‘After winning the Heisman and devouring the CFL for eight years, the big stage for Flutie now is the NFL, and it’s not the best of times, come to think of it. Rob Johnson has taken over the starting job with the 2-1 Buffalo Bills. Flutie, injured during training camp, hasn’t played a down yet, although he said he could. "I feel 100 percent. I’m ready to go. But I’ve felt that way for two weeks."’
BillsBeat - September 23, 2000
BillsBeat - September 22, 2000
Bills attempt to regain momentum
‘On the surface, the Bills are maintaining a stiff upper lip, citing their 2-1 record. Underneath, a sense of urgency has developed. Why else would coach Wade Phillips turn to sparingly used Jonathan Linton and relegate starting running back Antowain Smith to No. 3 on his depth chart? And what to make of defensive co-ordinator’s Ted Cottrell’s biting challenge issued to the Bills’ special team players? "Those rookies basically better get on the stick," Cottrell said. "If they give up a kickoff return for a lot or yards, that puts a big strain on the rest of the defence, so you better get your act together if you want to stay around here." So much for the rest and relaxation a bye week is supposed to bring. The bright side is that the Bills don’t get a chance to beat themselves this weekend.’
BillsBeat - September 21, 2000
Bills demote Smith in favor of Linton
‘The Bills saw enough of Smith through only three games and 34 carries to demote him in favor of Jonathan Linton for the big meeting with the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 1. "He’s a good player and he hasn’t gotten to play, and I think he’ll help give us a spark," Bills coach Wade Phillips said about Linton after announcing the move Wednesday.’
Hunter's Hope charity ball set for Dec. 1
‘Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino will be among the celebrity guests at the black-tie fund-raising event to kick off the annual candle campaign of the Hunter’s Hope Foundation. The organization was founded in 1997 by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, to fund research on Krabbe disease, a fatal genetic disorder that afflicts their son, Hunter.’
Flat Bills tap Linton for kick vs. Colts
‘Saying he’s looking for a "spark" for his anemic running game, Buffalo Bills coach Wade Phillips yesterday named Jonathan Linton as his starting running back for the Indianapolis Colts game Oct. 1. Headed to the bench is Antowain Smith, whose career has been in freefall since topping 1,000 yards two seasons ago.’
Bills Moore out 4-6 weeks with ankle sprain
‘Bills rookie linebacker Corey Moore will miss 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain, coach Wade Phillips said on Wednesday.’
Linton to replace Smith as Bills shuffle starting running backs
‘Linton, who has not carried the ball yet this year has been limited to special teams play while recovering from a rib injury, will take over for Antowain Smith following the bye week when the Bills host AFC East Division rival Indianapolis on Oct. 1. "We wanted to give Jonathan the opportunity," coach Wade Phillips said Wednesday. "We’re fortunate to have a number of quality backs that can help us win games and this is Jonathan’s chance to show what he can do as the starter."’
BillsBeat - September 19, 2000
Smith's time has ended as feature back
‘While the Bills rushed for only 80 yards in New York, significantly they averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Even more prophetically, it appears there’s been a switch at feature back. Against the Jets, Antowain Smith had only five carries for 13 yards, none in the final 28 minutes of the game. His place was taken by Shawn Bryson, last year’s third-round draft choice, who had 12 carries for 40 yards and lost a 21-yard run on a procedure penalty that had nothing to do with the gain. Through three games, Smith has a microscopic 72 yards on 34 carries and you get the idea the coaching staff is growing weary of making excuses for him.’
Bills Riemersma may miss 4-to-5 weeks with knee injury
‘Tight end Jay Riemersma, one of Buffalo’s most consistent clutch receivers, is expected to miss 4-to-5 weeks recovering from a damaged left knee ligament, his agent Jack Wirth said. "If there’s no complications, it’s probably going to take 4-to-5 weeks," Wirth told The Associated Press on Monday evening after Riemersma underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging exam earlier in the day. The good news, Wirth said, is that it appears surgery will not be required to repair the medial collateral ligament, and that Riemersma can begin rehabbing immediately. However, Wirth added, "You never know how these things go."’
The last word
‘"I think we made mistakes in just about every area you can make mistakes in," [Special Teams Coach Ronnie] Jones said. "(The players) have got to do a better job, I’ve got to do a better job and we’ve got to get it done in a hurry."’
Collins to replace ailing Riemersma
‘Collins will replace tight end Jay Riemersma, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee Sunday in the Bills’ 27-14 loss to the New York Jets. The Bills won’t know how severe Riemersma’s injury is until they get the results of a magnetic resonance imaging exam, which could happen today. However, it is believed he will miss 4-6 weeks.’
Smith's days as go-to back should be over
‘With a bye week available to get him ready for Indianapolis, the guess here is that it is Bryson’s time, that "running back by committee" may be over.’
Cap woes decimated special teams
‘Despite their obvious struggles, the Buffalo Bills will continue to use young, inexperienced players on special teams. Coach Wade Phillips said he has no choice. "They have to play," he said. "I think a lot of them are going to be good, so we’ve just got to keep going with them."’
Johnson loses a favorite target to injury
‘Tight end Jay Riemersma, one of the team’s few reliable offensive threats, suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee that will sideline him at least four weeks, general manager John Butler said.’
Maybe Bruce DeHaven wasn't the problem after all
‘I don’t know how Polian could have prevented the special teams breakdown that cost the Bills last season’s playoff game against Tennessee. I believe Phillips is doing a decent job (23-13 regular-season record) and I would describe Butler more as a life jacket than an anchor. The Bills had the NFL’s second-best record in the 1990s and Polian left after the 1992 season, which means most of the current Bills came aboard under Butler’s watch.’