Archives for December 23, 2000

‘If ever there was a run-for-the-bus game, this is it, though the Bills were saying all the right things this week as they prepared for their meeting with the Seahawks.’

‘But daily contact with Wilson, who didn’t necessarily tell him what to do, but who wanted to know every detail of what he was doing, wore Butler down.’

‘It’s hard to predict what might happen tonight in this meaningless season finale for the Bills and Seahawks. With both teams out of the playoffs, they’re playing for pride and the chance to make one last final impression on their respective coaching staffs. Is that enough to warrant a well-played game?’

‘To say there was an air of uneasiness in the Bills’ locker room this week, especially after Butler’s firing, is a huge understatement. The fact team owner Ralph Wilson Jr. decided to accompany the team west – he said it was to show his support for the team in Butler’s absence, others say it’s so he can fire coach Wade Phillips in person immediately after the game – hasn’t helped ease tensions.’

‘However, Phillips denies his job is on his mind. "I’m focused on this game, I’m coaching, I’m not even thinking (about my job)," he maintained. "(Owner) Ralph Wilson makes decisions based on what’s best for the Buffalo Bills. I’m sure he’ll make the right decision (on coaches)."’

‘Mike Holmgren isn’t used to playing meaningless football games. The Seattle Seahawks’ head coach has worked 15 seasons in the National Football League and not until this year had he ever had a team involved in a losing season.’

‘Seahawks, 23-17.’

‘"I think, probably, Flutie is one of the best scrambling, creating quarterbacks who has ever played the game," said Seahawk defensive coordinator Steve Sidwell, acknowledging the headaches Flutie can cause an opposing coach.’

‘Guard Ruben Brown was selected to his fifth straight Pro Bowl. Only Bill legends Bruce Smith (11), Andre Reed (7) and Steve Tasker (6) have earned more total Pro Bowl selections than Brown, a team captain this season.’

‘There is a very real possibility that the Seahawks’ leading passer (Jon Kitna), receiver (Sean Dawkins) and rusher (Ricky Watters) could be gone after the season. Kitna is a free agent whom Holmgren is not expected to re-sign, while Dawkins and Watters might be let go in cost-cutting moves.’

‘Pick: Bills, 27-20.’

‘Buffalo has lost four straight. Make it five. Seattle 27, Bills 20.’

‘The Bills are a club that is stagnating right now. They finally made it back to the playoffs last season, but fell short of that mark this season, although injuries on defense can be argued as their downfall. But when you look closer, this is a franchise that needs to move in a positive direction.’