‘One significant difference between Williams and Belichick is that the Pats coach has the final say in all New England player personnel decisions. Williams must defer to Bills’ GM Tom Donahoe. And Williams wouldn’t have it any other way. “The first thing about this job is that I’m doing it here with Tom,” Williams said. “I think football’s like any other business. You have to be able to work together. If you can, anything else doesn’t matter."’
Archives for November 11, 2001
The old master
‘It’s known as the look of love, and that admiring gleam is never so apparent as when Patriots coach Bill Belichick is asked to address the unusual longevity of Otis Smith. Not only has the 36-year-old cornerback avoided the sort of decline that normally begins nipping at players in his position at a much younger age.’
Trying for a home run
‘Forget the bogus 18-man injury report Bill Belichick put out for reasons he never will explain. When the Patriots start the second half of the season today against the Buffalo Bills, the majority of those 18 will play. In fact, many of them didn’t even know they were injured when asked.’
Refresh your memories of a record-setting Patriots ground game
‘In 1976, the Patriots rushed for 2,948 yards and averaged a phenomenal 5.0 yards per rush. 1n 1978, when they set the 16-game record for total yardage, they averaged 4.7 yards per carry. With those marks, they established themselves as one of the best teams ever at running the ball, even though it didn’t stay in the minds of some of their fans for very long.’
Hot QB battle could be fiery camp story
‘The Drew Bledsoe-Tom Brady competition at quarterback will not be a problem in the second half of a season that has begun with a surprisingly decent 4-4 record for the Patriots and a remarkable 4-2 run for Brady. But there is a real chance it will flare up next summer, when all things will again be equal.’
Bills say farewell to obnoxious Foxboro
‘The Patriots begin play in a shiny new facility being built next door starting in 2002. For many players, it’s good riddance to the old place, but for some it’s a fond farewell. After all, this has been the scene of some of the most memorable games in Bills’ history, a college-type atmosphere that will soon be lost in the name of corporate suites and seats with cup holders.’
Q & A with Bryce Fisher
‘Q: What’s the worst thing about football? A: "The losing. I hate losing, I’ve never been good at it, it’s terrible. I don’t recommend it for anybody. We put so much effort into it, you put everything into trying to be good."’
Scouting report
‘Protect Johnson. It’s the same old story, but here we go again. The guy can play if his line just gives him a chance.’