Two Bills Drive

‘”What do I have to be bitter about?” Early asked. “This is my 12th year in the league. I’ve had some really great years. “I’m going to go there and compete. No bad feelings. Moulds is a good friend of mine. We worked out together. I’m happy for him. He’s young and he’s only going to get better.”‘

In one sentence, Theismann says he thinks Buffalo can throw 40 – 45 times with Flutie at QB. In the next paragraph, he says you can’t ask a QB to throw the ball 42 times and be successful like Buffalo did last week.

Everything you need to know about Sunday’s game vs. the Jets. It’s a crucial divisional matchup and coach Wade Phillips said the team has to win.

‘The Jets believed last November that Doug Flutie was only human. They set out to prove it with a defense that forced Flutie to stand in the pocket and throw. It worked. Flutie’s numbers: 12-of-30 passing for 154 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Final score: Jets 34, Bills 12. The Jets said Flutie’s passes fluttered because he was too short.’

‘”I thought he did a great job last week,” said quarterback Doug Flutie. “He was where he was supposed to be. He’s got good instincts as far as cutbacks, but he is a physical runner. I have all the confidence in the world in him.” Added center Jerry Ostroski: “I think Jonathan Linton came in and did a real good job filling in for (Thomas). I expect him to do a real good job until Thurman comes back. That’s why he’s here, that’s his role and when it’s your turn to go, you go.’

‘”I feel a lot more comfortable this year than I did in that first game,” said Flutie, who joined the Jets’ Vinny Testaverde in the Pro Bowl last season. “I have a better grasp of what’s going on in this league and how the Jets might play us.”‘

‘Parcells said the Bills are not usually a blitzing team, but suggested they might try some of that to see what effect it has on Mirer. “Because of their talent, they usually line up in a pretty-vanilla defense,” left tackle, Jumbo Elliott, added. “They rely on personnel. Basically, they say, ‘This is who we are; stop us.’ “‘

”’By recognizing me tonight, you make me feel so proud as a parent, because not only do you recognize me but you recognize my son and all of his accomplishments, and for that I thank you very much,” said Flutie, who, with her husband Doug, cofounded the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism 18 months ago. Their son, Dougie, 7, was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 1/2. The fund has raised more than $1 million toward research and helping financially disadvantaged families care for their children. Giving it a boost was her husband’s outstanding 1998 season as quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Who tailgates best around the league? The fans of the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers make the “All-Madden Team of Pro Tailgaters,” based on “endurance, you know, just being able to play all 60 minutes of the game and be as good at the end as you are in the beginning,” he says. (And, by the way, stick to those football metaphors.)’