Archives for August 26, 1999

Wade Phillips: “We’re getting two quarterbacks ready … that’s all we’re doing. “When we finish preseason, we’ll be in great shape at quarterback … I don’t have any doubt. And there isn’t any more to it than that. I think people are trying to read more into it than there is.”

‘The simple truth is that, in today’s NFL, whether you designate a No. 1 or not, without two quality quarterbacks it’s tough to survive an entire season and remain in contention.’

‘Football has not been kind to Bill Kushner. He has been axed more times than a cord of wood.’

‘Coslet said [Akili] Smith could play Saturday when the Bengals face the Buffalo Bills in their preseason home opener, but only in the right circumstances. “I refuse to put him in there to fail,” he said. “I’m not going to put him in there when (reserve right tackle) Mike Doughty’s playing left tackle and Bruce Smith is still in there.’

‘[The Bills are] a solid football team across the board but short on the superstars that win championships. Wide receiver Eric Moulds is entering that zone, but both wideout Andre Reed and defensive end Bruce Smith are descending in the mid-30s. The Bills have been so good for so long that they haven’t drafted high enough to add those necessary blue-chippers.’

‘Bill Kushner admits it’s just about time he finds a real job. With standout veteran Chris Mohr back for a ninth season, the 29-year-old free-agent punter with the Buffalo Bills is sure to be among the first round of cuts Tuesday.’

‘”I think we have to wait until the preseason is over, see where we are and how they fit in. If we don’t get them both ready, we won’t be able to do those kinds of things. If I only say one guy’s the starter and we’re only getting one ready, the other guy’s going to be behind and I don’t want that.”‘