Archives for December 20, 2001

Rob Johnson: Everybody but Mario Cuomo weighed in on the Johnson vs. Doug Flutie debate last offseason, and the whole mess did make for a heck of a Bills-Chargers game in October. But you can’t ignore these two realities: Johnson got hurt a lot, like he always does, and when he did play, he didn’t win much. Like always. Thus, Buffalo made the wrong decision for 2001. Flutie would have given them a shot at more success than 2-11. But long term, Johnson may still be the answer. That is, if the Bills bring him back, which they appear to be leaning toward.

Gregg Williams: Last year, the Bills were in playoff contention until the final two weeks of the season. This year, the Bills were in playoff contention until the regular season started. With the salary cap cutbacks that took place this year, Buffalo never really had a chance. The best hope is that this was a take-your-medicine type of season that bears quick fruit in the future. Still, somewhere out there, Wade Phillips is smiling, and counting his money from that last Ralph Wilson paycheck.

The rehabilitation of the Green Bay Packers battered linebacker unit won’t include the addition of five-time Pro Bowl performer Cornelius Bennett. Team officials having concluded after a workout that the 14-year veteran was not in good enough physical condition to help the team.

To be successful, you have to be lucky and the Patriots got a few breaks. Belichick knew Antowain Smith from trying to stop him for years in Buffalo. After the Bills released him, the Patriots signed him for $500,000. He’s gained 920 yards on 240 carries.

He was, however, more than their QB, much more. He was the architect — the creator — of the Bills’ new offense, which was a fast-break, no-huddle, impressively pass-oriented offense. First he envisioned it, then he sold it to the Buffalo coaches, and finally he directed it on the field, calling all the plays himself. That first year, 1990, Kelly’s offense was the most remarkable new thing in American sports.

‘Still, that’s a long way up from being the laughingstock of the league, which is what they were in 2000.’

‘The Falcons rank 30th in the NFL in attendance with an average of 54,628 fans through seven home games.’

‘When two major beer makers offered their product to sell in nifty plastic bottles last year, at least 20 NFL teams jumped on the idea. The Buffalo Bills are happy they weren’t among them.’

It’s tough. It’s one of those things where what we do is dangerous (enough) and I wish fans would at least adhere to the rules. It’s something that needs to be worked on.

‘About 45,000 fans are expected to attend Sunday’s game. Keith Brooking, the Falcons’ star linebacker who grew up in Georgia and attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, doesn’t understand the apathy. "They’ve been kind of complaining about the Braves attendance as well," Brooking said. "I don’t know what it is about this city."’

‘Christian, a 5-foot-11, 232-pound fullback, is blocking as well as anyone at his position in the NFL. He has become an integral part of the Falcons’ offense and has compiled several career highs as a result. He has been in the league for 10 years and continues to improve. But crow? Forget it.’

‘The incidents, however, led Georgia Dome officials to reconsider the notion that the sober and well-hydrated are not also capable of mayhem. Henceforth, starting with Sunday’s Falcons game against the Buffalo Bills, fans purchasing water will drink it out of cups, as well, not water bottles.’

‘Ticket manager Jack Ragsdale said that about 40,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday’s game against Buffalo.’

Aaron [Schobel] is the third-leader sacker among rookies in the league [with 6.5], and has a chance to challenge those other two guys in attempts the rest of the year. He’s tied for second with Bruce Smith as a rookie here in all-time sacks ? he’s two behind Cornelius Bennett, and both Nate and Aaron didn’t start until Weeks 5 and 6.

Justin’s got 34 tackles with Cincinnati and 7.5 sacks, and Kendrell Bell 63 tackles and 7 sacks, and you can throw Nate Clements’ stats in there and be pretty impressed with 62 tackles from a defensive back’s point of view, along with a punt return for a touchdown and a interception return for a touchdown.

‘Williams said tests showed there was no structural damage to the knee.’

‘"Everyone knows him. They’ve got to. The guy makes plays. He’s physical, strong, fast. He’s just good."’