‘It’s hard to predict what might happen tonight in this meaningless season finale for the Bills and Seahawks. With both teams out of the playoffs, they’re playing for pride and the chance to make one last final impression on their respective coaching staffs. Is that enough to warrant a well-played game?’
BillsBeat - December 23, 2000
Bills' future uncertain
‘To say there was an air of uneasiness in the Bills’ locker room this week, especially after Butler’s firing, is a huge understatement. The fact team owner Ralph Wilson Jr. decided to accompany the team west – he said it was to show his support for the team in Butler’s absence, others say it’s so he can fire coach Wade Phillips in person immediately after the game – hasn’t helped ease tensions.’
Meaningless game? Tell that to the Bills hoping to keep jobs
‘However, Phillips denies his job is on his mind. "I’m focused on this game, I’m coaching, I’m not even thinking (about my job)," he maintained. "(Owner) Ralph Wilson makes decisions based on what’s best for the Buffalo Bills. I’m sure he’ll make the right decision (on coaches)."’
Holmgren learns lesson in meaningless games
‘Mike Holmgren isn’t used to playing meaningless football games. The Seattle Seahawks’ head coach has worked 15 seasons in the National Football League and not until this year had he ever had a team involved in a losing season.’
More than a game at stake
‘Seahawks, 23-17.’
Seattle will pull out all the stops to contain Flutie
‘"I think, probably, Flutie is one of the best scrambling, creating quarterbacks who has ever played the game," said Seahawk defensive coordinator Steve Sidwell, acknowledging the headaches Flutie can cause an opposing coach.’
Capsule preview: Seahawks vs. Bills
‘Guard Ruben Brown was selected to his fifth straight Pro Bowl. Only Bill legends Bruce Smith (11), Andre Reed (7) and Steve Tasker (6) have earned more total Pro Bowl selections than Brown, a team captain this season.’
Holmgren plans another overhaul
‘There is a very real possibility that the Seahawks’ leading passer (Jon Kitna), receiver (Sean Dawkins) and rusher (Ricky Watters) could be gone after the season. Kitna is a free agent whom Holmgren is not expected to re-sign, while Dawkins and Watters might be let go in cost-cutting moves.’
Seahawks game preview
‘Pick: Bills, 27-20.’
Bills at Seahawks
‘Buffalo has lost four straight. Make it five. Seattle 27, Bills 20.’
Butler move is good for Bills
‘The Bills are a club that is stagnating right now. They finally made it back to the playoffs last season, but fell short of that mark this season, although injuries on defense can be argued as their downfall. But when you look closer, this is a franchise that needs to move in a positive direction.’
JOHNSON: BILLS' QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSY HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL
‘”I think I need an offseason just to rejuvenate my mind,” Johnson said. “It’s not easy playing quarterback here with the situation I’m in. It takes its toll. If it’s the same situation next year I’ve got to get ready to deal with it all over again.”‘
JOHNSON'S ELBOW HAS TEAR
‘Johnson had a magnetic resonance imaging test on his right elbow this week. “There is a slight tear in the ligament in my elbow,” he said. “I’ve had it for two years now.”‘
HEADS COULD ROLL IF BILLS THROW A STINKER IN SEATTLE
LAUGH TILL IT HURTS MORE THAN BILLS' EGOS ARE BRUISED AFTER 16 WEEKS OF FOOTBALL
‘”Every week, you can just say your platform drops as far as soreness,” said Wiley, who has been battling an elbow problem for the last six weeks. “Every week, consistently, overall you’re more sore than the week before and then depending on the game and the situation, how physical it was, it could be worse.”‘