Two Bills Drive

‘Get a life, Western New York. Anytime soon would be nice. The quarterback battle between Flutie and Rob Johnson is the story here. It’s bigger than the U.S. Presidential race. Bigger than the health-care question. If God himself returned on the morrow and great mountains fell into sea, if pestilence descended upon the world, Bob from East Amherst would still be on the line wondering if Flutie should get the start.’

‘"Like I said last year, and every time we play this guy, he’s the guy who adds the extra element as far as being able to ad lib with his legs. With Flutie, the play is never over until the whistle blows. It’s kind of like sandlot football out there."’

‘Yes, the Patriots have some concern about Flutie’s elusiveness, but don’t think the Bills aren’t worried about Bledsoe and his receivers. That’s because Buffalo ranks 16th in the NFL in pass defense.’

‘After a 1998 season in which he silenced many of his critics with gutsy play and a pair of comeback wins, Bledsoe came out flying in 1999. When the Pats hit their bye date after Week 8, Bledsoe had the stats (13 touchdowns, four interceptions) and the swagger of a Pro Bowl quarterback. Since then, he’s won four games.’

‘"He shouldn’t be a crowd favorite at our stadium," said Milloy. "If I have a chance, I’m going to drag his ass into the ground."’

‘"He shouldn’t be a crowd favorite in our stadium," Milloy declared testily. "To me, I mean, if I have a chance I’m going to try and drag [him] to the ground . . ."’

‘In a move that probably was designed to give Bill Belichick pause, Wade Phillips told reporters yesterday that he hadn’t decided whether Doug Flutie or Rob Johnson would be starting at quarterback when the 4-4 Buffalo Bills face the 2-6 Pats Sunday at Foxboro Stadium.’

‘As Belichick retools the Patriots, the middle of the offensive line – guards and centers – seems to have stabilized. Belichick cut 1999 fifth-round pick Ed Ellis at the start of training camp when it became obvious to him that Ellis had size but a lousy work ethic. After praising the talent of 6-6, 350-pound second-year pro Derrick Fletcher during training camp, Belichick started him in the opener and cut him two weeks later. He cut third-year backup center Jason Andersen two weeks ago.’

‘Barring miraculous improvement to Rob Johnson’s injured shoulder, Doug Flutie will make his third straight start when Buffalo faces New England on Sunday.’

‘If Doug Flutie ends up being the Lou Gehrig of football, Rob Johnson may never play for the Buffalo Bills again. Johnson is questionable against the Patriots, but even if he were 1000 percent he most likely wouldn’t start. Wade Phillips wouldn’t say one way or the other.’

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‘Tuesdays are the traditional day off for NFL players during the season, but for many it’s a busy time for those active in community projects. Defensive end Marcellus Wiley and Sammy Morris visited young patients at Roswell Park. Tight end Jay Riemersma was the guest speaker at an assembly at Clarence Central High School. Tight end Sheldon Jackson participated in an after-school arts program with students at the Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy. Cornerback Donovan Greer taped a public service announcement on the dangers of drinking and driving at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘…coach Bill Belichick plans to try two position shifts this week in practice to see whether he can get more punch into the offense. On Monday, his staff informed tight end Bjornson that he was to learn the wide receivers’ plays and Floyd, a fullback by trade, to master the tight end’s job.’

‘While the important work has yet to be done, the Patriots began to rebuild their defensive line for the future yesterday when they agreed to terms with defensive end Bobby Hamilton on a three-year contract extension.’

‘Coach Bill Belichick continued to retool his roster yesterday when he released Rucci, an eight-year veteran and full-time starter at right guard the previous four seasons.’