Archives for October 2000

‘While listed as probable, Johnson and coach Wade Phillips said there’s no question that Johnson will start against San Diego on Sunday. "I tested it," Johnson said. "It’s one of those things where it gets better as the week goes on. … It’s just one of those things." The question is how much more of a licking he can take.’

‘"This is not a losing program in Buffalo," first-year starter Keion Carpenter said. "They’re used to winning in Buffalo and when you come here, you have to uphold that tradition. The older guys called a meeting and kind of challenged us to step up. We have to do whatever it takes on Sunday. "Guys said what they had to say, spoke about what was on their minds. I think that gave us a spark. I can sense the difference the way guys are walking in the locker room and I sensed a little more concentration on the practice field. It was definitely meaningful."’

‘"It didn’t happen for me," he said. "I’d like to be somewhere where I have the opportunity to be out there playing, but I’m here now and I’ll make the best of it."’

‘News of Smith’s trade request arose Tuesday when agent Scott Casterline told The Buffalo News that he was trying to get Smith dealt before that day’s NFL trading deadline. The trouble is, as Smith pointed out after practice Wednesday, that he fired Casterline about six months ago and is now represented by Herb Rudolph. Smith, however, didn’t hang around long enough to explain why Casterline might have been speaking for him.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are at the point of no return. They rank dead last in punt returns. They rank second from the bottom in kickoff returns. But special teams coach Ronnie Jones doesn’t think those stats will reflect the performance the Bills will turn in Sunday against the winless San Diego Chargers in Ralph Wilson Stadium. "We’re going to get it fixed," Jones said. "I expect us to break out this week and have a good day. I expect to see a lot of improvement this week. "I like what I’m coming up with after watching film. I think I’ve drawn up a play that gives us a good chance at a big return this week."’

‘"I think there’s confusion among the coaching staff," [Antowain Smith’s agent Scott] Casterline said. "Some people want Antowain and some people don’t. I don’t see a resolution unless he plays somewhere else or until there’s a coaching change. "As long as there’s certain coaches on the staff, Antowain’s best future won’t be with the Buffalo Bills, which is too bad because he enjoys the town and his teammates."’

‘…their 0-3 division record virtually dooms them to a wild-card spot and a berth in the post-season is hardly guaranteed.’

‘Running back Antowain Smith didn’t get his wish granted as he remains a member of the Buffalo Bills after the NFL trading deadline struck on Tuesday. A Bills spokesman said no deals had been made after the 4 p.m. deadline passed.’

‘Bills’ spokesman Scott Birchtold withheld comment. "There’s nothing there," he said. "Why would we want to comment on it?"’

‘[Antowain Smith’s agent Scott] Casterline said the Bills told him in May that Smith would be the featured back in the offense. "I flew out there specifically to find out what his role was going to be and what their expectations for him were," Casterline said. "Wade and John told me he was the go-to guy, their franchise back. I feel like I was lied to. "Antowain has been patient and has never complained in his career. He has been a team player. He played hurt on a painful turf toe last year. He needs to be traded."’

‘There was a lot of blame to go around from tight end to weak-side tackle. But two particular offensive linemen will be among the first to stand up and accept responsibility for mistakes made in Miami: right tackles Robert Hicks and Marcus Spriggs.’

‘It’s time for Fina and Ruben Brown to start justifying those hefty contracts they received during the offseason. It’s time for Hicks to live up to his potential. It’s time for Spriggs, Jerry Ostroski, Jamie Nails and Joe Panos to raise their games up several notches.’

‘When asked if he could use another bye week, Johnson replied, "I’d much rather go through a couple games not . . .," and then stopped himself before talking about the number of hits he’s received. "Let the body recoup a little bit." Doug Flutie’s legion of fans were excited to see the backup quarterback replace Johnson Sunday. They also might think it would be the perfect week to start Flutie and give Johnson a break. The San Diego Chargers are the closest thing to a bye week. They enter Sunday’s game at Ralph Wilson Stadium at 0-6, the worst record in the NFL.’

‘An ineffective Jim Harbaugh or a recuperating Moses Moreno? San Diego Chargers coach Mike Riley must pick one as his starting quarterback for Sunday’s game at Buffalo. "Let me think about that for a day," Riley said on Monday when asked who would start against the Bills. "I don’t want to jump to conclusions too much."’

‘His team is good, this I do not doubt, nor should he. But this year, it’s probably not good enough to make the playoffs, so I wish Phillips would stop trying to fool us with his illogical explanations for the Bills’ recent poor play and stop pretending he’s coaching a Super Bowl contender.’