Two Bills Drive

‘The defense rests. So should Spanos. He should stop his search for a general manager before it begins. He should do what’s best for his team and what’s right for his organization. He should hire John Butler. Now.’

‘While his back is still not fully healed, his mind is at ease. In his last seven games, Wiley has been in on 57 tackles, including a career-high 17 against New England, and recorded 7 1/2 sacks.’

‘"It’s been said I was looking to get out," said Butler, "but that’s totally incorrect. My contract expired Feb. 28; two days later free agency starts. Most clubs have to have people in place and prepared the minute free agency opens. There wasn’t going to be any type of advantage for me."’

‘Arrogant. Can you believe that? I know I’m good. I know I’m pretty. And, OK, maybe I shouldn’t have told all that stuff to that Sports Illustrated guy about Mushhead (Mushhead — heh, heh, heh, I kinda like that one), but that doesn’t mean I’m arrogant.’

‘With the John Butler era in Buffalo officially over, the final chapter of the Doug Flutie saga might soon be written as well.’

‘"My focus this week is on this ballgame," said Phillips, who is rumoured to be next in line for owner Ralph Wilson Jr.’s axe after Buffalo wraps up the regular season in Seattle on Saturday night at Husky Stadium.’

‘They are traveling cross country to play the Seahawks in a game that has none of the meaning Phillips had hoped it would have. But jobs for 2001, including his, are at risk.’

‘But the facts are these: Wilson’s contract offers weren’t competitive.’

‘Now that he’s going [to Seattle this weekend], rumors are running rampant that Wilson may decide — based on what happens in Seattle — Phillips’ future this weekend.’

‘"I had an excellent working relationship with John, just as I had a great working relationship with his predecessor, Bill Polian," Levy said when asked about that scenario. "I have great regard for John. Yes, that would be a desirable situation, but I don’t even want to speculate about that."’

‘The Bills reportedly will be $11 million over the adjusted salary cap for 2001 and will have to pay big money to retain free agents Eric Moulds and Marcellus Wiley. The team will have to cut several high-priced veterans and is unlikely to have any money to attract any significant free agents.’

‘When asked about the speculation that he would be courted by other teams, specifically the Chargers, Butler said: "I didn’t even have a chance to think about anything besides the Buffalo Bills. They were my team for 14 years."’

‘A month ago, the Bills were 7-4 and in the thick of the playoff hunt. They’ve since lost four straight for the first time in 15 years, been decimated by injuries, and are playing out the season in a mean-nothing game at Seattle.’

‘After four Super Bowls, 15 seasons and 941 catches in Buffalo, this is what the once-magical hands of Andre Reed have been reduced to. And each time a picture of Reed in a Bills uniform slides into his hand, it seems to make him a little sad.’

‘Chargers president Dean Spanos has said he would consider hiring a new general manager if the right man became available. That might have happened yesterday.’