Two Bills Drive

‘"I think he’s starting to get a good feel for it," general manager Tom Donahoe said of Johnson. "He played with a lot of courage and a lot of effort. He has all the tools. … He’s definitely a quarterback that can win a lot of games for us." Whether he ever wins more than Flutie, however, remains to be seen.’

‘NFL Films is doing a “Where are they now?” on Saban on the sidelines at Chowan and ESPN also is doing a feature on Saban’s nomadic career.’

‘As of today, Flutie is 34-16 as a starter … making it all the more curious that he’s with his fourth NFL team in eight seasons.’

‘Rob Johnson knows fans on both sides of the Great Quarterback Controversy have been pointing to Sunday since the National Football League released its 2001 schedule last spring. He also knows that the debate over the relative worth of he and Doug Flutie won’t end after the Buffalo Bills visit the San Diego Chargers won’t end there, whatever the outcome. “Fans are going to support who they want to support,” Johnson said, referring to the Flutiephiles who won’t, or can’t, move on. “I don’t think this will change anything.”

‘Wilson’s position is that the firing was justified by Phillips’ failure to carry out a required task. And that’s hard to argue. While Phillips gets high marks for allegiance to a staffer, he still, according to Wilson, disobeyed the man paying his salary.’

‘"(Bills owner) Mr. Ralph C. Wilson didn’t like Doug Flutie. Period," said Chargers assistant general manager A.J. Smith, who spent the past 14 years in Buffalo. "He didn’t like Doug at all. Ralph Wilson thinks he is a personnel guy, and he really doesn’t have a clue. He wanted Doug Flutie cut and gone his first camp."’

‘Asked the difference between Rob Johnson, the quarterback Buffalo kept in the offseason, and Doug Flutie, the quarterback Buffalo released, Chargers wideout Tim Dwight said: “Doug’s good; Rob (stinks).”‘

‘Flutie continues to be beloved here in far greater degree than the Bills could have anticipated when they made the decision after last season that freed the quarterback to be acquired by the Chargers. Flutie is “the Magic Man.” He is the quarterback considered, literally, to have saved the Buffalo franchise. And the “Flutie Fanatics,” who are legion, won’t let anyone forget it.’

‘At 28, Johnson is in his seventh NFL season. If he is going to establish himself, he must do it soon. His failure would represent a major setback to the Bills’ rebuilding program. Should the team sever him, he would count $11.7 million next season against the team’s salary cap. In the event he is retained — by far the more likely circumstance — he still counts $5 million.’

‘The Chargers’ linebacker corps took another hit yesterday when backup Sam Rogers was forced from practice with an injured right hand. “Sam had a dislocated top joint in his thumb,” coach Mike Riley said. “James (Collins, the team’s trainer) wanted a doctor to look at it. The first indication was that it won’t slow him down being ready for the ballgame (Sunday vs. the Bills).”‘

‘San Diego’s No. 21 ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing with 544 yards in six games. And he’s the foundation of the ball-control attack Chargers offensive coordinator Norv Turner loves. The Chargers lead the NFL in time of possession, controlling the ball an average of 32 minutes, 34 seconds.’

‘"When I think of a 40-year-old man, I think of a guy who has put this part of his life behind him," he said. "But I don’t picture myself in that light. You’re as young as you feel, and right now I feel great."’

‘Doug Flutie was always about one thing. Doug Flutie.’

‘Reserve Jon Carman will be forced to start at right tackle because rookie starter Jonas Jennings is listed as doubtful with a sprained arch. Carman has the unenviable task of blocking ex-Bill Marcellus Wiley, the Chargers’ left defensive end. Carman was cut at the end of preseason, then signed to the Bills’ practice squad. He was added to the active roster just before the Pittsburgh game.’

‘Steve Tasker received some long-distance words of appreciation at the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony Wednesday in HSBC Arena. The former Buffalo Bills’ special teams standout was one of 11 inducted into the hall. Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly introduced Tasker. Ex-teammates unable to make the festivities, including punter John Kidd and quarterback Frank Reich, sent their regards through the mail. Kidd didn’t get points for brevity, sending Tasker a four-page letter.’