Archives for October 27, 2000

‘Jets coach Al Groh, unhappy with the play of his safeties, seems prepared to make a lineup change for Sunday’s game against the Bills (3-4). It’s believed starting FS Kevin Williams will be replaced by Scott Frost, who came off the bench in the last two games. Special teams star Chris Hayes, who has been waiting for his shot on defense, also is practicing at free safety this week and he could split time with Frost in the game.’

‘Bills’ coach Wade Phillips is hoping his team can take advantage of any Jets fatigue. "It was an unbelievable game," Phillips said of the Jets’ comeback over Miami. "I watched until it was 30-7. I expected to see (the Jet loss result) in the paper and it wasn’t there. Of course, I thought Dewey won, too. "It was great win, a great game. I’ve looked at the film a bunch of times and even though we have it on tape it’s still amazing what they did, scoring 30 points in one quarter. "I’ve said all along the Jets have tremendous leaders with tremendous heart on their football team and it shows," Phillips went on. "And, of course Al Groh has done a great job coaching them."’

‘Coleman had three interceptions Monday night, two of them on the same drive in overtime (he fumbled one away). The last one led to John Hall’s game-winning field goal. Coleman nearly had a fourth interception, but he dropped a ball earlier in the game. He is now second on the team in interceptions behind Victor Green, who has four. "If I had three picks, I might retire," Glenn said. "They say they come in bunches, so if you have three, you can’t retire, because you might get four and five." That could happen on Sunday because Coleman figures to be defending against the Bills’ go-to receiver, Eric Moulds, when the teams play in Buffalo. Moulds is Buffalo’s leading receiver and has already caught 53 passes for 695 yards. That is almost 20 more receptions than any Jet has. Part of Coleman’s drop in statistics reflects the fact that opposing offenses avoid throwing to his side of the field. But because Moulds is such an integral part of the Buffalo offense, Coleman is confident he will have plenty of work.’

‘When asked whether he felt he could sway Bills coach Wade Phillips with strong play while Johnson is out (likely for at least two more games), Flutie said it was unlikely. "I don’t have any control over that decision," Flutie said. "I’m going to just try to play the best I can play and if it makes it difficult on them to make a decision, great. But I don’t think there’s going to be a decision to be made no matter what I do."’

‘"It just depends on how well they play," Flutie said. "Yes, they had one less day to heal up, so maybe (Wednesday’s) practice was a little bit sluggish, but that’s about it. After that, everything will be back on an even keel and they’ll be ready to go."’

‘Normally, in the midst of game-planning for the upcoming opponent, he doesn’t watch on Monday night. But since his team hosts the Jets Sunday, Phillips tuned in. "I get the tape at the 6 a.m. (the next day)," he said, "but I had it on because sometimes I can pick up audibles … which you can’t hear on the film. But (on the telecast) you also can’t see as well (the whole alignment of the 22 players) to analyze things as you can on film. "Really," Phillips added, "I was watching the game just to watch it, since we’re playing (the Jets) this week and we know each other so well." And even though he didn’t witness the finish live, Phillips sees nothing but good coming from the Jets’ remarkable comeback. "It can’t do anything but help," he said.’

‘Seven games into the season, he’s on pace to shatter a number of franchise records. His 53 receptions are 37 short of Reed’s mark set in 1994, and he is on track to eclipse his own 1998 record of 1,368 receiving yards. Moulds plays down his performance, saying it means little when the Bills (3-4) are struggling.’