Two Bills Drive

‘"For me what was more disappointing than the loss (to Tennessee in the wild-card playoff game) was to see all the players go in the offseason," Hansen said. "I thought we were on the verge of something special last year. "Those were major contributors to this team. That team will never be together as a team again."’

‘"I just have to stay away from getting hurt," Johnson said. "A lot of quarterbacks get hurt. The hits you take with the size of the guys that are hitting you, you are going to get bumps and bruises. "But you have to stay away from the major wounds." Johnson’s frailties are part of the reason the Bills don’t mind having Flutie waiting in the wings. It also is why in his heart, the former Argo believes he’ll get another shot at starting.’

‘Flowers’ agent Eric Metz refused to comment on negotiations when reached by The Associated Press. "I can’t really talk about it right now," Metz said. Bills general manager John Butler simply said talks are "ongoing." All of that leaves coach Wade Phillips in a bit of a lurch. "I want to say one more practice and he’s got to be here," Phillips said, worried about Flowers falling behind. "Each individual’s a little different as far as how long they could go without hurting them and consequently hurting the football team." Asked if Flowers will benefit from the time he spent attending the Bills’ two spring minicamps, Phillips said: "He was doing fine, but he won’t be OK for a while. I want him in here as quickly as he can."’

‘Those who are wondering who are the Bills’ "Next Three" better consult their spellchecker. Marcellus, Antowain and Peerless.’

‘The tough part for both Flutie and Johnson is that the subject remains so uncomfortable. They don’t have answers for the reason why Phillips made the switch at that time, and while they can peacefully coexist now that Johnson is the starter, both quarterbacks won’t feel comfortable again until the season ends and the results are in.’

‘It is down to the final two players. Jim Kelly vs. Steve Tasker. Who should survive? Who is most deserving of the title: Mr. Buffalo Bill. Here are the opinions of two fans. You decide who is right.’

‘The Buffalo Bills haven’t practiced at their new training camp at St. John Fisher College yet, but owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. already has proclaimed the move a success. The campus will make its official debut as the Bills’ summer home today. "We’re excited about being here," Wilson said during a news conference. "Everything looks fantastic."’

"Meanwhile, talks between the Bills and Flowers are continuing. Neither Butler nor Flowers’ agent, Eric Metz, could be reached for comment. Both had expressed confidence last week that an agreement would be made soon. Bills coach Wade Phillips said Flowers can’t afford a long layoff. "At some point it will hurt young players not to be here, but it’s not to that point right now," Phillips said. "It’s hard for both sides to get exactly what they want. But I’m not into the business side of it. I’m into the football part. Whoever’s out there, I’m going to coach them."’

‘Reed said he contemplated retirement but a chance to get that elusive Super Bowl ring was too hard to pass up. "I wanted to finish out on my own terms and come to a team that has a good rep, a good coach and good players and fit into a situation. It worked out for me. I’m happy to be here," he said.’

‘"We have a large stadium in Buffalo. And in the present environment of the National Football League, (Buffalo) is going to have a very difficult time supporting this franchise," Wilson said. "So we have to reach out to Rochester and Syracuse and across Western New York to establish ourselves as a Western New York franchise.’

‘New location. Revamped team. Combined, they made Wade Phillips feel like a rookie head coach again Thursday as the Buffalo Bills prepared to open training camp. "I’m excited about being here as I am every year, but I think even more so this year — it’s something new," said Phillips. "It seems like the first year I was here. The excitement is there because it’s something new. "I think that helps. I think that’ll help our football team respond the right way."’

‘Reed went to the Super Bowl four times with the Bills but never came home a winner. He believes Shanahan may help him get that elusive championship ring. "I just heard tremendous things about him from people around the league," Reed said. "It’s no secret that he’s a proven winner and what kind of show he runs here. He just wants guys to win, and that’s why I’m here. I told Mike that I just want to taste (winning a Super Bowl) one time. I think I had the best chance of doing that by coming here."’

‘Giancola will be trying to land the placekicking job currently held by veteran Steve Christie, but a more realistic outcome would have him handling strictly the kickoff duties…Bills coach Wade Phillips was impressed with Giancola’s performance during the team’s first mini-camp in the spring, but said the rookie faces a formidable task in unseating Christie. “Steve’s an awfully good kicker and has been for a long time,” said Phillips, measuring his words carefully. “I don’t know that Giancola can do that, but maybe he can do some things that we need. If he can help us with kickoffs, then he has a chance to make the team. But if he’s not a whole lot better than Steve as far as kickoffs are concerned, then I’d think he’d have a tough time making the team. But if he can, then he has a chance.”‘

‘”I have no choice but to deal with it and I will, I’ll be ready,” Flutie said. “Chances are I’m going to get a chance to step on the field at some point. In what capacity whether it’s filling in, mopping up or taking over for a segment of the season who knows? “But it is my job to be ready when that opportunity comes.”‘

‘At 9:30 a.m. Friday, the Bills will start their three-week training camp. As they settled in, the players gave the set-up at Fisher good reviews. "The facilities look beautiful," Flutie said. "I’m sure the crowds will be bigger down here in Rochester." Defensive end Marcellus Wiley was equally impressed. "When I drove up, it looked like a carnival over here," Wiley said. ". . . You can see it’s set up to be something big." The camp was put together by Fisher, the Bills and Wegman’s Food Markets Inc., the main sponsor. "This was my first look at the camp," said Wegmans CEO Robert Wegman. "I think Rochester is in for a treat."’