‘The reality of the situation is, however, that players are playing either for a chance to return next season or not.’
BillsBeat - December 17, 2000
Double header
‘The Bills at least have a reason for their problems. They’re really banged up on defense, having lost key defenders like Sam Cowart, Antoine Winfield and Sam Rogers for the duration.’
Pats' plan a puzzler
‘"The no-huddle has a place and we’ve shown we can use it. If we felt it would help by running it all the time, it’s something we wouldn’t hesitate to do."’
Pats, Bills play for pride . . . and a shot at a job next year
‘"Well, look at it this way. We definitely have more experience this season in games that mean nothing than the Bills. So I guess we’ll have to see how they react."’
It's not for the playoffs, but it's not a meaningless game
‘The Bills and Patriots play today at Ralph Wilson Stadium and, for the first time since 1987, neither team will be playing in the postseason.’
No QB controversy in Phillips's mind
‘There is no quarterback controversy as far as Wade Phillips is concerned. For as long as he remains coach of the Buffalo Bills, Rob Johnson will be the starter, and Doug Flutie the backup.’
A Quarterback Keeper In Foxboro
‘Bledsoe, who turns 29 on Valentine’s Day, has said he would like a contract with bonuses tied to the performance of the team, rather than to his performance.’
Patriots-Bills Preview
‘If Johnson cannot find Eric Moulds (88 catches, 13.6 yards per catch), then he basically runs for his life and hopes for the best.’
BILLS, PATS PLAY FOR PRIDE
‘”We’ve got two games left,” said Bills quarterback Rob Johnson. “I think we’re all playing for next year since the playoffs are gone. We’re trying to get a couple wins and end on a positive note that we can take into next year.”‘
BILLS AND PATRIOTS TRYING TO PROVE THEY'RE NOT DEAD ON ARRIVAL
‘The offense that gets out of its own way the best will win. . . . Bills, 23-17.’
SOMEONE WILL PAY BUTLER BIG BUCKS
‘Butler figures to be in high demand around the NFL when his contract with the Bills runs out after this season. The market value of the top general managers in the NFL is well above $1 million a year.’
CHILLY DRAFT BILLS' EARLY-ROUND SELECTIONS NEVER REALLY HEATED UP IN 2000
‘While the draft netted some promising talent, the overall impact of the eight-player rookie class of 2000 has been limited. Most coaches and general managers claim that you need two, maybe three years before you can judge draft picks. If that’s the case, it remains to be seen how many of the Bills’ rookies will be hits or misses.’
AFC EAST RIVALS TURN COLD SHOULDER BUFFALO'S WAY
‘”At the last realignment meeting they asked each owner to pick two teams from their present divisions which are their top rivals,” Bills owner Ralph Wilson said this past week. “I picked the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, which is pretty obvious. Then they asked for one top rival out of the division. I picked Pittsburgh, because when the Steelers come here they bring about 20,000 fans with them.”‘
BillsBeat - December 16, 2000
Pats, Bills have QB questions
‘The Bills front office doesn’t say anything publicly, but they’re worried they could be in long-term trouble with Johnson as the starter if he doesn’t get straightened out.’
Smith hopes for fresh start
‘"Oh yeah, I hope so," Smith said of the prospect of being released. "I don’t want to go through the same thing here next year. I’d like to get a fresh start somewhere."’