Archives for March 10, 2001

Did somebody say agressive? "…if the quarterback isn’t throwing, ducking or running after a count of three after the ball is snapped, he has too much time."

‘Since free agency signing period started on March 2, the Chargers have issued contracts worth an estimated $100 million. Or, roughly, the same number of people predicting the diminutive Flutie, 38, would never survive in the NFL.’

‘"Everyone gets caught up in Doug’s mobility, and that is a big part of the way he plays,” Turner said. "But he is a very, very good passer. He does a good job throwing from the pocket."’

‘Flutie is more than just a piece of the puzzle here. He looks to be a perfect fit.’

‘With Leaf, the Chargers hoped they had a quarterback. With Flutie, they know.’

‘Chargers director of ticket sales Jerry McBurney said that as a result of the Flutie signing the club sold about 100 new season tickets yesterday. "The phones have been ringing off the hook and the lobby has been full of people," McBurney said.’

‘Former Titans safety Marcus Robertson said last night that while several teams have shown interest in his services he’d like to wind up in either the Oakland Raiders or Buffalo Bills. He plans to visit both cities next week.’

‘"The people of Buffalo, the fan support that I had there, the organization, the players on the team, it was just a great, great three years and a lot of fun," Flutie said.’

‘And Antowain Smith, who lost his starting job last season, asked to be traded and was expected to be a salary-cap victim but survived last week’s cuts, is part of new coach Gregg Williams’ plans.’

‘One potential problem for Doug Flutie in San Diego: The Chargers want him to start for next season but he says he has three or four good years left in him as an effective NFL QB.’

‘One of the most beloved players in New England history, the former Natick and Boston College star fielded calls from Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, and Miami, but decided sunny Southern California was his best option.’

‘SportsLine.com has learned that the six-year contract that Doug Flutie signed with the team on Friday is structured more as a two-year deal. On paper, the contract is believed to be worth $28 million to $30 million, but is severely backloaded, with the final four years averaging somewhere in the area of $5 million annually.’

‘Flutie’s pretty excited, too, notwithstanding his $30.3 million, six-year deal that includes a $3 million signing bonus.’

‘The Washington Redskins on Friday signed lineman and long snapper Ethan Albright from the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Although neither side would discuss specifics, the contract is believed to be in $28 million to $30 million range, similar to what Brad Johnson got from Tampa Bay and Elvis Grbac got from Baltimore. The signing bonus is believed to be about $3 million.’