ORCHARD PARK - Some random reflections on the Bills’ 27-7 loss to the Saints on Sunday afternoon at “The Ralph:”

- Why didn’t Gregg Williams coach like that when he was the boss at Buffalo?

Williams spent three inglorious seasons with the Bills going 17-31 while putting off both the fans and media with what was perceived as arrogance.

It started in 2001 when, though inheriting a roster in transition under first-year president/general manager Tom Donahoe, Williams predicted that shortcoming would be overcome because he and his staff would “coach ‘em up.”

He also speculated his defense that season might just set the NFL record for sacks.

Instead Buffalo went 3-13, its worst record in 17 seasons and the Bills’ 34 sacks were the team’s fewest in seven years.

Maybe Williams’ problem was that Jerry Gray wasn’t nearly as gifted a defensive coordinator as he.

What’s certain is that when Gregg came to Buffalo, he left the Titans as the top defense in the NFL. Following his Buffalo stint, Williams, in four seasons at Washington, had the Redskins averaging sixth overall defensively in that span and, after one campaign in Jacksonville, has brought his attacking style to New Orleans.

And, on Sunday, his unit sacked Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards four times, picked off a pass and intimidated him back into Captain Checkdown mode.

In 12 possessions, the Bills had five three-and -outs, a four-and-out on downs plus the pickoff, earning Gregg a game ball from coach Sean Payton.

It’s not without irony that what could be argued as Williams’ greatest game at “The Ralph” came when he was coaching an opponent.

- Buffalo’s highlight play was punter/holder Brian Moorman’s 25-yard touchdown pass to defensive end Ryan Denney off a fake field goal.

“Five or six (Saints) came up to me before the game and told me not to try to pull anything,” Moorman recalled with a laugh. “And (afterward), Pierson Prioleau, a former teammate, said they were calling out the fake the entire time ... and it still worked.”

- As good a job as the Bills did on controlling Saints quarterback Drew Brees, the NFL leader in virtually every key passing stat, New Orleans merely found another weapon.

Running back Pierre Thomas missed the first two games with a tender knee and was held out the first half against the Bills.

“He had a little flu bug,” said Payton. “In pregame he wasn’t out there. We were trying to get him hydrated ... I was trying to see where he was at.

“In the second half he felt good enough and we started getting him some touches.”

Payton indicated the Bills “were playing a lot of nickel (five defensive back) defense, so we wanted to come out and run it a little bit more.”

“Little bit” indeed.

Thomas had a monster half, rushing 14 times for 126 yards including TD runs of 34 and 19 yards.

- Though the Bills’ offense teased us in the first two games, it’s worth noting that over the first three starts Buffalo’s attack has accounted for exactly four touchdowns. The defense has added two interception return scores and the special teams contributed Moorman’s TD toss.

Speaking of special teams, Sunday’s big play aside, coach Bobby April’s crew has been decidedly pedestrian early this season.

The kickoff return unit is averaging just under 22 yards and the punt return squad five yards per kick. Those two figures are just under and barely over the league average, respectively.

Kickoff specialist Leodis McKelvin had the infamous fumble at New England that handed the Pats the winning score and Roscoe Parrish’s bobbled punt set the Saints up for the field goal that put New Orleans up for good.

And, oh yeah, in three games, Buffalo’s special teams have amassed eight penalties including two each against rookies Nic Harris and Jairus Byrd.

(Chuck Pollock, the Times Herald sports editor, can be reached at cpollock@oleantimesherald.com)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bradfordera.com.

RKT wrote on Sep 30, 2009 3:09 PM:

" The Bills are just being the Bills. Disappointing, always teasing the devoted, always ready to revert to mediocrity. it'll be another 7-9 season at best. Another ho hum year for Bills fans yet again. Time to get a life! "

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Mike wrote on Sep 30, 2009 3:27 PM:

" small point - on Parrish's fumble - replay seemed clear to me that there was a facemask that was missed by the official. Snapped his neck - and he dropped the ball. "

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Brian wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:15 AM:

" Get used to this. Until Ralph kicks the bucket and a new owner, interested in more than just attendance, takes over we are toast. 10 years and no playoffs?? Ridiculous. By hiring these washed up has beens as coaches he merely puts a band aid on a gaping wound. Thanks Ralph, hope that senility is working out for you. "

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