Two Bills Drive

‘In his letter to the players, Williams made it clear that he wasn’t impressed by their 41-percent participation in offseason workouts a year ago. He said he expected everyone here this time – not just for minicamp but the 16-week offseason. He was especially tough on the offensive linemen.’

‘Perhaps it’s inevitable. Lose four consecutive Super Bowls and even the coaches of girls high school basketball teams in California will invoke the Buffalo Bills as what not to emulate.’

‘"There was speculation (in the media) that there would be a small turnout, but that’s not what I expected," Williams said. "I expect 100 percent and I thought the guys would be excited, just like they are. They can’t wait to get started."’

‘Here are my top five…Jim Kelly…Joe Ferguson…Jack Kemp…Doug Flutie…Frank Reich…’.

‘"I guess you need someone you believe is going to be the guy, and, for me, it’s a situation I’ve been looking for for 17 years."’

Did somebody say agressive? "…if the quarterback isn’t throwing, ducking or running after a count of three after the ball is snapped, he has too much time."

‘Since free agency signing period started on March 2, the Chargers have issued contracts worth an estimated $100 million. Or, roughly, the same number of people predicting the diminutive Flutie, 38, would never survive in the NFL.’

‘"Everyone gets caught up in Doug’s mobility, and that is a big part of the way he plays,” Turner said. "But he is a very, very good passer. He does a good job throwing from the pocket."’

‘Flutie is more than just a piece of the puzzle here. He looks to be a perfect fit.’

‘With Leaf, the Chargers hoped they had a quarterback. With Flutie, they know.’

‘Chargers director of ticket sales Jerry McBurney said that as a result of the Flutie signing the club sold about 100 new season tickets yesterday. "The phones have been ringing off the hook and the lobby has been full of people," McBurney said.’

‘Former Titans safety Marcus Robertson said last night that while several teams have shown interest in his services he’d like to wind up in either the Oakland Raiders or Buffalo Bills. He plans to visit both cities next week.’

‘"The people of Buffalo, the fan support that I had there, the organization, the players on the team, it was just a great, great three years and a lot of fun," Flutie said.’

‘And Antowain Smith, who lost his starting job last season, asked to be traded and was expected to be a salary-cap victim but survived last week’s cuts, is part of new coach Gregg Williams’ plans.’

‘One potential problem for Doug Flutie in San Diego: The Chargers want him to start for next season but he says he has three or four good years left in him as an effective NFL QB.’