‘It’s difficult to imagine them keeping two high-priced quarterbacks for another year. Flutie is scheduled to count $7.75 million against the cap next year, according to figures obtained by The News. Rob Johnson is scheduled to count $8.29 million. Both are under contract for two more seasons.’
BillsBeat - December 22, 2000
BillsBeat - December 21, 2000
The secret diaries of Doug Flutie: I'm short and I'm good
‘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.’
One more song for Flutie
‘With the John Butler era in Buffalo officially over, the final chapter of the Doug Flutie saga might soon be written as well.’
Phillips dances the soft shoe
‘"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.’
Bills have tough road to victory
‘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.’
'If I can't hire you, I'll fire you'
‘But the facts are these: Wilson’s contract offers weren’t competitive.’
'Tis the season to be jittery
‘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.’
A Levy-Butler reunion not far-fetched
‘"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."’
Bills' new GM faces major problems with cap, offense
‘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.’
Butler interested if Chargers hire a GM
‘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."’
Butler's dismissal raises serious questions for Bills
‘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.’
Buffaloed
‘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.’
WILSON UPS THE ANTE ON PERFORMANCE
‘Wilson also might have taken his recent vote of confidence for coach Wade Phillips off the table. When Wilson was asked during his Tuesday news conference about the future of the coaching staff, he declined to reiterate his pro-Phillips stance. “As far as Wade and the coaching staff is concerned,” Wilson said, “I’m here today to talk about John Butler, not about the coaching staff. So I’d rather not comment.”‘
WILSON'S AX JUST MIGHT SWING AGAIN
‘Flying five uncomfortable hours to watch his quarterback get mugged, his blockers wave at blitzers and his ball carriers seldom make it more than a couple of yards past the line of scrimmage is not likely to make the boss’ back feel very good.’
BillsBeat - December 20, 2000
Is Butler on call for Chargers' GM job?
‘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.’