Two Bills Drive

‘It’s not a sexy position. Lined up against the opposing center, the nose tackle must possess a certain ferociousness. Tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. Meet Chad Eaton.’

‘With Eric Bjornson used more as a wide receiver, Rod Rutledge will get his big opportunity to be the team’s primary tight end for the first time since Ben Coates was sent packing after last season.’

‘Where is the Patriots tight end of the future? Apparently, he’s not on the current roster.’

‘It’s not often that 320-pound Patriots center Damien Woody lines up opposite a player larger than himself, but it will happen Sunday. Woody will stare across the line at vaunted Buffalo Bills nose tackle Ted Washington, who is generously listed at 6-foot-5, 330 pounds.’

‘On Sunday, Bledsoe and the Patriots begin the second half of their work year, meeting the Buffalo Bills at Foxboro Stadium and, in many ways, it may be the most significant time in Bledsoe’s eight-year career.’

‘Spires said Flutie’s lack of size (the Bills list the quarterback at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds) can often work to his advantage. "He’s a tough guy to locate behind all the big people who surround him," said Spires. "There are times you can’t find him until it’s too late. Oh, yeah, there’s another thing. He’s got a sixth sense about when to duck to avoid blitzers and when to take off just before the pocket is going to collapse."’

‘Of the 118 first downs the Bills have given up, only 26 have come via the run. A big reason is Washington.’

‘Sammy Morris is the first to admit this beats washing dishes at Sea World.’

‘Doug Flutie will start his third straight game in place of Rob Johnson, who’s injured right shoulder hasn’t fully recovered, Buffalo Bills coach Wade Phillips said Thursday.’

‘Rucci, who was drafted by the Patriots with the 51st overall pick in the 1993 draft with one of the choices acquired from Miami in exchange for Irving Fryar, signed a five-year, $10 million contract with a hefty signing bonus in February 1998. That contract, however, meant little if anything by the close of business Tuesday. The Patriots either had to release Rucci or add him to the roster this week.’

‘Andy Katzenmoyer’s season ended yesterday when the New England Patriots placed the second-year linebacker on injured reserve.’

‘But when it comes to adroitly tap-dancing through the minefield that is Rob Johnson vs. Doug Flutie (aka, Gidget vs. The Midget), Phillips is nimble as an aircraft carrier.’

‘Rob Johnson returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since separating his shoulder 2 1/2 weeks ago. While he could not have played a game on Wednesday, it appears he will be able to start – if asked – next week against the Chicago Bears.’

‘Media-generated? The controversy is media-driven only in the sense that we are obligated to chronicle everything Phillips says in public, no matter how convoluted or inane.’

‘"You had to go away from the smashmouth to more the cutback, bounce-outside style runners. And the two young guys have done a good job with it. Not that the other guys can’t or wouldn’t . . . and those two guys have probably caught more passes this year already because our offense has changed."’