Archives for October 2001

Lou Saban once drove through a Pennsylvania snowstorm to reach the home of recruit Jim Kelly. The storm was so bad Kelly’s mother was late for the meeting. So Saban, then football coach at the University of Miami, stuck a towel in his belt and made dinner.

‘"The defense played great," Williams said. "Rob was outstanding, it was a great team effort by everyone. The victory was nice and a long time coming. Hopefully we can use this and get on a roll."’

‘Now that was more like it.’

‘The move meant the Bills had four rookies – Clements, middle linebacker Brandon Spoon, running back Travis Henry and offensive right guard Jonas Jennings – in their starting lineup.’

‘In the end, however, it always comes back to Johnson. His supporters say he gets too much blame for the Bills’ losses, and there’s some truth to that. But against Jacksonville, he showed how much it can mean to a team when the quarterback is at the top of his game, when he’s setting the tone with confidence.’

‘The Big Picture: Maybe there’s hope for them, after all.’

‘Said Wilson: "I had every intention of keeping Phillips as our coach, and I feel the league is creating a dangerous precedent when it allows a coach or player to collect money on a contract for failing to obey a reasonable order of a superior."’

‘Buffalo Bills running back Travis Henry faces criminal charges that are expected to be lodged next week in connection with a sex-related incident involving a 15-year-old girl in his home, law enforcement officials said.’

At halftime, the Buffalo Bills’ head coach pulled aside his first-year kicker, Jake Arians, and told him what was going to happen later that night. “Jake,” Williams told the kicker who had missed two field goals in the first half, “you’re going to win this ballgame for us.”

‘Boy, did Rob Johnson ever need this.’

‘And most vitally, he looked like a real leader.’

‘"I was expecting it and I’m glad it’s finally done," said Phillips from his home in Austin, Texas.’

‘All those seasons coaching for Tennessee against Jacksonville in the AFC Central paid off for Gregg Williams, who earned his first career win. Had a strong game plan to find the openings in Jaguars’ secondary and defensively juggled his lineup to create a spark. He and his staff were rewarded for nine tireless months on the job.’

‘"It’s a low point for me personally, professionally and every other way," coach Tom Coughlin said.’

‘Mark Brunell’s head was ringing again last night. Only this time, it was from the boos.’