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The scene at the AFC coaches' breakfast in Palm Beach, Fla., recently was fitting.

To my far left was New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. He was surrounded by a large group of media that wanted to know how the Jets would handle Tim Tebow-mania and whether they could bounce back from a disappointing 2011.

To my immediate left was new Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin. A throng of reporters wondered what the rookie head coach had in store in his first season.

On my right was future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. He continually gave non-answers about his team as reporters tried to dig up something -- anything -- about the reigning AFC champions.

In the middle of this madness was Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey. His table was relatively empty most of the hourlong breakfast, with the exception of a few passers-by and this AFC East blogger. Few in the national media cared to know what Gailey and the Bills were up to. They're a small-market team that finished 6-10 last season and hasn't been to the playoffs in 13 years.

But by this time next year, people will be talking about Buffalo. The Bills are my sleeper pick in 2012. Here are five reasons why Buffalo will get over the hump and finish with a winning record:

Reason No. 1: Bills made right moves in free agency

Analysis: I will give myself a pat on the back. I was one of the first to note Buffalo's interest in two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams. Despite my prediction, I did not think Buffalo would be able to land the top defensive free agent on the market. But the Bills put on the full-court press and gave Williams 100 million reasons to join the Bills. Buffalo gained an elite pass-rusher and its first game-changer on defense. The Bills didn't stop there. They continued to improve their anemic pass-rush by signing former Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson, who recorded 10 sacks last year. Williams, Anderson and defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus make up one of the top defensive lines in the NFL. It's a group that can stop the run and get push up the middle while attacking the edges and pressuring the quarterback. Buffalo's talented front four will be a problem for a lot of teams next season. The Bills also retained their own key free agents. Buffalo re-signed No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson at an affordable rate they were comfortable with, as well as starting tight end Scott Chandler. There are still a few more holes Buffalo would like to fill. But the team is one of the biggest winners in free agency.

Reason No. 2: Double trouble at running back

Analysis: When they are healthy, there may not be a more dynamic running back duo in the NFL than Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. These two will be headaches for opposing defenses once Buffalo figures out how to blend both into the offense simultaneously. Jackson and Spiller could complement each other well. Buffalo's coaching staff admittedly did a poor job of balancing the two tailbacks last season. Jackson received a bulk of the carries when healthy, and Spiller finally showed what he could do at the end of the year once Jackson was injured. Now, both are hungry and want the football. Gailey called it "a great problem to have." Jackson is 31 and coming off a season-ending leg injury. That should open the door for Spiller to get more carries. Will it be a 50-50 split? Probably not. But the Buffalo offense will be dangerous if it can use Spiller and Jackson just enough to keep each fresh and productive the entire season.

Reason No. 3: AFC East is weakening

Analysis: A case can be made that the AFC East became a weaker division this offseason. The division wasn't very strong to begin with. Only the Patriots finished with a winning record in 2011. But the 6-10 Dolphins gutted their roster, getting rid of top players such as Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and leading tackler and starting safety Yeremiah Bell. Miami also failed to land a franchise quarterback and settled on 34-year-old David Garrard as the potential starter next season. It's early, but it's hard to imagine Miami's finishing with a better record than last season. Meanwhile, the Jets are an aging team with chemistry issues. New York gave embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez a three-year contract extension and traded for popular backup Tebow, setting up a potentially explosive situation. The Jets will be on a year-long implosion watch, and their arrow could be trending downward after last year's mediocre 8-8 season. The Jets, Dolphins and Bills are all chasing the Patriots, who are clearly the favorites in the division. But the Bills, who split with New England last season, did a solid job to make up some ground.

Reason No. 4: Players are getting healthy

Analysis: I usually try to avoid the injury excuse, because every team has them. But I think it legitimately applies to the Bills. Buffalo suffered key injures last year at running back (Jackson), defensive tackle (Kyle Williams), linebacker (Shawne Merriman), offensive line (Eric Wood), receiver (Donald Jones) and even kicker (Rian Lindell), just to name a few. Bills starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick also played much of the season with a painful rib injury. By the second half of the year, the Bills didn't have anywhere near the same depth they had during their 4-1 start. Most of these players are expected to be back and healthy in 2012. Merriman is perhaps the biggest question mark after his second season-ending Achilles injury. But chances are slim that Buffalo will be hit this hard with injuries again. Health will be key for Buffalo to maintain a successful run over 16 games.

Reason No. 5: Bills have a top-10 pick

Analysis: The Bills have had a very productive offseason, but they aren't done yet. They still have a top-10 pick in this month's NFL draft. This is a great opportunity for Buffalo to plug more holes on the roster. The Bills could use a starting-caliber left tackle, another threat at receiver, a cover corner and depth at linebacker. The Bills also have more than $9 million in cap room to spend. Don't rule out late signings in free agency. After years of not spending to the cap, Buffalo tabbed 2012 as the year to make a push.

All of these reasons make the Bills my ideal sleeper pick for next season. Don't forget that you heard it here first.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The NFL's highest-scoring offense may be found Buffalo, but it was hatched in Pittsburgh.

In the mid-1990s, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey was a wide receivers coach for the Steelers. Gailey realized he had a deep and talented group and convinced Pittsburgh -- primarily a running team -- to use more four-receiver sets.

"We kind of evolved to it, to be honest with you," Gailey said. "Ron Erhardt was the offensive coordinator and we had four really good players. We had Ernie Mills, Andre Hastings, and Charles Johnson and Yancey Thigpen. So we said 'How can we get them on the field at the same time?'"

The concept helped lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl after the 1995 season. Sixteen years later, Gailey's spread offense is tearing up the NFL once again. The Bills lead the league in scoring with 113 points in three games. Buffalo (3-0) averages 37.7 points per game, is third in total offense and is the only undefeated team in the AFC.

Now, instead of Neil O'Donnell, the Bills have fast-rising quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Thigpen's role as the No. 1 receiver in Gailey's offense is filled by Buffalo's Steve Johnson. Charles Johnson and Hastings are replaced by Donald Jones and David Nelson. Receiver Naaman Roosevelt, tight end Scott Chandler and tailback C.J. Spiller share time as Buffalo's fourth receiver.

Even Kordell "Slash" Stewart, who was used on trick plays by Gailey and Pittsburgh's staff, is comparable to Bills receiver/quarterback/returner Brad Smith. But so far Buffalo hasn't used many trick plays.

Gailey's system thrives on several core principles. First, by lining up with four receivers, Buffalo is able to "expand the defense." Buffalo's alignment forces defenses to spread out. It creates bigger seams and makes it easier for the quarterback to read defenses and recognizes blitzes.

Fitzpatrick, a Harvard graduate, is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league. He’s done a great job of reading defenses pre-snap and changing routes and protection. It's led to Fitzpatrick’s fast start and earning AFC Player of the Month honors. He's thrown for 871 yards and nine touchdowns in three games.

"When he's confident, on top of his game and hot, he's really hard to deal with," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc said of Fitzpatrick. "I don't know if that's going to keep up for 16 games. But he's on fire right now. He's at the pinnacle of his game."

Buffalo's spread also takes defenses out of its comfort zone. Every base defense in the NFL has three or four linebackers. The Bills, with three and four receivers, create tough choices. If opponents stay in their base defense, they have to cover wide receivers with linebackers. If opponents go away from their base defense, some of the better, front-seven players are taken off the field. That makes it easier to run the football. Bills tailback Fred Jackson is fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (303).

It's a Catch-22 opponents have yet to figure out.

"Oakland stayed in a lot of base and we exploited that," Jones said. "David in the middle, if they're going to keep a linebacker on him, that's a mismatch all day. Kansas City did the same thing.

"That's why we do it: To see what the defense is going to do. Are they going to bring in extra corners, or are they going to stay base? We're going to exploit it, whatever it is."

Buffalo's offense works because it defies stereotypes. With spreads, typically you think of big plays in the passing game but also a lot of sacks and struggles running the ball. Fitzpatrick has been sacked just once this season, and Buffalo is fourth in the league in rushing. The Bills average 5.6 yards per carry.

One of the secrets of Buffalo's success has been its receivers' blocking downfield. Buffalo is second in the NFL with six runs of 20 yards or more.

"This is what we tell our receivers: 'Do you want the running back to block the protection when you're running a route so you can catch a pass?'" Gailey explained. "If you do, then when he's running the ball, you block for him because we're in this thing together."

Gailey's selfless team concept is working for the Bills. Buffalo usually sends four receivers out on passing plays, and it's Jackson's responsibility to block the extra rusher.

"I don't know if there's a better pass-protecting back in the league with what he does," Fitzpatrick said. "The fans and everybody watching the game, they see his runs, they see what he does after the catch, but that’s the thing that nobody really talks about and that’s what makes him one of the most complete backs in the game.

"He's taken on defensive lineman, he's taken on defensive ends and he's storming linebackers. Whatever it is, he's the best I've played with in terms of picking up blitzes. There are no stats for that."

The success of Buffalo’s offense has permeated the entire team.

Veteran Bills kicker Rian Lindell has seen a lot of bad offenses in his eight seasons in Buffalo. He provided some insight into how this year's offense has changed things.

"I have a kicking shoe that's tighter, so I don't wear it all game," Lindell said. "It used to be, I would wait until we get to midfield or in field-goal range until I put it on. Now, if we get the ball on our own 20, 25 or 30, I say, 'I better put the shoe on. It might be a couple plays and I have to get warmed up.'"

This Bills believe they can score with anyone. They proved it in a 34-31 shootout victory against New England. The Bills fell behind 21-0 in the first half and became the first NFL team to overcome deficits of 18 or more points in back-to-back weeks. Buffalo trailed by 21-3 at halftime of a 38-35 victory over Oakland in Week 2.

The offense is clicking because players better understand the system, Gailey said. In 2010, Gailey's first year in Buffalo, the Bills were ranked No. 25 offensively. The Bills got off to a horrendous 0-8 start but finished the second half of the season 4-4. The Bills are 7-4 in their last 11 games.

Surprisingly, Buffalo's offensive playbook is not huge, players say. Gailey puts an emphasis on keeping things manageable. He believes that if everyone knows exactly what he's doing, the plays will work and it's easier to hold players accountable.

Many question whether the Bills, a four-win team in 2010, have the staying power to remain in contention. Much of it rests on this offense's ability to perform at a high level over 16 games.

Through three weeks, Buffalo is on pace to score 602 points this season. That would break the NFL record set by the Patriots (589) in 2007.

"I don't know if we'll set records this year," Gailey said. "But it'd be nice if we did."

Sports labor squabbles often are described as billionaires arguing with millionaires over money.

While that's a catchy rhyme that sums up fan frustration, the phrase is not entirely true.

Inspired by a blog entry from the minister of all things AFC South, Paul Kuharsky, I looked at NFL Players Association files to count up the number of AFC East players scheduled for $1 million base salaries in 2011.

Granted, up-front bonuses and incentives can make base salaries misleading. But base salaries are the only figures that create a common ground, player for player.

You'll see a vast majority of NFL players make much less than $1 million a year. Although many will make seven figures before they walk away from the game, careers are short and treacherous. They'll never see that kind of cash again for the rest of their lives.

That's why they're fighting for every dollar now.

Of the 226 players under contract in the AFC East, only 62 of them (27.4 percent) will make base salaries of $1 million or more.

The NFLPA hasn't acknowledged any franchise tags that have been signed. Those players are marked with an asterisk and not factored into the totals.

Buffalo Bills

• Receiver Lee Evans, $3.275 million
• Cornerback Terrence McGee, $3.2 million
• Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, $3.195 million
• Defensive end Spencer Johnson, $3 million
• Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, $2.75 million
• Defensive end Dwan Edwards, $2.6 million
• Center Geoff Hangartner, $2.55 million
• Outside linebacker Chris Kelsay, $2 million
• Running back Fred Jackson, $1.75 million
• Defensive lineman Kyle Williams, $1.75 million
• Kicker Rian Lindell, $1.45 million
• Punter Brian Moorman, $1.425 million
• Cornerback Reggie Corner, $1.2 million
• Receiver Steve Johnson, $1.2 million
• Safety Bryan Scott, $1.15 million
• Linebacker Andra Davis, $1.1 million
• Receiver Roscoe Parrish, $1.025 million
• Safety George Wilson, $1.025 million
• Cornerback Leodis McKelvin, $1 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 19

Players under contract: 54

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 35.2

Miami Dolphins

• Nose tackle Paul Soliai, $12.47 million*
• Tackle Jake Long, $11.2 million
• Receiver Brandon Marshall, $6.5 million
• Tackle Vernon Carey, $4.15 million
• Safety Yeremiah Bell, $3.7 million
• Defensive end Randy Starks, $3.625 million
• Inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, $2.7 million
• Inside linebacker Channing Crowder, $2.5 million
• Tight end Anthony Fasano, $1.9 million
• Cornerback Benny Sapp, $1.9 million
• Inside linebacker Tim Dobbins, $1.7 million
• Cornerback Will Allen, $1.5 million
• Safety Tyrone Culver, $1.25 million
• Fullback Lousaka Polite, $1.25 million
• Receiver Davone Bess, $1.013 million
• Kicker Dan Carpenter, $1.005 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 15

Players under contract: 55

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 27.3

New England Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady, $5.75 million
• Cornerback Leigh Bodden, $3.9 million
• Tackle Nick Kaczur, $3.4 million
• Defensive end Ty Warren, $3.1 million
• Center Dan Koppen, $2.9 million
• Safety James Sanders, $2.8 million
• Tight end Alge Crumpler, $2.4 million
• Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, $2.3 million
• Receiver Deion Branch, $2.2 million
• Receiver Wes Welker, $2.15 million
• Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, $1.7 million
• Cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, $1.2 million
• Offensive lineman Dan Connolly, $1.025 million
• Inside linebacker Gary Guyton, $1 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 14

Players under contract: 60

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 23.3

New York Jets

• Quarterback Mark Sanchez, $14.75 million
• Inside linebacker David Harris, $10.1 million*
• Cornerback Darrelle Revis, $6 million
• Tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, $5.615 million
• Inside linebacker Bart Scott, $4.9 million
• Outside linebacker Calvin Pace, $3.855 million
• Outside linebacker Bryan Thomas, $3.2 million
• Guard Brandon Moore, $2.75 million
• Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, $2.425 million
• Center Nick Mangold, $2.26 million
• Defensive end Mike DeVito, $2.125 million
• Safety Jim Leonhard, $1.95 million
• Receiver Jerricho Cotchery, $1.8 million
• Defensive tackle Sione Pouha, $1.28 million
• Quarterback Mark Brunell, $1.25 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 14

Players under contract: 57

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 24.6

Wrapping up the Buffalo Bills' victory against the Cleveland Browns.

What it means: The Bills rebounded from a ghastly loss at the Metrodome to win their third game in five tries. The Bills continue to piece together an admirable second half of the season, creating momentum that will help their rebuilding process.

Play of the game: Tough-luck cornerback Leodis McKelvin intercepted Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme at the Bills' 32-yard line with about four minutes to play.

Streak continues: Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with David Nelson for an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Fitzpatrick has thrown a TD pass in 14 straight games, the team's longest streak since Jim Kelly had 18 in row in 1986-87.

Bills defense steps up: Browns running back Peyton Hillis plowed forth for 49 yards on their first possession, but the Bills stuffed him for 1 and zero yards at their 1-yard line to force a field goal. Hillis rushed for 57 yards the rest of the game and fumbled three times, losing one. Delhomme threw for just 86 yards.

Tight ends make an appearance: Bills tight ends have been invisible this year, but Jonathan Stupar had three catches for a game-high 45 yards. David Martin added a reception for 13 yards.

Don't cross Moats: A week after perhaps ending Brett Favre's Iron Man streak, Bills rookie outside linebacker Arthur Moats had a strip sack of Delhomme to set up a Rian Lindell field goal early in the fourth quarter.

What's next: The Bills will resume their AFC East schedule after two and half months of non-divisional games. The Bills will visit the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Tears still were welled in Steve Johnson's bloodshot eyes when he stepped down from the podium, walked out of the postgame interview room and exited Ralph Wilson Stadium up the tunnel ramp.

Based on how he was dressed, he should have headed back to the locker room. But Johnson clearly was in another world as he dejectedly trudged toward the parking lot in a sleeveless shirt, basketball shorts, his red Buffalo Bills leggings and untied sneakers.

The wind made it feel like 31 degrees and there was snow on the ground. On this day, though, Johnson couldn't catch a cold.

Johnson has been Buffalo's breakout star, a 2008 seventh-round draft pick on pace to break the club's season record for touchdown receptions.

He should have caught his 10th touchdown Sunday. He should have beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime Sunday. He was wide open for an arcing 40-yard bomb. He dropped it in the end zone.

The Steelers kicked a field goal on the next possession to win 19-16.

A third straight Bills victory caromed off Johnson's fingers. They lost for the third time in sudden death, becoming the fifth team to do so since overtime was instituted in 1974 and just the second over the past 20 seasons.

Johnson was so despondent after the game, he took to Twitter where he questioned a higher power for allowing him to drop the would-be touchdown.

"I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO..."

In his postgame news conference before he left the stadium, Johnson's emotions were raw.

"It comes down to one play and you drop the ball," Johnson said. "We'll bounce back, of course. The season's not over yet. We're going to have to bounce back, and we will.

"I'll never get over it. Ever. The Buffalo Bills will get over it, but I won't. You're a receiver. You don't drop the ball. I won't get over it."

The Bills (2-9) are playing terrifically lately and have grown significantly since the season began. They have lost three games by an overtime field goal to teams that are at least tied for first place in their divisions. They are clearly not the NFL's worst team, a distinction that was in question a few weeks ago.

The loss should not be blamed solely on Johnson. His end zone flub came on first down, giving the Bills two more chances to move the chains or get into field goal range for Rian Lindell, who had kicked a 49-yarder with two seconds left in regulation time.

After Johnson's end zone drop, the Bills' defense could have made a stop on the next possession. Instead, the Steelers ended the game with a 13-play drive, converting a third-and-8 along the way.

Leodis McKelvin would have returned the overtime kickoff for a touchdown had he not tripped over teammate Arthur Moats in the open field.

But Johnson's failure to latch on will take the spotlight because it could have ended the game right then and there.

"We're playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Buffalo Bills come to play football, and it just so happened today that I had 75 drops in the game," said Johnson, who has become a bit of a media sensation the past couple weeks.

Johnson made a statement a week earlier with three touchdowns in the Bills' amazing comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had more catches, yards and points than Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco combined. Johnson wore an undershirt that read "Why So Serious" in reference to The Joker, a message to the receiving tandem who call themselves Batman and Robin.

Johnson could not laugh Sunday. His magical season was interrupted.

"You talk about a guy who has been extremely hot, making a ton of plays for them," Steelers safety Ryan Clark said.

Drops are not an official NFL statistic and are open to interpretation, but CBS Sports had Johnson down for five. Another drop resulted in a Troy Polamalu interception near the goal line in the fourth quarter.

Clark explained there was not a blown coverage on the play in overtime. Johnson was wide open because he ran a fabulous route.

Johnson scorched Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor so badly up the left sideline that even after Johnson dropped Ryan Fitzpatrick's perfect pass, the Bills' sideline celebrated what they thought was their third straight victory.

"Game over," Steelers linebacker James Farrior said. "That's what everybody else was thinking. The Buffalo fans, the Buffalo sideline, our sideline. I think everybody thought it was a catch."

Johnson sat stunned in the end zone for several seconds until receiver David Nelson pulled him up. Johnson took the end zone gaffe hard in the locker room, too.

"If you're not emotional and hard on yourself, then I would question his passion for the game," Bills safety George Wilson said. "But, man, that guy is over there crying his eyes out. He knows how precious those moments are.

"If we want to be one of the elite teams in this league, we have to make the big plays in the big moments. Steve has been making big plays for us all year. That play doesn't make me believe any less in him. He's been beasting out on the field all year."

Johnson did have seven receptions for 68 yards. He leads the Bills with 59 catches for 796 yards and nine touchdowns. Bill Brooks holds Buffalo's record with 11 touchdown receptions.

"No matter what, I want him on my team for the rest of my career," said Bills running back Fred Jackson, who gained 163 yards from scrimmage and scored the lone Bills touchdown.

"It's uncharacteristic of him, and I know that. I know he's going to make plays for us. I'm not going to define his whole season off of that one play."

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills nearly came back to win Sunday, but lost 19-16 in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

What it means: The Bills hung tough again and showed more growth despite defeat. The game felt like a blowout at halftime, with the Steelers holding the ball for nearly 24 minutes. But the Bills trailed just 13-0, first tied the score with 11:25 to play and forced overtime on a 49-yard Rian Lindell field goal with two seconds left.

Play of the game: Breakout receiver Steve Johnson had an awful afternoon. He dropped five passes, including one while wiiiiiide open in the end zone for what should have been a 40-yard touchdown 4:30 into sudden death.

Great call wasted: Down 16-13 with about 4:30 left, Chan Gailey chose to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Steelers' 36-yard line. Ryan Fitzpatrick found Johnson for a 10-yard gain to put the Bills in field goal range. One play later, the Bills had a first down at the 15 and a chance to win. Two plays later, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu made a great play to intercept a ricocheted pass.

Fitzpatrick struggled: Fitzpatrick was off on his throws most of the day. He had a 49.4 passer rating at halftime. He finished 23 of 45 for 265 yards and threw a touchdown pass for a 12th straight game, but running back Fred Jackson was responsible for that 65-yard catch and run. Fitzpatrick did throw a gorgeous ball on Johnson's end zone flub.

Kyle Williams on Pro Bowl trail: He plays more like a defensive end than a nose tackle, but Williams is having a great season for Buffalo. Williams picked up two sacks in the second quarter, giving him a career-high five for the season.

What's next: The Bills will visit Minnesota Vikings next Sunday at the Metrodome.

Some thoughts from Buffalo's 22-19 loss to Chicago.

What it means: The Bills remained winless despite being highly competitive and losing by a field goal three straight games. The Bills also are 0-3 in Toronto since beginning that annual series.

Still in the ditch: The Bills are the only NFL team without a victory and at 0-8 are off to their worst start in 26 years.

Trending: Bills receiver Steve Johnson had another big game. He caught 11 passes for 145 yards, but his touchdown streak ended at five games. He'll have to settle for tying the team record rather than owning it outright.

Lindell miss looms: Rian Lindell's rare mistake could've been costly. His streak of 321 consecutive extra points was the longest to start a career in NFL history. His 322nd attempt was blocked in the third quarter, preserving a 14-13 Bears lead and factored in the teams going for two-point conversions late in the game. The Bears got a two-pointer, but the Bills didn't.

Sack exchange rate: Maybe sacks aren't worth as much in Canada as they are in the U.S. The Bears went into Sunday as the NFL's most-sacked team, with 31 in just seven games. The Bills got to Jay Cutler just once. The Bills couldn't get an interception either.

What's next: The Bills will host their first Ralph Wilson Stadium game in five weeks when the Detroit Lions visit Sunday.

TORONTO -- The Chicago Bears' supposedly stout defense took somewhat of a thrashing in the club’s 22-19 triumph over the winless Buffalo Bills on Sunday, raising concerns about how the unit will perform in the coming weeks.

But let’s not lose sight of the fact it was the defense -- namely Chris Harris’ game-sealing interception, and a pick by Tim Jennings that allowed Chicago to take the lead -- that actually saved the Bears from losing their fourth game in five outings.

Before getting too deep into all of that, though, here’s our quick reaction to the game:

Body-language examination: Jay Cutler appeared to cough-up the game in the fourth quarter when Spencer Johnson dropped him for a 7-yard sack and fumble that Buffalo turned into a 19-14 lead with 10:27 left to play.

Cutler slammed his helmet to the ground in front of the bench after walking to the sideline after the play. But the quarterback immediately asked the coaches for printouts of pictures of the defense from that drive as he talked to backup quarterbacks Todd Collins and Caleb Hanie.

So instead of detaching from the contest, Cutler immersed himself, which allowed him to make up for the mistake two drives later.

Operating off a drive set up by a Jennings interception with 9:03 left to play, Cutler drove the Bears 23 yards in six plays to take the lead at 20-19 on his 2-yard touchdown pass to Earl Bennett. Cutler added to the lead by converting the two-point conversion on a shovel pass to Matt Forte.

Cutler has showed the propensity in the past to let mistakes affect him so drastically, which diminishes his impact on any potential comeback attempt. Cutler didn’t let that happen against the Bills, and the Bears benefited.

Harris resurgence: Defensive tackle Tommie Harris says he’s been happier lately about the way he’s performing.

He’s finally showing it.

A seven-year veteran, Harris posted a sack for the first time since Dec. 13 of last season, when he dropped Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter. After starting the first two games, Harris was inactive in Week 3, and his playing time had gradually decreased prior to the last two weeks.

Idonije blocks streak: Playing in his home country, Bears defensive end Israel Idonije blocked Rian Lindell’s extra point in the third quarter Sunday, snuffing out the kicker’s streak of consecutive PATs, which was the NFL's longest to start a career.

Lindell had connected on 321 consecutive extra points prior to Idonije’s block with 3:03 remaining in the third quarter.

Run-pass ratio improves: The Bears dominated time of possession in the first half 17:52 to 12:08 by finally delivering on their promise to insert more balance. The Bears weren’t exactly productive with the running game, considering they gained 44 yards on 15 attempts in the first half.

Still, the mix of runs with play-action passes kept Buffalo off balance, likely paving the way for Greg Olsen’s 4-yard touchdown pass from Cutler in the second quarter.

The Bears called runs on their first four plays from scrimmage, and finished the first quarter with a run-pass ratio of 9 to 16.

Major Wright sighting: Having missed five games because of a severely pulled hamstring, Wright saw his first action since Week 2, when he entered the contest with 12:06 left in the second quarter.

Wright replaced Chris Harris for one 10-play series, but didn’t register any statistics. Wright didn’t return in the second half.

Blown shot: If there’s an opportunity, look for the Bears to find a way to blow it. The club demonstrated that in the second quarter when it squandered a chance to take a 14-0 lead by committing three penalties in four plays from the red zone.

Just after the two-minute warning with Chicago holding possession at the Buffalo 14, right guard Roberto Garza committed a false-start penalty. On the very next play, Cutler was called for a false start when Olin Kreutz failed to snap the ball in a timely manner, causing the officials to back up the Bears to the Bills' 24.

Three plays prior, officials called the Bears for an illegal shift.

Making matters worse was the fact that Robbie Gould -- the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history -- pushed his 42-yard field goal attempt at the end of the drive wide right, forcing the Bears to walk away empty handed.

Buffalo tied the score on the ensuing drive with a 14-yard scoring strike from Fitzpatrick to Roscoe Parrish.

What's next: Chicago returns home to host the Minnesota Vikings Nov. 14 at Soldier Field.

Some thoughts about the Buffalo Bills' 13-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

What it means: Heartbreak again. For the second straight week, the Bills hung tough with a team many expected to annihilate them and went into overtime before losing by a field goal. The Bills are 0-7.

Torture: In sudden death, Bills kicker Rian Lindell missed a 53-yard attempt. On the ensuing possession, Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop missed a 39-yard try before closing them out as bonus time expired.

Live and die with Fitzpatrick: Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick extended his streak of touchdown passes to eight games, tying the game with a 4-yard toss to Steve Johnson in the fourth quarter.

Then the Bills had the ball on the Chiefs' 41-yard line with 32 seconds left in regulation. Eric Berry intercepted at the 27. In overtime, Fitzpatrick was flagged for intentional grounding on a third-down play from the Chiefs' 42-yard line, forcing a punt rather than a possible field goal.

Bills defense pro and con: The Bills held the Chiefs to just 10 points in regulation time, but they also got trampled for 254 rushing yards by Jamaal Charles (177) and Thomas Jones (77).

Johnson's streak intact: His touchdown reception gives him at least one score in five straight games, tying a club record held by Elbert Dubenion (1964), Eric Moulds (1999) and Lee Evans (2004).

What's next: The Bills play their annual "home game" in Toronto in Week 9. The Chicago Bears will be their opponent.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- One position player on the Buffalo Bills' roster was on the field the last time they defeated the New England Patriots.

That was seven years and 14 games ago.

The Bills will try to snap their losing streak at 13 games Sunday in Gillette Stadium, a place they've never won.

"You have to have the mentality you're going to win every game," said outside linebacker Chris Kelsay, who played in the last victory and has endured the entire skid. "We'll go there with confidence. We're going to go out there and perform the best to our ability."

The Bills came heartbreakingly close to upsetting the Patriots on opening night last year, but Leodis McKelvin fumbled a kickoff in the final minutes to place Tom Brady on the doorstep of triumph.

The Bills have lost 18 of their past 19 meetings with the Patriots and haven't won on the road since 2000.

"We really haven't done enough to win against them," Bills receiver Lee Evans said. "They've just made plays later in games to win, especially in the close games. That's what the story of this league is. It comes down to making plays down the stretch. They've made more than we have."

Buffalo's last victory over New England was a doozy. Buffalo won 31-0 on opening day 2003. Travis Henry rushed for two touchdowns. Drew Bledsoe passed for one. Sam Adams ran back a Brady interception for another. Brady finished with a 22.5 passer rating.

Buffalo's roster has four players who were around then. Kelsay and kicker Rian Lindell made their NFL debuts. Punter Brian Moorman was there. Cornerback Terrence McGee was on the team but inactive for the game.

New England went on to win its second Super Bowl in three years. Buffalo finished 6-10.

Kelsay said he can't help but daydream about what it would be like to play for a winning organization such as the Patriots.

"I've thought about that before," Kelsay said. "You think what it would be like to be in their shoes. They're winning week in and week out. Anybody that's been in this league for an extended period of time and has lost more games than they've won, I think it's human nature to be curious about that.

"We need to get there. There's no way to beat around it. It's just something we haven't done around here, and somehow, some way we have to win more football games."

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Some quick first-half thoughts from Ralph Wilson Stadium, where the Miami Dolphins lead the Buffalo Bills 10-3 at the break:

• Miami's big-ticket newcomers, receiver Brandon Marshall and linebacker Karlos Dansby, have influenced the game greatly. Marshall has six receptions for 44 yards. Dansby has been credited unofficially with five tackles and a sack to end Buffalo's opening possession.
• Dolfans better hope this isn't a regular occurrence. With about four minutes to go until halftime, Brandon Marshall broke free behind cornerback Leodis McKelvin. Chad Henne undrethrew Marshall, who dropped what should have been about a 40-yard gain.
• Henne is 13 of 18 for 128 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions.
• Trent Edwards is 6 of 10 for 35 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions.
• After talking up the fact he had three starting-caliber running backs, Bills coach Chan Gailey opened the game intent to pass, with a no-tight end, four-receiver set (counting rookie C.J. Spller) and Fred Jackson in the backfield. Fans booed the Bills' offense with 5:22 left in the first quarter.
• The Bills didn't emphasize the run until the second quarter, and it worked. On one drive, Marshawn Lynch had a 15-yard run, and Jackson had a 9-yard run. The drive ended with a 51-yard Rian Lindell field goal.
• Previous head coach Dick Jauron probably doesn't try to kick from that long. He never showed much faith in Lindell. Gailey obviously likes him and sent him on the field for an unsuccessful 63-yard try at the end of the first half.
• Miami's Pro Bowl kicker, Dan Carpenter, missed from 46 yards late in the first half.
• Buffalo has had problems stopping Miami on third and long. Miami has two third-and-10 plays.
• Bills safety Jairus Byrd has been used in obvious passing situations only. The Pro Bowler has been slowed by his recurring groin injury.
• There was a half-hearted union salute before kickoff. A smattering of players from either sideline imitated Thursday night's index-finger-in-the-air gesture from Thursday night's game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints in the Superdome.

With all 32 teams wrapping up their preseason schedules Thursday night, here are a few quick hits from each AFC East game:

Detroit Lions 28, Buffalo Bills 23

• Trent Edwards was efficient in his one quarter, completing all four of his passes for 66 yards, including a 50-yard strike down the left sideline to Lee Evans.
• But because Edwards is so inconsistent and injury-prone, backup quarterback remains a big question mark. Ryan Fitzpatrick had the night off. Brian Brohm played less than two quarters and completed 7 of 15 passes for 78 yards and an interception that was tight end J.P. Foschi's fault.
• Bills kicker Rian Lindell is in midseason form. He nailed field goals from 47, 50 and 41 yards. Remember when former coach Dick Jauron shied from letting Lindell try long kicks?
• The Bills still have a tough decision to make at receiver. Chad Jackson had a game-high five catches for 59 yards, but hobbled off the field late. James Hardy, a 2008 second-round pick, was targeted seven times but made three catches for 23 yards in the second half.

New York Giants 20, New England Patriots 17

• Rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski is becoming a folk hero. He caught his fourth touchdown of the preseason, a 5-yard toss from Tom Brady on their first drive. The touchdown wasn't as eye-popping as Gronkowski's first two, but he did have a defender hanging on him.
• New England's first-team defense looked shaky again. Eli Manning marched right through them, going 86 yards on nine plays for a touchdown to open the game. The Giants' starters picked up two more easy first downs on the second possession before punting.
• Running back Laurence Maroney finally got some action after being a bystander the previous two games: nine carries for 32 yards. Uninspiring. For the record, Fred Taylor started the game.
• Rookie Devin McCourty bounced back from an awful performance in the previous game, and that's a good sign with veteran Leigh Bodden sidelined for the season. McCourty played only two series but made three tackles and had a pass defensed.

New York Jets 21, Philadelphia Eagles 17

• Rookie running back Joe McKnight had a rough preseason. He lost his third fumble, and this one was returned 64 yards for an Eagles touchdown. Rex Ryan said McKnight will make the roster and be deactivated until he proves himself in practice.
• Had the Jets not used a fourth-round draft choice on McKnight, he'd be gone. He was outplayed by Chauncey Washington and Danny Woodhead. Washington ran 12 times for 56 yards, including a long of 22 yards. Woodhead had 12 carries for 45 yards and a 14-yard touchdown.
• Mark Brunell had an efficient game: 11-of-17 for 118 yards and touchdown passes to Santonio Holmes and Jeff Cumberland.
• Holmes had a busy night in what will be his last action for a month. He had four catches for 97 yards. His touchdown traveled 51 yards and came in the fourth quarter. Probably not fair to do to Philly reserves who won't be employed come Saturday. But Holmes will be out of commission while serving a four-game suspension.

Dallas Cowboys 27, Miami Dolphins 25

• The Dolphins had a nerve-racking sequence in the second quarter. Franchise left tackle Jake Long, my pick as the club's most indispensable player, got shaken up on a play when Chad Henne absorbed a blindside sack and fumbled. Four plays later, Sam Hurd beat cornerback Sean Smith for a 43-yard touchdown.
• Tyler Thigpen, not Pat White, received the prime mop-up duty after Henne and Chad Pennington took their turns. Thigpen did well. He was 10-of-18 for 160 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He ran three times for 20 yards.
• Only 12 rushing attempts for Dolphins running backs, but 39 passes. Not sure what it means. Maybe coach Tony Sparano just wanted to let Pennington and Thigpen air it out. Maybe the Dolphins didn't want to waste their backs. But I doubt that ratio is a blueprint for the regular season.
• Tough decision coming at receiver, even after the Greg Camarillo trade. Patrick Turner (one catch for 29 yards) was a third-round pick last year, but hasn't produced as much as undrafted rookies Marlon Moore (4 catches, 31 yards and a touchdown) or Roberto Wallace (3 catches, 59 yards and a touchdown).

Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey revealed Wednesday safety Jairus Byrd had groin surgery for a third time in the past 13 months and will be out indefinitely.

The problem is related to the sports-hernia surgery Byrd underwent before the end of last season. Still, Byrd managed to intercept nine passes in just 14 games (11 starts) and tied for the NFL lead. He was selected for the Pro Bowl but couldn't play.

"It looks like he's going to be out for a while," Gailey said. "We're hoping first game, but it may be not."

Buffalo's prospects for 2010 were dim enough without their roster being ravaged by injuries.

For context on how rough training camp has been, here's a loosely comprised list of their top few players, not counting punter Brian Moorman or kicker Rian Lindell.

• Wide receiver Lee Evans: healthy.
• Running back Fred Jackson: out four to six weeks with a broken hand.
• Running back Marshawn Lynch: out three to four weeks with a sprained ankle.
• Inside linebacker Paul Posluszny: missed first two weeks and preseason opener after groin surgery ... expected to play Thursday night against Indianapolis Colts.
• Cornerback Terrence McGee: healthy.
• Safety Jairus Byrd: out indefinitely after groin surgery.
• Running back C.J. Spiller: healthy ... not sure yet where the rookie should rank on this list, but he belongs.

Did I forget anybody? Maybe you can put defensive lineman Marcus Stroud in there somewhere. He's also healthy.

Also hurt for the Bills: receivers David Nelson (leg), James Hardy (foot) and Marcus Easley (knee) and linebacker Chris Kelsay (shoulder).

Left tackle Demetrius Bell (knee) and right guard Eric Wood (leg) have been moved along cautiously as they recover from injuries suffered last year. Both are expected to play Thursday night.

ESPN.com NFL Power Ranking (pre-camp): 31

PITTSFORD. N.Y. -- Of any preseason prediction I can make, the one I'm most confident in is that the Buffalo Bills will finish fourth in the AFC East.

That slot would be neither general manager Buddy Nix's nor head coach Chan Gailey's fault. The problems they inherited have set the course for 2010.

But they are setting a tone for the long-term future the players can respect.

Gailey is trying to establish a new culture with his first training camp. He wants people to use two adjectives that haven't been associated with the Bills for a long time: tough and disciplined.

"He's very particular about things and how he wants them done," Bills receiver Lee Evans said. "We haven't really had that for a while here, with the head man running the show. You understand what he's trying to get done."

Gailey has kept his players in full pads at St. John Fisher College. Previous coach Dick Jauron rarely had his players in complete gear at camp.

Gailey believes players should be in pads and tested both physically and mentally. He's in a discovery phase not only about what he'll be able to work with on Sunday afternoons, but also keepers who will help him build a long-term foundation.

"When you actually have those shoulder pads on, mouthpiece in, chinstrap buckled up and you have to get off a block to make a play," safety George Wilson said, "that really shows the true testament of a real football player.

"That's what our coaching staff needs, a new staff that's coming in to evaluate this entire team and be able to put the best 53 men together for this 2010 season. I like what we’re doing. It's going to make us a lot more physical, a lot tougher, a lot more mentally prepared, and I have a positive outlook about it."

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Can quarterback Trent Edwards capitalize on another opportunity? Bills fans seemed to be pulling for Brian Brohm to emerge as the favorite to win the starting quarterback job. A major reason is they haven't seen him truly fail yet -- unlike Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Yet, after several months working with his quarterbacks, Gailey liked Edwards best and installed him as the No. 1 quarterback to begin training camp. The battle remains open, but with Fitzpatrick and Brohm sharing reps with the backups and surrendering a few here and there to rookie Levi Brown, it's Edwards' job to lose. Based on Edwards' medical chart (combined with Hot Issue No. 2 below), there are no guarantees.

But Edwards has yet to get a fair shot to prove what he can do. He has experienced plenty of chaos since the Bills drafted him in the third round in 2007. Gailey is the first offensive-minded head coach Edwards has played under. Last year, offensive coordinator Turk Schonert got fired 10 days before the season, the Bills jettisoned both starting tackles (two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and the most experienced member of the offensive line, Langston Walker) from the season before and endured a futile no-huddle experiment.

Gailey has run successful offenses everywhere he has been. This finally could be a legitimate chance for Edwards to show what he can do.

2. How will the Bills survive without proven offensive tackles? The Bills aren't known for their pass rush, but it was apparent in the early days of practice their offensive tackles were overmatched in pass protection. For their safety, quarterbacks wear red jerseys to remind oncoming defenders not to hit them. Good thing, or else the Bills might have needed to sign some replacements already.

While some front offices believe guards are fungible and tackles vital, the Bills have operated contradictorily in recent years. They've drafted guards within the first two rounds (Eric Wood and Andy Levitre) and paid big bucks for a free agent (Derrick Dockery) while declining to draft a tackle earlier than the fifth round since 2002.

Left tackle Demetrius Bell has been limited in 11-on-11 drills because he's recovering from knee surgery. He received his first snaps Sunday. His replacement, Jamon Meredith, has been overwhelmed at times. The other tackles likely to make the 53-man roster -- Cornell Green, Kirk Chambers and rookie Ed Wang -- have looked ordinary at best.

3. What will happen with vacillating pass-rusher Aaron Schobel? He spent the entire offseason at his home in Texas, perhaps playing possum. He didn’t return to the Bills' facility to collect his roster bonus or participate in offseason workouts. He told some media outlets he was all but retired.

Then, on the verge of camp, the two-time Pro Bowler with a $6 million base salary expressed a change of heart. Schobel might want to play after all. Or maybe he's posturing for a trade, threatening to show up a month before the regular season despite failing to attend so much as a chalk-board session on the team's transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4.

On Monday morning, the Bills provided a nebulous answer: In a news release, Nix announced the team is moving forward with plans that do not include Schobel.

Nix said: “Aaron has been contemplating retirement for the past seven months, but we are at the point where we are moving forward and have informed his agent of our plans.”

Schobel can improve the defense with his talents, but the team is rebuilding and going through a defensive transformation he has demurred from. If they cut him, then they forfeit an asset. A trade appears to be the best option to me.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Wide receiver Steve Johnson was an afterthought when the Bills drafted him in the seventh round three years ago. But the front office was quietly confident he would be a player someday. After getting buried on a depth chart that no longer includes Terrell Owens and Josh Reed, Johnson might be ready to emerge. Johnson opened camp as the starting No. 2 receiver opposite Evans. That puts James Hardy on the spot. The Bills took him in the second round the same year they drafted Johnson.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Rookie running back C.J. Spiller, the ninth overall draft choice, still hasn't been signed. Reports indicate it might be a while before he's under contract. The players around him in the draft order have come to terms, but Spiller was the first running back off the board and was considered the most electric playmaker in the draft. His agent, Gary Wichard, certainly is hammering home that point every time he speaks to the Bills. While it's true running backs can afford to miss practice more than other positions because their role is so reactionary, Spiller is more than that. The Bills also consider him a receiver, and that makes practice time more precious for learning the nuances of Gailey's offense.

OBSERVATION DECK

• The atmosphere at St. John Fisher College has been lifeless. It hasn't mattered whether it's morning, afternoon, night, weekday or weekend. The few fans who have shown up are silent.
• Fitzpatrick has been plagued by interceptions through the first few days of camp. Bills defenders seem to have developed a strong read on where he's going to throw.
• Gailey has mandated knee braces at practice for the offensive linemen, whether they've had injuries or not. He has been doing that since he began working with O-line coach Joe D'Alessandris at Georgia Tech in 2002. The players can opt out of the knee braces for games if they don't like how they feel.
• The Bills' defensive backs have sensational hands. In every drill I watched, it was rare to see a ball hit the ground.
• Left cornerback Leodis McKelvin has demonstrated lapses in concentration. He seemed lost in a passing drill Saturday, getting beaten by Hardy for an easy touchdown. Secondary coach George Catavolos had trouble getting McKelvin's attention afterward for some instruction. Soon after, McKelvin was dropping punts in a return drill.
• Inside linebacker Kawika Mitchell told me the unit relies on free-agent acquisition Andra Davis' insight when it comes to 3-4 questions. That also goes for inside linebackers coach DeMontie Cross, who hasn't coached an NFL 3-4 before.
• Mitchell on the 3-4: "It gives you more freedom. It allows you to showcase your ability a lot more. It's going to be a lot more fun."
• Brian Moorman and Rian Lindell are one of the NFL's best punter-kicker combos. The Bills didn't bother to bring in any additional legs.
• Wood is a head knocker. His quick return from a shattered left leg and no-nonsense demeanor on the field will make him popular in Buffalo.
• After obstructed media views on the opening day, the Bills did a fine job of reorganizing their access areas to allow better viewing of 11-on-11 drills.
• Outside linebacker Aaron Maybin has a body shape that stands out the moment you see him. Maybin looks like a Wii character, with a tiny waist that flares upward toward his shoulder pads. He told me his waist is 36 inches, but in pads it seems like a 28.
• I focused on the tight ends at the blocking sled Friday morning. I saw why sophomore Shawn Nelson is viewed as more receiver than blocker. He looked considerably less powerful than the rest. While Derek Schouman, Jonathan Stupar and Michael Matthews jacked the sled, Nelson merely budged it. Nelson is listed at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds. Only Matthews is larger at 6-4 and 270.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills wrapped up their three-day minicamp Friday and broke for the summer. Here are some random thoughts from their five practices ...

• It was difficult to get any kind of idea what the offense will look like. Not only did head coach Chan Gailey rotate his top three quarterbacks through first-team rotations, but he also did the same with his skill players. For example, in a seven-on-seven drill Thursday afternoon, Trent Edwards took the "first-team" reps, but his touchdown passes went to Chad Jackson and undrafted rookie David Nelson.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/David DupreyIf Chan Gailey knows who his starting quarterback will be, he didn't tip his hand during minicamp.
• I'm no scout, but I thought Edwards looked better than Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm. Edwards threw a nice ball and didn't seem to make as many mistakes as Fitzpatrick and Brohm did.
  
  Brohm did close out the last practice well. Shortly after throwing an interception right to linebacker Andra Davis, he came back in a two-minute drill and found Donald Jones for a touchdown on the final play of minicamp.
• Wide receiver James Hardy, the 41st overall pick two years ago, looked like he still was getting into shape. Gailey said Friday that Hardy had been slowed down this spring but didn't say why. Turns out Hardy underwent sports hernia surgery after last season and couldn't work out for six weeks, a league source said.
• Buffalo's defensive backs have incredible hands. There's an old saying that if defensive backs could catch, then they would be wide receivers. But when I watched the Bills' secondary go through individual drills, the ball rarely touched the turf.
• Running back Marshawn Lynch didn't look obviously out of place for having missed almost every voluntary offseason workout, but Gailey noted Lynch was behind the rest of the offense in terms of knowing the playbook."I don't think he's caught up," Gailey said. "You can't miss that much and be caught up, but he seems to be a fairly quick study."
• Aaron Schobel still appears on Buffalo's roster at outside linebacker, even though the two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher hasn't shown up all spring or summer and came close to announcing his retirement two weeks ago. Gailey called the July 29 start to training camp a "natural" deadline."
  
  Our stance hasn't changed," Gailey said. "Nothing has changed. We would have liked to have him here, but he chose not to. He's got a tough decision in his life to make, and we understand that. It's not like we don't understand. We do. He'll have a lot of catching up to do when he gets here."
• Left tackle Demetrius Bell sat out the entire offseason while recovering from knee surgery, but Gailey said Bell will be ready to participate when training camp opens.
• The Bills have one of the league's best kicker-punter combinations in Rian Lindell and Brian Moorman. The club didn't bother to bring in any other legs. The Bills didn't spend much time practicing field goals, but when they did Lindell was perfect, hitting from as deep as 53 yards by my spot.
• Compared to the other AFC East workouts I attended, the Bills were quieter and more reserved -- probably due to the fact they're installing a new offense and learning a 3-4 defense. The Miami Dolphins have that militaristic feel under barking head coach Tony Sparano, while the New York Jets are highly animated with a lot of trash talk going back and forth between the offense and defense.