGee get a 36-yard return with some key blocks. The punt-return team was even better. Nate Clements had 4 returns for an average of 15.2 yards, including a 21 and a 28-yarder. Brian Moorman had only one punt for 36-yards, but it was a nice one that went out of bounds at the 8-yard line. He also tried to convert a 4th down and 3 with a fake punt. Moorman found Pierson Prioleau, but Prioleau dropped it. Either way, it wouldn’t have counted as Ryan Denney drew an ineligible downfield kick penalty. Rian Lindell was perfect on field goals, hitting 2 out of 2 (31, 23) and hitting all 5 of 5 extra points. Lindell also did a nice job with the kickoffs, putting 4 out of 8 within the 10-yard line. Overall, it was another good day by this unit. The Bills offense benefited by getting the ball back around the 45-yard line each time. Let’s hope they can continue to do this next week and maybe McGee will end the season with one last return for a touchdown. Grade: B+

Coaching: Mike Mularkey continued to keep this team focused each week, no matter how many times they can easily get distracted. They have always played their hearts out every week. As for this week, even when the Bills were not doing anything in the first quarter, the Bills would make a couple big plays in the second quarter. Jerry Gray had a great game plan against the 49ers offense and showed absolutely no mercy against the young quarterbacks as they continued to blitz all the way through. They also forced 4 more turnovers, which proves how dominant this defense is compared to last year. The offense also did a great job. Tom Clements kept using the run and the short passing game and it worked tremendously. Using the no-huddle was a brilliant move by Clements. It worked out perfectly as they wore down the defense and then could run all over the place. It may have come against the worst team in the league, but it was a good win. Overall, the wins this year may have come against a bunch of bad teams, but the Bills have continued to prove how superior they are by dominating each opponent. Hopefully they can do the same thing against the Steelers next week. I’m sure Coach Mularkey will savor that win for a little bit, especially if it gets them into the playoffs. Grade: A

Clayton: First and Ten

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills: Steelers coach Bill Cowher and Bills general manager Tom Donahoe didn't part on great terms when Donahoe was let go by the Steelers years ago. Donahoe naturally was bitter. He's a Pittsburgh guy who had to go to Buffalo to work and now he has the Bills on the verge of making the playoffs.

Fact or Fiction- Bills making the playoffs?

Merril Hoge Fact: The Bills are the hottest team in football. The defense is playing as well as any team in football and is extremely tough to score on. Offensively, the Bills are doing a great job mixing it up. They are keeping teams off balance with a strong running game that opens things up for quarterback Drew Bledsoe. This team is going to be difficult to get past in the playoffs.

'Throwaway' games could slow momentum

In the final game of the 1999 season, already sporting a 13-2 record and locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff bracket, the Indianapolis Colts traveled to Buffalo, and got walloped, 31-6, by a Bills team that had claimed a wild-card berth.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The Bills felt they had landed a great prospect at wide receiver with the selection of Lee Evans 13th overall in last April's draft. But the dynamic Wisconsin product has come on faster than even they expected.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Steelers coach Bill Cowher said Wednesday he holds no grudges against Tom Donahoe, Pittsburgh's former director of football operations who took over the Bills in 2001 after losing a celebrated power struggle with Cowher.

Bills report: Inside slant

With a six-game winning streak during which they've scored 228 points - more than even the Jim Kelly-led Super Bowl teams ever produced - the Buffalo Bills have become the team nobody wants to face in the NFL playoffs.

Playing at Indy likely in playoffs

If the Buffalo Bills make the playoffs, they very likely will go to Indianapolis for the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Reunion an afterthought for Mularkey

Mike Mularkey grins when he recalls skimming the newly released NFL schedule last spring to see when Buffalo played Pittsburgh.

Cowher would love to pop Bills' balloon

Steelers head coach Bill Cowher laughed, albeit nervously, when I asked if he would take any personal pleasure from knocking a Tom Donahoe team out of the NFL playoffs this Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Steelers draw huge TV ratings in Pittsburgh

Ratings for the Ravens-Steelers game Sunday were higher in the Pittsburgh area than any TV program in any other market, according to Nielsen Media Research and the NFL.

More to Steelers than magical arm of rookie QB

Nobody would argue that Roethlisberger's emergence and the Steelers' success this season are mutually exclusive, but it would be a gross misrepresentation to suggest Roethlisberger is the only factor in the Steelers' turnaround.

Bledsoe's field generalship jells in a hurry

The Buffalo Bills came out in the no-huddle offense Sunday in San Francisco and held the ball on their first five drives for 12, nine, 10, nine and seven plays.

Bills steel for one huge game

For the Bills to be still in a position to make the NFL playoffs on the final day of the regular season, dozens upon dozens of factors had to fall perfectly for them over the past two months.

Steelers will play to win

It’s the only way Bill Cowher knows how to coach football. He’s done it that way when the Steelers have had good records at the end of a season, and he’s done it the same way when the Steelers have had bad records at the end of a season.

Cowher names Maddox as the starter Sunday

It's official: Maddox to start

Nothing personal between Steelers and Bills

Tom Donahoe does not have a say in who wins NFL coach of the year, but if he had a vote, it would go to Bill Cowher.

Bills' playoff chances no longer slim

On Dec. 16 in this space, I offered a blueprint for the Buffalo Bills to make this season's NFL playoffs.

Gray's defense near top

A year ago, head coach Gregg Williams, top assistant Dick LeBeau and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray each had a hand in the Buffalo Bills' second-place ranking in total defense in the NFL.

Steelers head into Buffalo intent on winning

In theory, the game means absolutely nothing to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that doesn't mean coach Bill Cowher is going to flood the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium with reserves Sunday afternoon.

December 29, 2004

Receiver says right eye not troublesome

Peerless Price insists the vision in his right eye is fine, even though an ophthalmologist diagnosed him with a retinal disorder last summer.

Season On The Line Sunday

It’s a big week for the Buffalo Bills as they’re preparing to play their biggest game in years.

Tommy's Turn: Maddox To Start Sunday

Backup quarterback Tommy Maddox will make his first start since September when the Steelers play the Bills on Sunday in Buffalo.

Mularkey facing former team with playoffs on the line

Mike Mularkey grins when he recalls skimming the newly released NFL schedule last spring to see when Buffalo played Pittsburgh.

Conference call-Head coach Mike Mularkey

Can you tell us about your winning streak

We have really executed well in all three phases. That has been the difference, to me.

Steelers list Roethlisberger as 50/50 with bruised ribs; Bettis is doubtful

Ben Roethlisberger's ribs are only bruised and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher listed the rookie quarterback as questionable for Sunday's meaningless regular-season finale at Buffalo.

Offense keeps Bills in high gear

The Bills have evolved into what President and General Manager Tom Donahoe envisioned four years ago, a philosophy he maintained when he hired coach Mike Mularkey.

Teams Earn the Right to Rest Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers come to Ralph Wilson Stadium this weekend to take on the Buffalo Bills, perhaps the hottest team in football. Pittsburgh is 14-1 and has home field advantage secured. They can't improve their position so why not rest your starters?

Roethlisberger won't play Sunday

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has nothing more serious than bruised ribs that he may even test today by throwing a football, but he will be held out of the team's regular-season finale Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Offense rages, but soaring Bills riding Gray's ball-hawks

You watch the Buffalo Bills hammer San Francisco, and you wonder what happened to make these guys a playoff threat. Then the light goes on: They have something they didn't have a year ago, and I'm not talking about a healthy Willis McGahee

Baker gives Bills a boost

Undrafted rookie safety Rashad Baker came off the bench Sunday as the Bills rolled to a 41-7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers - Buffalo's sixth straight win and eighth in the last nine games.

Cowher not interested in getting Bettis to 1,000 yards

Steelers coach Bill Cowher said he wouldn't be tempted to put injured running back Jerome Bettis in the game Sunday, just to help him reach 1,000 yards.

Van Pelt contacts Wannstedt about possible job

Former Pitt quarterback Alex Van Pelt has enjoyed working as a color analyst on Buffalo Bills radio broadcasts, but he has a coaching itch he said needs scratching.

December 28, 2004

One Fan's View: Stayin Alive and strutting my stuff

The Buffalo Bills fan ride continues to be an exciting one. Again, I went into this game thinking, now is the time for the let down game, but this team is still riding high. Everything except the Broncos game worked out our way. I can’t believe that the Jags lost. How ridiculous is that? No, seriously, how ridiculous is that? I’m sure some of you read my “God is wearing a Bills Jersey” comment from last week and shrugged it off. But when the Texans traveled to Jacksonville and beat the Jags in a shutout. I don’t know how many more signs you need to be convinced. However I will try to spell it out for you.

I would have liked to see the Bills score a touchdown on defense or on special teams. You can’t win games solely depending upon your offense. I’m kidding. I’ve been harping about how the Bills offense has been bailed out by the defense and the special teams in this incredible run. I just wanted to see if I could irritate you by being hypocritical. This week, it was like playing a friend who hadn’t played that year’s version of Madden. “Sure, just push B. That does everything.” Meanwhile, you are using your set audibles and kicking onside kicks until your friend turns off the game and no one says anything for a few minutes.

The Bills offense really came to play. Pretty much anyone could have run for 5 yards against this team. I have to say as a 5’8” guy, it was pretty awesome to see Shaud do so well. I’m always very excited about the little guy showing it to the bigger guys.

On the passing side, I don’t think there was a play where there wasn’t a receiver open. When Josh Reed is catching multiple balls, things are going very well.

I only hope that all the teams that the Buffalo Bills play from here on out look as bad as the 49ers did on Sunday.

Kevin’s DVD Extras:

• Before the game, the Bills checked with perennial back-up Regis Philbin to see if he was available as a RB. Unfortunately he was doing the New Years Eve party. Subsequently, he would have averaged for 5 yards a carry had he played.
• Do you realize that Bledsoe is averaging like 5 yards a carry in the last 3 weeks on his run attempts? Quantum physics has made more sense to me than Bledsoe being mobile.
• Why did they put Matthews in? Was that part of his contract? Did he have to play like 5 minutes during the season? That seems like it would have been a good time to let J.P. air it out a little. Instead he was just handing the ball off when he got in. I don’t understand how that helps his development.
• I saw “Meet the Fockers” on Christmas Eve. Funny Stuff. I watched the 49ers play defense Post Christmas day. Funnier stuff.
• With the Moorman Pro Bowl snub rubbing me the wrong way, I had so much emotionally invested to see him complete that pass. He should be 2-2 for pass attempts. You hate to see a good man held down. However, I know by the time this is published, this stat will have been talked about ad naseum, but Moorman had a better QB rating than the two 49er QB’s.
• I’m proud to let you know that my dad received a Bills Jersey from me for Christmas. If you see the “Angioman” at the stadium, wave hello. So he joins the good ranks of myself and God to be proud Bills jersey owners. Not bad company if I don’t say so myself.
• Ref Report – non factor. When a team can beat itself as well as the 49ers, refs are never going to be a factor. It was nice to see a Bills game finish before other games with the same start time.
• Sports reporters are as useless as are regular reporters. You know how a lot of reporters are saying, “You know maybe we didn’t cover the beginning of the Iraq war well enough to give people the information they need.” A lot of people attributed it to reporters just being lazy. I think the same is true, perhaps more so, to sports journalists. Prime example, the Pats lay an egg in Miami, and everyone comes out of their foggy haze from sucking up to the Pats to realize, “this team has just been lucky as can be.” All week, every reporter was saying, “Perhaps we are too high on this team. They have a ton of injuries.” Why did it take this long? True, they beat the Jets. But who are the Jets? They won, 1 of 5 games that were “big” games. If you could reduce all the hype to simplest terms, it wasn’t any bigger than the Browns vs. Miami. In short, I’m just really excited that Charlie Weiss is out of the NFL and pretty boy Brady will be exposed as the hack he truly is.
• If the Jets lose to the Rams, a team that needs that win to make the playoffs and a coach that wants to hold onto his job that will feel so sweet. I’m sure I speak for all Bills fans located in NYC that going into the Office in the New Year will be so sweet if the Jets are knocked out. In fact, I am thinking about bringing my Bills Starter jacket and a boombox to the city after the Pittsburgh game. I will play “Stayin’ Alive” and strut everywhere I have to go. Hopefully, other New York Bills fans, will form the obligatory Michael Jackson Dance Triangle behind me as we overtake the streets. I’m sorry, I’m salivating just thinking about this. God, please let this be.
• I hope Indy plays Denver tough. Denver is just so bad. They are the least deserving of AFC teams that could be in the playoffs.
• Apparently, there are no shortage of combinations that the Dolphins have on ugly uniforms. That all teal situation made me sick.
• Do you think Ralph Wilson is still bored by the Bills? - They had the short 5 minute Reggie White segment prepared so quickly on Sunday, it just makes you wonder if they have these segments ready to go for every player.
• I wonder what Antonie Winfield would have said at 3-6. Do you think he would have said, “It’s over. We are out of the playoffs.”
• Eating Crow. If you look at my week 2 article, I said in the opening sentence, “The bills season is over.” I am Antoine Winfield. - However, to clear my good name, I did proclaim during the futile moments this year that we would get our day of reckoning where we would score almost at will. You win some, you lose some. And if you really are checking up on old articles, you’ll keep quiet the fact that I said that I don’t see it coming any time soon.
• So this may be one of the last articles written for the season. How do I feel about it? Well, I’m not going to focus on things I can’t control. I am just going to write the best damn articles I can and hope the other pieces fall into place.

Former Bills #1 overall pick Tom Cousineau stayed close to home

When he came out of Ohio State, Buffalo used the No. 1 overall pick in the 1979 draft to take him. It seemed like a good fit. The Bills were struggling and needed an infusion of talent. And playing in Buffalo, just three hours up I-90 from Cleveland, meant Cousineau would be close to home.

“I was incredibly flattered to have been drafted by the Bills and I looked forward to playing with them,” the now 47-year-old Cousineau said. “Chuck Knox, the coach there at that time, was a great coach. He was what they call a players’ coach. I just looked upon it as a great opportunity.”

But that feeling lasted for only a few fleeting hours – if that.

Ben Questionable, Bettis Doubtful For Buffalo

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is questionable for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills, meaning there is a 50 percent chance he will play.

AFC East Report: Week 16

The Bills extend their winning streak to six games this past week by annihilating the 49ers. The score was a thorough 41-7 thrashing of what is a young and up-and-coming 49er team two years away from competitiveness.

Steelers-Bills game offers compelling story lines

Of all the games on tap for the final Sunday of the NFL’s regular season, perhaps none is more significant than the Pittsburgh Steelers’ visit to the Buffalo Bills

Roethlisberger questionable for Sunday's regular-season finale

Ben Roethlisberger's ribs are only bruised and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher listed the rookie quarterback as questionable for Sunday's regular-season finale at Buffalo.

Rookie WR Evans helping to ignite surging Bills

Now that he's playing a big role in the Buffalo Bills' resurgence, rookie receiver Lee Evans has an easier time forgetting his tough start.

Bills, rooted in Pittsburgh, face Steelers in playoff bid

Perhaps the Buffalo Bills should wear their charging buffalo logo on just one side of their helmets this week.

Bills Peaking at the Right Time

Twelve short weeks ago first-year Head Coach Mike Mularkey was answering questions about the lack of scoring, winning on the road, and overcoming mistakes at critical times.

Steelers promise they won't coast at Buffalo in the finale

Now, despite two more injuries — quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's sore ribs and cornerback Deshea Townsend's broken hand — the Steelers promise there will be no letting up Sunday at Buffalo (9-6), even though they have little to gain by winning.

Ben Questionable, Bettis Doubtful For Buffalo

Steelers coach Bill Cowher held his weekly press conference Tuesday at the team's practice facility on the South Side.

McGahee shows heart in San Fran

Any doubts as to whether Willis McGahee is a competitor had to be erased by his performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Bills need help from disinterested parties

The Buffalo Bills know what they have to do to have a shot at getting to the postseason — beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Steelers-Bills game offers compelling story lines

Of all the games on tap for the final Sunday of the NFL’s regular season, perhaps none is more significant than the Pittsburgh Steelers’ visit to the Buffalo Bills.

Implausible stretch creates excitement

The bandwagon is overflowing, taking on passengers at a dizzying rate. That's me hanging on at the rear, still properly skeptical but grateful for an exhilarating ride.

Steelers won't let up versus Bills

Now, despite two more injuries - quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's sore ribs and cornerback Deshea Townsend's broken hand - the Steelers promise there will be no letting up Sunday at Buffalo (9-6), even though they have little to gain by winning.

Bills show resolve of steel

The Buffalo Bills know what's needed to complete the fairy tale.

Steelers use injuries as motivation to win, not excuse for losing

The Pittsburgh Steelers had plenty of excuses for losing this season: Kendall Simmons' knee and Kendrell Bell's oft-injured groin. Chad Scott's knee and Plaxico Burress' thigh. Tommy Maddox's elbow and Casey Hampton's knee. So much for excuses. So much for losing.

Forever focused

The Steelers haven't had time to take a breath and think about what they have accomplished. And Pro Bowl center Jeff Hartings said they wouldn't take the time.

Steelers hope 'road' paved in black, gold

The Steelers have traveled this road before, the road that went through Pittsburgh and carried some other team to the Super Bowl.

Roethlisberger's record run will come to end vs. Bills

It appears rookie Ben Roethlisberger will retire from the regular season as the quarterback with the best record for a season in NFL history.

Mularkey Comeback Coach Of The Year

How can you explain the Bills turnaround? Left for dead, the Bills have reeled off six straight wins, and aren’t only in playoff contention, they have a great chance to get into the post-season for the first time since 1999.

Buffalo crowd wild card-hope fans can provide boost

A throng of about 74,000 fans at Ralph Wilson Stadium, who should be screaming when they're not eating their beef-on-weck sandwiches, could be enough to power the playoff-hungry Buffalo Bills over the powerful Steelers on Sunday.

Bills need help from disinterested parties

The Buffalo Bills know what they have to do to have a shot at getting to the postseason — beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Bills report card

Buffalo averaged 6.0 yards per play, piling up 441 yards on 73 plays.Willis McGahee ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, while Shaud Williams picked up 93 yards and a TD on 17 carries.

McGahee shows heart in San Fran

Any doubts as to whether Willis McGahee is a competitor had to be erased by his performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Bills, rooted in Pittsburgh, face Steelers in playoff bid

Perhaps the Buffalo Bills should wear their charging buffalo logo on just one side of their helmets this week. It would be a fitting homage to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stability & Winning. Which Comes First?

Winning. Stability. They belong together.

Just under radar, three coaches have excelled

Mike Mularkey, Buffalo: You don't want to start your career as an NFL head coach by losing your first four games, but San Diego's Bobby Ross did it in 1992 and wound up in the playoffs. And if it can work for Ross, why not Mike Mularkey

How can the Bills beat the Steelers?

Leo: The better question is how can they not win?

A Bills offensive weapon returns

It was on a gorgeously sunny San Francisco day 12 years ago that the Buffalo Bills and hometown 49ers put on an offensive show for the ages.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

PASSING OFFENSE A -- It was Drew Bledsoe's best game since a victory a month ago at Miami as he confidently ran the no-huddle attack, taking a seat late in the third quarter after building a 27-0 lead.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Anyway you slice it, the Bills are on fire. During their six-game win streak, they've outscored their opponents 228-89, which works out to an average score of 38-15, for an average victory margin of 23 points.

Bills report: Inside slant

Buffalo's surge to a possible playoff berth has rekindled memories of Buffalo's Super Bowl seasons, and it's not just the victories, nine and counting.

December 27, 2004

Bills One Step Closer, Win 41-7

Game Center | Play by Play | Drive Charts | Team Stats | Photos

Streaking Bills Not Focusing on Playoffs

Coach Mike Mularkey knows the word, and has heard it raised around town during the Buffalo Bills' solid stretch run.

Bills vs. Steelers Sold Out

The Bills-Steelers game this Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is sold out and will be televised locally.

Marv Levy Interview

Marv Levy known for his 12 years as head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 1986-1997 is one of the most legendary coaches of our time. Four years later he came in during the middle of the 1986 NFL Season and took over the Buffalo Bills for the next 12 years. He ended up leading the Buffalo Bills to four straight Super Bowls, which were 25-28. In 2001 he was inducted into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame. A man with a degree from Harvard University and once more with his book Where Else Would You Rather Be that is the biography of his coaching life.

Buffalo's playoff dream seems quite possible

Six weeks ago, playing a meaningful game in January seemed like an impossibly cruel fantasy for the Buffalo Bills and their followers, a delusional hope that would require a complete reversal of form by the blue, white and red.

Buffalo keeps up push for playoffs

Coach Mike Mularkey shut off every television in the locker room Sunday morning, ordering his Buffalo Bills to focus on the only game with playoff implications they could control.

Bills on cusp of postseason

After starting the season with four consecutive losses, the Buffalo Bills have gone 9-2 over the last 11 weeks and have become the trendy team that no one wants to play in the postseason.

AFC East Recap: Week 16

New England showed why it is still the team to beat, preventing the Jets from clinching a playoff berth. Buffalo won its sixth straight game and now has a very realistic shot at making the postseason for the first time since 1999. Miami hired a new head coach and also won two consecutive games for the first time this season.

NFL Playoff Picture - What's the Scenario?

Buffalo (9-6, vs. Pittsburgh) - Would claim No. 6 seed in AFC playoffs with win over Steelers and Broncos loss to Colts, and could earn No. 5 seed with win over Steelers, Broncos loss to Colts, and Jets loss to Rams; would travel to face Colts or Chargers in AFC First Round.

An interesting week ahead for the Bills

This is going to be a fun week. If the Buffalo Bills, arguably the National Football League’s hottest team, don’t make the playoffs, this will be one of the franchise’s most unrequited seasons in its 45-year history.

Bills tune out TV, focus on blow out of San Francisco

Coach Mike Mularkey shut off every television in the locker room Sunday morning, ordering his Buffalo Bills to focus on the only game with playoff implications they could control.

No. 1, here they come

The final was Buffalo 41, San Francisco 7, but it actually was much worse than that. The Bills were running gadget plays by early in the third quarter and liberally sending in reserves shortly thereafter.

Bills Pound Helpless Niners into Oblivion

Now I’m no master lip reader, but did Referee Mike Carey, instead of asking the Niners which end of the field they wanted to defend at the beginning of the second half, tell Dennis Erickson that they were “on the clock.” This game pretty much went as scripted.

Grading the Bills

Passing game
A: In a word: sharp. Drew was superb and ran no-huddle well. Moulds and Evans were too good for Niners corners.

Having a ball

It's hard to believe, but they will make the playoffs if they beat Pittsburgh next week and either Denver or the Jets lose.

Bills turn 49ers into Buffalo believers

"This is probably the best football team coming in that we've played," Erickson said.

Defense comes close to blanking Niners

The Buffalo Bills' defense has accomplished many things this season, except recording a shutout.

Lethal receptions

Focus too much on Eric Moulds and Lee Evans will burn you. Take Evans away and Moulds will take you out.

No question: McGahee was ready to play

"You would have had to tie him down," right tackle Mike Williams said after the Bills' 41-7 win over the Niners.

California gold rush

The first thing Buffalo Bills coach Mike Mularkey did when he showed up at Monster Park on Sunday afternoon was turn off every television set in the locker room.

San Jose Mercury News Coverage (Subscription)

Hospitable hosts
Still the pain keeps falling
49ers rewind
Never say never: It's 49ers' worst ever
Woods fares worse in tale of two receivers
Little sympathy for this sorry outfit
Username- Billszone2004@aol.com
Passwod -billszone1

Contra Costa Times Coverage- (subscription)

Lloyd's injury paves way for rookie receiver
49ers finally win for losing
Looking forward to more of same
Cold, hard facts -- 49ers leave little to appreciate
Username- Billszone2004@aol.com
Passwod -billszone1

Bills still in playoff picture

THERE HASN'T been a playoff game at Ralph Wilson Stadium since 1996. Circle the wagons though, because this coming Sunday in Orchard Park the Buffalo Bills will play in the next best thing.

The Bills Take The Playoff Race To The Very End

The Bills were going on a business trip according to Mike Mularkey and they did nothing but take care of business blasting the Niners in San Francisco 41-7.

Week 16 Judgements: Bills won't fold in finale

I don't know if the Buffalo Bills make the AFC playoffs, but I know they should. And they're in the right place at the right time to get there.

BILLS 41, 49ERS 7 49er Game grades

49ERS NOTEBOOK -One player's pumped up in 34-point loss

Niners routed again, earn top draft choice

Bills have gone other way since matching 49ers at 1-5

Once in a three-way tie for futility in the NFL, the Bills are dusting their former 0-4 counterparts. When winless Buffalo and winless Miami faced off during Week 6, it was dubbed the "loser bowl." When Buffalo and San Francisco sported the same 1-5 records going into Halloween games, they were the jokes of the league.

Door still open for the Bills

There aren't many walkover games in the parity-strewn National Football League, but Sunday's blowout by the bay was certainly one for the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo needs help in final week

Red-hot Buffalo moved a little closer to a playoff berth with its sixth consecutive victory Sunday, but the Bills still need some help on the final week of the NFL's regular season.

Bills: Report card

Quarterback: Drew Bledsoe had his best game since the Miami win, confidently leading five scoring drives, building a 27-0 lead, then taking a seat late in the third quarter.

Bills: Two-minute read

Play of the game
Running back Shaud Williams' 22-yard run to open the second quarter.

December 26, 2004

Team Wins In Dominating Fashion

Drew Bledsoe had a great game, commanding the field well and beating the blitzes early that made the 49ers back off. In fact, he played so well he was able to leave the game late in the third quarter, giving way to Shane Matthews.

Bills Win Big Again 41-7 -Playoffs A Real Possibility

Just when you thought the Bills couldn't get more dominating, they do. They continue their improbable run to a possible playoff berth with their 6th win in a row.

McGahee and Bills embarrass 49ers

Willis McGahee's hyperextended right knee could not slow down the Buffalo Bills.

Bills Rout San Francisco

The Buffalo Bills made it six straight wins while staying alive in the A-F-C playoff picture with a 41-7 rout of the San Francisco 49ers. The Bills scored 30 or more points for the sixth straight time

Williams Has Big Day; Injury Report

Heading into Sunday’s game with the Buffalo Bills, Jimmy Williams never had more than eight tackles – in a season. Well, that record is now history as Williams recorded a career-high 12 tackles against the Bills.

NFL Game Summary - Buffalo at San Francisco

Willis McGahee ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns as the Buffalo Bills kept their playoff hopes alive with a 41-7 romp over the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park.

Pickett Makes Debut Against Bills

Cody Pickett made his NFL debut Sunday afternoon against the Buffalo Bills, replacing an injured Ken Dorsey.

McGahee, Bills storm by 49ers 41-7

Willis McGahee's knee felt pretty good after all -- and after flattening the pathetic 49ers, the Buffalo Bills were feeling great about their playoff chances.

Bills looking for playoff berth; SF simply looking for motivation

It's been a miserable season for the 49ers, but as one of their fellow NFL dregs demonstrated last week, it can still be a happy holiday season.

Buffalo vs. San Francisco

The Buffalo Bills may encounter some problems when it comes to making the playoffs, but they have had little trouble when it comes to playing teams from the NFC West.

Bills still have playoffs in sight against lowly 49ers

When Mike Mularkey was a rookie in training camp with the San Francisco 49ers in 1983, he remembers being in constant awe of Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Dwight Clark and the rest of the defending Super Bowl champions.

Spiritual rebirth helps Bills' April weather storm

This has been a dream season for Bobby April, the Bills' special teams coach.

McGahee, not Brees, is league's best comeback story

Willis McGahee deserves to be the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.

Once Bledsoe gets rocking, Bills figure to roll

When the Bills run: RB Willis McGahee's availability is uncertain because of his knee injury and even if he doesn't play, Bills can't abandon running game.

Raising the baton

When Jerry Gray joined the Buffalo Bills coaching staff four years ago, there was the perception that he was the defensive coordinator in name only.

Bills scare up a sense of urgency

The Buffalo Bills say it's still there, even after five straight victories.

San Francisco 49ers tight fisted

League salary figures for the 2004 season obtained by The Chronicle show that San Francisco spent less than any other team on players -- a total of $63.6 million to cover salaries and bonuses. That's $19 million under the league average and $3 million less than the next-lowest team payroll.

Bills (8-6) vs. 49ers (2-12)

With the 49ers heading to New England for the season finale, this game could be the last opportunity to record a win, which could help coach Dennis Erickson and his staff retain their jobs.

Ex-Alabama player has chance to shine for Bills

Former Alabama running back Shaud Williams watched all seven rounds of the NFL Draft, never hearing his name.

Q&A: Shaud Williams

Shaud Williams' career at the University of Alabama was prolific enough to warrant an invitation to the Indianapolis scouting combine last winter.

Bills take 49ers game seriously

Not that Mike Mularkey thought his Buffalo Bills needed a reminder about the danger of overlooking an opponent, but nonetheless, there it was on prime-time television Monday night.

December 25, 2004

Bills recover from their poor start, unlike the 49ers

Both the 49ers and Buffalo Bills started this season 0-4 before winning a game and that about sums up those teams' similarities.

No malarkey from Mularkey

Q: What were your feelings after the slow start? Did you think you had what it took to be where you are now? Mularkey: I did. I think we all did to be honest with you. There was never anybody showing signs of waver when we were down.

Adams plays big part in Bills' remarkable surge

That sideline confrontation, for which Adams has since apologized, put him and Gray on the same page and ignited old passions that have the 6-foot-4, 340-pounder playing the best football of his 12-year NFL career.

McGahee Back at Practice

Bills running back Willis McGahee practiced for the first time this week, and his status is unclear for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

After delay, injury ends Adams' season

Like so many other 49ers teammates, defensive tackle Anthony Adams will miss the remainder of the season because of an injury.

Mularkey is borrowing from Walsh's playbook

But first-year Buffalo Bills coach Mike Mularkey is using some tricks of the trade he picked up from Walsh 21 years ago in Rocklin.

Problems mount for once-proud 49ers

With the San Francisco 49ers home for the holidays, Dennis Erickson was asked if his team would be able to maintain a better focus. Well, Erickson didn't see that way.

Broncos need to put brakes on recent skid

The franchise with a growing reputation for late-season slumps is doing it again. The Broncos (8-6) have lost three of their past four, including two to teams with losing records, and they are tied with three other teams - including the Buffalo Bills - for the AFC's final wild-card spot.

December 24, 2004

McGahee status remains uncertain for Sunday

Bills running back Willis McGahee practiced for the first time this week, and his status is unclear for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

Pathetic 49ers will prove accomodating hosts

There is no way, absolutely none, that the Buffalo Bills should lose in San Francisco on Sunday.

49ers: Five Keys to the game

1. The 49ers must be at their defensive best. Under the direction of QB DREW BLEDSOE, Buffalo has scored 187 points during its 5-game winning streak.

Former coach's book a big hit in football-mad Buffalo

He hasn't coached a game in years and his team lost four straight Super Bowls.

Bills refuse to take a holiday from game preparation

There's no place like home for the holidays, but the Buffalo Bills will be a long way from home this weekend.

Bills choose terrible time to be petty

In case you haven't heard, it appeared the Buffalo Bills dropped off an early Christmas present Wednesday before opening the locker room to the media.

Bills embrace rush orders

The Bills are tied for fifth in the league with 39 sacks this season and are closing in on the franchise record of 50 set in 1964 during a 14-game AFL season.

Bills receiving gift TDs

If Elvis Presley were alive today and a fan of the NFL, is there any doubt that the Buffalo Bills would inspire him to re-record his hit single, "Return to Sender"?

December 23, 2004

Bills still have playoffs in sight against lowly 49ers

San Francisco has the NFL's worst record, and the Bills need a victory to keep their playoff hopes healthy - and clinch their first winning season since 1999.

49ers Ready For Sizzling Bills

The 49ers will face a highly ranked defense for the second consecutive week when they host the Bills this Sunday at Monster Park.

Bills' RB McGahee misses second straight practice

Bills running back Willis McGahee missed his second straight practice Thursday and is questionable for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

Niners Struggling, Bills need win

Ten years ago, this was what many believed to be a Super Bowl match-up.

Williams, Burns split work with first team

Shaud Williams and Joe Burns split the carries at running back with the starting unit in practice Wednesday for the Buffalo Bills.

Trio of Bills heading to Hawaii in February

Spikes was one of three Bills selected, along with defensive tackle Sam Adams and kickoff returner Terrence McGee. Spikes and Adams were picked as starters. Only one kick return specialist is named.

Buffalo (8-6) at San Francisco (2-12)

Special teams, defense and a consistent running attack have helped the Buffalo Bills win five straight games and move into the thick of the AFC wild-card race.

Bills can’t afford a Christmas letdown

Productivity at many jobs slips this time of year, thanks to plenty of holiday distractions.

Playing scared is the way to play

Buffalo defensive tackle Sam Adams says the Bills are playing scared right now and he believes that playing that way is a good thing.

Bledsoe's passing could boost Bills

The Buffalo Bills might need Drew Bledsoe to show off his big right arm Sunday in San Francisco and he probably won't mind a bit.

Bills backfield hits a fog

It is uncertain whether Willis McGahee will play Sunday afternoon in San Francisco, but Travis Henry, out since Nov. 28 with torn ligaments in his ankle, left no doubt about his availability for the game.

Three Bills are Pro Bowlers

When Terrence McGee joined the Buffalo Bills as the 111th overall choice in the 2003 NFL draft, the last thing on his mind was making the Pro Bowl by his second pro season.

Sam Adams Selected to 2005 NFL Pro Bowl

Sam Adams, All Pro Defensive Tackle for the Buffalo Bills and owner of the Everett Hawks of the NIFL, has been selected to represent the 2005 American Football Conference in the NFL Pro Bowl.

December 22, 2004

Williams Ready to Go

More changes are in store for the Buffalo Bills. Injuries continue to mount and it appears they'll go into Sunday’s game at San Francisco with their number three running back carrying the load.

3 Bills Earn Pro Bowl Birth

Takeo Spikes, Sam Adams and Terrence McGee have been selected for AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Hawaii February 12th.

McGahee, Henry miss Bills' practice

Starter Willis McGahee and backup Travis Henry missed practice Wednesday, leaving the Bills' battered offensive backfield uncertain for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

3 Bills named to Pro Bowl

Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes, defensive tackle Sam Adams and kick returner Terrence McGee were voted to the Pro Bowl today.

Bills Place Dorenbos on IR; Sign Brown

The Bills announced today that the team has signed RB Dante Brown to the 53-man roster.

Bills RB Henry rules himself out against 49ers

Bills running back Travis Henry said he won't play at San Francisco on Sunday, and might not return from an ankle injury unless Buffalo makes the playoffs.

Winning in one dimension

The Bills are 8-6 and might make the playoffs. That's incredible because after the Patriots crushed them 29-6 on November 14, they were 3-6 and alive like a cemetery.

As Bills win, TV ratings rise

The Buffalo Bills are among the hottest teams in the National Football League and interest is climbing as the playoff chase continues.

Party to benefit Wire's foundation

WGR Sports Radio 550 and Coca-Cola Buffalo are presenting the second annual Coy Wire Lazy Man's Christmas Party on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Flappy's Famous Edibles and Elixirs, 252 Delaware at Chippewa.

Tasker knows special group when he sees it

"Let's face it, they're playing better than that group that I played with," Tasker, now a CBS Sports analyst, said Tuesday. "They're having as good a year as anybody ever had in Buffalo on special teams."

Injuries may give Williams a head start

The Braves selected Shaud Williams in the 13th round of the 1999 baseball draft and considered him a steal. He would have been selected higher if not for the fear he would attend college and play football.

Bills vs. 49ers preview

The Bills look to continue their improbable playoff run with a trip to the West coast to take on the San Francisco 49ers.

December 21, 2004

49ers Flashback: September 13, 1992

Steve Young passed for over 400 yards in three games during his 13 seasons with San Francisco. Twice, the 49ers won. The one time they didn’t was against Buffalo, falling to the Bills, 34-31.

All Business for Bills Fullback Shelton

Bills fullback Daimon Shelton may not show up on the stat sheet on Sundays, and he's perfectly fine with that.

Bills & Blankets Bring Holiday Cheer

Members of the Buffalo Bills, including star Takeo Spikes took time out to attend a holiday party at Children's hospital.

Pats' Loss Gives Steelers Room to Breathe

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to play a meaningless game this season after all.

RB Brown agrees to sign with banged-up Bills

Running back Dante Brown agreed to sign with the Bills on Tuesday, bolstering a backfield that could be without Willis McGahee and Travis Henry against San Francisco this weekend.

Marv would rather be signing books

Former Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy will be in Western New York this week signing copies of his new book, "Where Else Would You Rather Be." Levy's schedule:

Bledsoe needs to win respect from defenses

Sunday in Cincinnati, the entire offense was out of synch. Bledsoe threw some passes that could have been disasters.

McGahee injury does not appear serious

"Knee injury, and we'll just leave it at that," Mularkey said with a smile. "We're going to take it day to day."

Which Bills deserve trip to Pro Bowl?

Leo: By turning their season around with an 8-2 record since starting 0-4, at least a half-dozen Bills have played themselves into consideration for a trip to Hawaii in February.

Chilly offense can't cool off Bills

Sam Wyche enjoyed his return to Cincinnati, where once upon a time he spent eight years as the Bengals head coach.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

REPORT CARD VS. BENGALS
Passing C+
Rushing C-
Special Teams A

Bills report: Notes, quotes

WR Lee Evans continued his march to make several all-rookie teams with five catches for 101 yards and his team-leading seventh touchdown.

Bills report: Inside slant

When the Bills' drive for an improbable playoff berth resumes this week, they'll allow themselves a few moments for individual accolades.

Ask Him Yourself: Mike Mularkey

Royce (Detroit): How instrumental has Drew Bledsoe's resolve been in the team's turnaround?
Mike Mularkey: I think Bledsoe's resolve has been a large part of it. He never was influenced by negative criticism early on.

Ask Him Yourself: Tom Donahoe

Bob Ross (aka LABillsFan): I know this is off the subject a bit, but I was wondering how the NFL determines which officiating crew works a particular game.
Tom Donahoe: Your question on officiating is a good one. Unfortunately, the League does not share a lot of information on the officials with us.

December 20, 2004

McGahee to Be Evaluated Day-to-Day

Head Coach Mike Mularkey updated Willis McGahee's health status on Monday, saying McGahee suffered a knee injury and his health status will be monitored daily this week.

Game Notes: Bills vs. Bengals

Bills Team Notes: The Bills recorded their 5th straight win on Sunday at Cincinnati, good for the longest winning streak by the team since 1999-2000 (last three games of ’99 and first two of ’00)…

Bills Receive BIG Play from Rookie Peters

The smile on Bobby April's face was as wide as Jason Peters' 6-4, 328-pound frame in the locker room after Sunday's 33-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bills' McGahee day-to-day with knee injury

Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee is considered day-to-day after suffering a right knee injury during this past Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Bills win in Cincy, but could lose McGahee

The Buffalo Bills kept their playoff hopes alive on Sunday, but may have to continue their push towards the postseason without running back Willis McGahee, who twisted his right knee in his team's 33-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

McGahee has hyperextended knee

Buffalo running back Willis McGahee has a hyperextended and bruised right knee.

Buffalo cruising towards playoffs

It's really not as easy as the Buffalo Bills are making it look.

Bills report card: High marks

Bills offense Just looking at the statistics, it didn’t appear to be a good day for the Bills.

Bills stay in playoff contention

Odds are still against the Buffalo Bills making the American Football Conference playoffs as a wild card.

Bills earn stripes against Bengals

The Buffalo Bills are hoping their hottest streak in quite some time won’t go to waste.

McGahee's status for Sunday uncertain

Running back Willis McGahee has a hyperextended and bruised right knee that could prevent him from playing in Buffalo’s game Sunday at San Francisco.

McGahee having tests on injured knee; status uncertain

Running back Willis McGahee was having tests on his injured right knee Monday and could miss Buffalo's next game at San Francisco.

Bills continue their push for playoffs with 5th win in a row

Appropriately, Takeo Spikes was the last one to leave the field. He raised his right fist triumphantly and slapped hands joyously with dozens of fans who chanted his name and oozed optimism.

NFL report

Drew Bledsoe, Bills, moved ahead of Joe Montana into seventh place on the career completions list with 3,412. He went 15 of 30 for 183 yards in a win over Cincinnati.

McGahee may miss game with 49ers

Mularkey was not sure how bad the injury is, but it doesn't appear to be as severe as when McGahee tore three ligaments in his left knee while playing for the University of Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.

Bills move into tie for playoffs

The Bills' 33-17 victory over the Bengals improved them to 8-6 and moved them into a tie for the sixth and final playoff berth in the AFC.

Clements in lockdown mode against Johnson

Matched up against Johnson the entire day, Clements held the Pro Bowl wideout to just two catches for 10 yards.

Spikes turns into prophet in Cincinnati

"Spikes," he said, "I visualized you last night picking one off and taking it back for a touchdown."

"That's funny, Fletch," Spikes replied. "I was thinking about the same thing on Wednesday."

A heavyweight TKO

"I was just saying, "Enjoy it,' " the Bills' 13-year veteran said. "This is what it's all about. This is what you work so hard for - this feeling."

Bills Dailey Game Grades

The offense didn't have an explosion but they did enough to win. The defense struggled against the run but made big plays when they had to. Special teams made one big play, a few smaller ones, and flirted with disaster on a few other plays. Here are our position by position grades:

Everyone Contributes To Win:

The Bills 33-17 win was another total team effort. All three units, offense, defense, and special teams scored touchdowns in the first half and that was enough to get a huge road win to keep the Bills playoff hopes alive

Bills' McGahee, slightly hurt, sits early just to be safe

Running back Willis McGahee twisted his surgically rebuilt left knee on a catch Sunday and sat out the fourth quarter of the Buffalo Bills' 33-17 victory vs. Cincinnati as a precaution.

Bills 33, Bengals 17-Another Losing Season Looms After Kitna, Offense Self-Destruct

A Spikes in Bengals' heart

Bills inch closer to Steelers showdown

Spikes gets TKO

Couldn't get hands on enough turnovers

Blocked punt painful, not special

Spikes' return a dream come true

Big chill on Sunday played into Bills' hands

Mistakes make for miserable day

Takeo finally plays for playoffs

Notebook: Blocked punt ends run with thud

Bills continue to pay off

The greatest gift of all arrived on the banks of the Ohio River yesterday, addressed to the Buffalo Bills and wrapped in black and burnt orange.

Buffalo Bills report card

Quarterback: Drew Bledsoe wasn't great, but then he didn't have to be with the way Buffalo's defense and special teams were playing.

Buffalo's drive is alive

Buffalo's victory, coupled with Jacksonville's win over Green Bay, Denver's loss to Kansas City and Baltimore's 20-10 loss at Indianapolis has left all four teams tied at 8-6. Baltimore and Jacksonville have both beaten the Bills head-to-head.

The two-minute read

Play of the game

Jason Peters' blocked punt for a touchdown.

Spikes scores big 'TKO' in Ohio homecoming

There were days at old Riverfront Stadium and the shiny new football palace that sits on the banks of the Ohio River named for Bengals founder Paul Brown when Takeo Spikes felt the love in Cincinnati.

December 19, 2004

Bills D and STs Drags O Through Game By The Hair

In a Sentence: The defense and special teams dragged the offense down the field by the hair again!

Bills in the Thick of the Playoff Picture

It's been four years since the Bills have made a serious playoff push this late in the season, but thanks to their five-game winning streak the Bills are right in the hunt in the highly competitive AFC. Buffalo's 33-17 victory over Cincinnati eliminated the Bengals from playoff contention, making one less team the Bills have to worry about.

Bills keep playoff hopes alive

His final season as a modestly talented tight end coincided with Chuck Noll's last hurrah on the sideline, and it was probably during that 1991 campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers that Mike Mularkey was initially exposed to the Hall of Fame coach's favorite and most often-used exhortation to his troops.

Happy homecoming

All Takeo Spikes had to do was make the catch and leave the Bengals behind one more time.

McGahee twists knee, sits out last quarter

Running back Willis McGahee twisted his surgically rebuilt left knee on a catch Sunday, and sat out the fourth quarter of the Buffalo Bills' 33-17 victory over Cincinnati as a precaution.

Bills Win Fifth Straight

Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown as the Buffalo defense forced four Cincinnati turnovers in a 33-17 win at Paul Brown Stadium.

NFL Game Summary - Buffalo at Cincinnati

Rian Lindell kicked a career-high four field goals to lead Buffalo over Cincinnati, 33-17, at Paul Brown Stadium.

Bills freeze Bengals out of playoffs

For the second straight week against a playoff contender, the Bengals self-destructed with turnovers and gaffes and blew up their own playoff chances as well as a shot at a winning season during an ugly and cold 33-17 loss here to the Bills at Paul Brown Stadium.

Punching the clock

It's going to be difficult for the Buffalo Bills to catch the Pittsburgh Steelers for the No. 1 ranking among NFL defenses this season.

Mularkey's toughness drives Bills' resurgence

The rookie coach believed he was doing the right things; if the players persevered, the wins would come.

Bills, Bengals making a run with red-hot offenses

When the Bills run
The plan is the same as it is every week - give the ball to RB Willis McGahee, a lot.

Mental toughness of Bills nears its final exam

One of the things that impressed me about Mike Mularkey when he was hired to coach the Bills was his aim to field a team that was both physically and mentally tough.

Bills savor taste of big stakes

It has been five years since the Buffalo Bills played a football game on Christmas week that meant this much.

A Gifted Class

Immediate help is what the Buffalo Bills had in mind for their offense when they took Lee Evans with the 13th pick in April's draft.

Donahoe well aware of QB's needs

Give Buffalo general manager Tom Donahoe a lot of credit this year for really understanding his quarterback. That is a big reason the Bills have overcome an 0-4 start to put themselves in position for the playoffs at 7-6 overall. (Subscription)

Give the Bills their fair share

The Buffalo Bills are rarely featured as a cover story, and they're lucky if a black and white picture appears in the inner pages.

Cincinnati Bengals vs the Buffalo Bills

The Bengals are vying for one of those key wildcard slots, and it just may be possible. They have will have to win out their remaining games, but they have a chance. The Buffalo Bills are in the same position, and beating the Bengals is a must for them.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW -Daryle Lamonica

Nobody symbolized the Raiders' rise to glory in the 1960s more than quarterback Daryle Lamonica, a.k.a. "The Mad Bomber," a nickname given him by Howard Cosell for his long touchdown passes.

Special day on tap

They are talking comebacks and one of the bigger comebacks Sunday is former Bengals head coach Sam Wyche having a hand and arm in a Bills offense just off its highest four-game stretch ever as Buffalo’s quarterbacks coach.

'Odd couple' of friends turn foes when Bills visit Bengals

When Buffalo Bills coach Mike Mularkey and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski were assistants in Pittsburgh, they were pro football's version of the "Odd Couple."

Isolation booth - Terrence McGee

In what could be a high-scoring game despite the Bills' outstanding defense, the Bengals can't afford to give up points or significant field position in the kicking game.

More to friends than the job

Jon Kitna had purposely stayed quiet all season. Then Palmer's knee injury pushed Kitna into the spotlight this past week. And he let everyone know that he and Palmer didn't just get along at the office.

Who's got the edge?

The Bills are hot. They've averaged 38.5 points in their last four games, all victories. They have the league's No. 3-ranked defense.

What you need to know about Bengals vs. Bills

With both teams alive for a postseason berth, PBS will take on a playoff atmosphere as fans eagerly await the return of former Bengals LB Takeo Spikes, who is in his second year with the Bills. Buffalo (7-6) has won four straight, averaging 38.5 points in that stretch, while the Bengals (6-7) have won four of six.

Gameday notebook: Kitna is back in familiar role: Bengals starter

With Carson Palmer nursing a sprained left knee, Jon Kitna is expected to take the reins of the Cincinnati Bengals' potent offense one more time and start at quarterback against the Buffalo Bills today.

Plenty at stake in Bengals-Bills game

As kickoff approaches, Buffalo linebacker Takeo Spikes said what everybody's thinking.

Q&A: Troy Vincent

It was the longest stretch of games Troy Vincent had missed in his brilliant 13-year NFL career.

Bills' Spikes set to tackle his former team

Takeo Spikes had made up his mind. He was kicking the Ohio mud off his spikes and leaving as a free agent.

Bills-Bengals winner still can make the postseason

 Two months ago the Buffalo Bills were saddled with an unsightly 1-5 record and they had scored a grand total of 77 points in those first six games.

Several Bills worthy of Pro Bowl nod

The Buffalo Bills have had at least two players selected for the Pro Bowl every year since the bad old days of 1985 and 1986, when none went.

BEING IN THE PLAYOFF HUNT IN DECEMBER IS A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR SPIKES

THE WAY he plays football, Takeo Spikes is the farthest thing from a loser, which is not to say the Buffalo Bills linebacker doesn't know about losing.

Bills GM Donahoe makes right moves

A month ago, it was rumored Buffalo general manager Tom Donahoe would be in trouble after another disappointing season, his fourth with the Bills.

December 18, 2004

Barring miracle, Kitna's the starter

The news doesn't come as a surprise, but Jon Kitna will -- barring an unexpected turn of events -- start Sunday's game at Paul Brown Stadium at quarterback for the Bengals against the Buffalo Bills.

Spikes happy with move to Bills

It's been two years since Takeo Spikes last played a football game in Cincinnati.

Bengals staying focused

Sunday's game against Buffalo at Paul Brown Stadium is exactly the kind of game Lewis has been preparing his team to play in -- a December contest with playoff ramifications for both teams.

Bills keep rolling towards postseason

The journey to Cincinnati amounts to a mini-playoff in itself, with the Bengals and Bills each fighting to keep their tenuous hopes alive.

Showtime for Schobel brothers

Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel will be reunited Sunday with his brother, third-year Bengals tight end Matt Schobel.

A punter's deep thoughts

"He's made some huge, huge plays," Bills special teams coordinator Bobby April said, "just unbelieveable plays, when you think about it.

Kitna gets chance to prove his merit

Jon Kitna may be the perfect backup quarterback; that won't be proven until Sunday afternoon against the Buffalo Bills

Palmer is all but ruled out

Starter Carson Palmer, who has a sprained left knee, did not practice Friday for the third consecutive day.

Spikes finally gets a big game in December

The Buffalo Bills (7-6) have barged into the field of playoff contenders by winning four straight and seven of their last nine games.

Tricks of Bills a real treat

Chris Villarrial was skeptical at first; the veteran Bills guard thought there was no way these back-yard, gimmick plays would work against sophisticated NFL defenses.

December 17, 2004

Browns gain 9 yards with scoring change; boosts game total to 26

The Cleveland Browns' offense was pretty awful last weekend, just not quite as awful as everyone thought.

Williams upgraded, should play

Offensive tackle Mike Williams practiced for the second straight day on Thursday and should be ready to go on Sunday.

No More Doubters Across the League

Regardless of what happens the last few weeks of the season, the Bills have made their point. They have proven to be an up and coming team in the NFL and they are a group of guys that no one wants to see coming up on their schedule.

Bengals Have Balanced Attack

We didn't know until the end of the game that as a defense we had only given up 17 total yards to the Browns. I've never been involved in a defensive game like that.

Tops Game Ball Winner: Troy Vincent

The Buffalo Bills selected cornerback/safety Troy Vincent as the Tops Game Ball of the Week winner for his performance against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 12.

Question Mark

Q: Since Terrence McGee is so fast and has so much range, why not put him at free safety and Vincent back at cornerback?

'Odd Couple' of friends turn foes when Bills visit Bengals

When Buffalo Bills coach Mike Mularkey and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski were assistants in Pittsburgh, they were pro football's version of the "Odd Couple."

Williams expected to play vs. Bengals

Bills offensive tackle Mike Williams is expected to play Sunday against Cincinnati after missing one game with an injured right knee.

Vincent's new job

Troy Vincent reaches into his locker and pulls out a thick stack of papers as evidence of his rekindled passion. He's holding the Buffalo Bills' defensive game plan, something Vincent never used to carry around.

Palmer not yet counting self out

A day after all but declaring himself out for Sunday's game against Buffalo, Carson Palmer on Thursday held out the possibility that he would play.

SS Beckett doubtful to play against Bills

There were three updates to the Bengals' injury report Thursday.

The Cell Phone Game

There are blood brothers, like Bengals tight end Matt Schobel and Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel and there are the brothers-in-arms, like Bengals linebacker Brian Simmons and Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes.

Bills defense the grinch that steals offense

The Buffalo Bills' ridiculous defensive effort against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday has rocketed them back into contention for the NFL's No. 1 overall defensive ranking with three games to play.

December 16, 2004

Bills offense suddenly clicking at prolific pace

Plenty of touchdowns, a string of 30-plus point games and a balanced scoring attack -- now that's an offense more to Drew Bledsoe's liking.

Game 14: Bills vs. Bengals

This is the single biggest of game of the year for the Bills. Every game is a must win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive but this is the toughest one with the exception of the finale against Pittsburgh.

Cincinnati Game Provides Opportunity for Bills

The "Smoke and Mirrors" Express makes its next stop this Sunday as the Bills hit the road to face a relatively equally matched Cincinnati team although one with a dichotomy of strengths.

Stayin' Alive

Call it the Music City Jinx. Ever since “Homerun Throwback” the Bills franchise has been reduced to the role of outsider. Forget the playoffs, how about a playoff race?

Playoff Atmosphere Expected this Week

The Bills and Bengals both have their playoff chances hanging by a thread and both will be desperate this week to keep those hopes alive. One loss and you're most likely not going to the postseason.

Lewis: Bengals better, but not there

Marvin Lewis only has to look at his offense now against this Bills team and the one that played them 25 games ago on Oct. 5, 2003 in Buffalo in a 22-16 loss, the only overtime loss in the Lewis era. The Bengals didn’t have a 100-yard performer and scored just one touchdown. The difference between now and then “is incredible,” Lewis said.

Battle-tested Bengals try Bills

The Bengals are convinced this Buffalo defense is the best one they’ve played all year, if you can believe that in a season the NFL schedule maker conjured up some kind of '60s psychedelic nightmare for a team with a first-year quarterback.

Buffalo (7-6) At Cincinnati (6-7) Capsule

KEY MATCHUP - Bills RB Willis McGahee vs. Bengals FS Madieu Williams and LB Brian Simmons. Bills are 7-0 when McGahee gains at least 90 yards this season.

Buffalo at Cincinnati Preview

Following a loss to the Baltimore Ravens on October 24, the Buffalo Bills looked to have no hope of reaching the playoffs, but now the Bills are in the thick of the AFC wild card race heading into Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, who could be without starting quarterback Carson Palmer due to a knee injury.

Peter King's Weekend Preview

When's the last time Buffalo and Cincinnati this late in a season played in something that might be considered the game of the week?

Spikes Set For Queen City Return

In addition to being in playoff contention for the first time in his playing career, Buffalo Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes has something else to look forward to this week when his team travels to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.

Palmer says he's out Sunday

Cincinnati Bengals hotshot quarterback Carson Palmer is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills, but the chances he will play appear bleak.

Turnaround by Teague leads charge

Last month, after the breakthrough win in Seattle, I was walking past center Trey Teague in the Bills' locker room when he called after me in his familiar Tennessee drawl: "What, you only want to talk to me when I screw up?"

Big game hunting

One Cincinnati Bengals receiver thinks he's uncoverable, another is starting to think he's invincible and a third is one of the biggest players at his position in the NFL.

Banta should help Bills

With injuries depleting its tight end position, and long snapper Jon Dorenbos now out with a knee injury, the Buffalo Bills have moved to kill two birds with one stone.

London Fletcher packs a big punch

Ever since he broke into the National Football League as an undrafted free agent with St. Louis in 1998, London Fletcher has been considered "an undersized linebacker."

Bills turn around, keep balance

One month into the season, they were 0-4. But in the case of the red-hot Buffalo Bills, it's not so much how they started a rebuilding campaign with new coach in Mike Mularkey. It's how they can finish.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

PLAYER PERSONNEL NOTES:
--RB Willis McGahee needs just 78 yards to reach 1,000 in only eight starts. His nine rushing TDs are the second most by a Bills first-year running back. Joe Cribbs had 11 in 1980.