Two Bills Drive

‘Local football hero Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, have broken ranks with The Giving Back Fund, a Boston-based nonprofit that manages celebrity charities, and a battle looms over more than $2 million the Fluties have raised and want to move to their own autism foundation.’

‘Here is a breakdown of the current off-season player moves by the Buffalo Bills and the likely impact they will have on the team in 2001.’

1. Nate Odomes, CB, Seahawks (1994)

Clayton’s take: The Seahawks brought him over after years of Pro Bowl performances with the Buffalo Bills but barely got him on the field. An offseason charity basketball game might have been the final straw in blowing out a knee, but the knee was ready to explode anyway from playing all those extra playoff games during the Bills’ Super Bowl streak. For the Seahawks, they paid the money but didn’t fix the cornerback position.

‘Friday, November 30, 2001 – Adam’s Mark on the Waterfront, Buffalo, NY. The Adam’s Mark & Hunter’s Hope Foundation present the 2nd Annual Hunter’s Hope Candlelight Ball. Celebrity appearances by Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, & The Warren Brothers. For more information, call (716) 667-1200.’

‘…the suddenly busy Patriots turned their focus to offense late Friday night, securing an agreement with FA G Joe Panos, a former starter coming off two injury-plagues seasons in a row. The seven-year veteran, who spent the past three seasons with the Bills, will sign a 2 year contract worth about $2 million.’

‘But Williams was especially blunt with his offensive linemen. He thinks some of them are too fat. He doesn’t believe they have been as unified as your typical offensive line. He said he wants them all in Buffalo for offseason conditioning. He’s issued them a challenge to their manhood, the verbal equivalent of a slap to the head from a pass rusher.’

‘"I’m impressed with some of the skill people we have," Williams said. "No doubt in my mind if you’ve had a chance to see Rob (Johnson) throw the way he threw in this camp that he’s going to be better. He’s excited. He’s got the coaching staff excited.’

‘He’s since become an accomplished NFL coach, having spent the last 11 seasons in the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans organization — the last five as defensive coordinator of one of the best defenses in the league.’

‘After three days of voluntary off-season conditioning team practice sessions, the Bills seem pretty pepped-up. Coaches are intense; players seem a little more animated. There is definitely a different feel to this team than Wade Phillips’ teams.’

Russ Lande's Mock draft has the Bills going for defensive line help, namely Richard Seymour   , DT   , Georgia.

‘Porter, 27, is a Fort Lauderdale native, which played a role in his decision to join the AFC East rival Dolphins.’

‘…They agreed to terms with Buffalo safety Daryl Porter on a two-year $1 million contract, according to a source…’.

‘Bills quarterback Rob Johnson said circle the date when he goes head-to-head with Doug Flutie, his former Buffalo teammate and nemesis who signed with the Chargers after being released two weeks ago.’

‘Background information on All-America center Dominic Raiola.’

Gary Horton writes: ‘While we were in Indianapolis for the combine we heard Buffalo took exceptional interest in Nebraska center Dominic Raiola. Apparently, that still is the case. Even though eight-year veteran Jerry Ostroski currently is Buffalo’s center, he was a tackle two years ago. There is a chance he could move back to right tackle, where the Bills have had trouble, and the team would insert Raiola into the starting lineup. . . . ‘