Vince Wilfork: 'We owe them one'

December 29, 2011|By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots haven’t been swept by a division rival since 2000 when they went 5-11 and the Jets and the Dolphins took Miami both took two games from them. After starting the season 4-2, a seven-game losing streak blew a hole in the Bills season, but if they have anything left to play for its sweeping the division champs. For that reason, the Patriots are cautious going into their season finale.

“We owe them one,”said Vince Wilfork. “They beat us earlier in the year. I’m pretty sure they’re riding high. They haven’t been beating us a lot lately, but I’m sure it would feel good for them to come in and sweep us. Regardless of the records, to be able to sweep a division rival is pretty sweet. I’m pretty sure they’re coming in here thinking they have a real good shot.”

The Bills came from behind to beat the Pats 34-31 in Week 3. Then Murphy’s Law kicked in. They signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to a $59 million extension. He threw eight interceptions in the next four weeks. Fred Jackson rung up 1,376 yards from scrimmage in the first 10 weeks, then broke a bone in his lower right leg. The low might have come when Stevie Johnson caught a touchdown against the Jets, celebrated by mocking Plaxico Burress by pretending shoot himself in the leg, then proceeded to drop what would have been the game-winning touchdown (he was also fined for the celebration).

At this point the Bills looking for any form of a high note to end the season on.

“It would definitely give us a lot of momentum going into the offseason, so we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Spiller said. “It’s not going to be easy because you know it’s not going to be a lock for them as well so these guys, I don’t remember last time a Patriots team has been swept. We’re not concerned about that. We’re just concerned about trying to play our best football.”