‘"You think you reach one low point in the season and then the next week you follow it up with something a little bit lower," Riemersma said.’
BillsBeat - December 24, 2001
Monday billboard
‘But there couldn’t have been more than 30,000 fans in attendance, and a good number of those seemed to be transplants rooting for Buffalo.’
Airing it out
‘Biggest passing days for a quarterback vs. Bills with date and yards..".
Bills given parting kick
‘The Bills allowed 487 yards of total offense to the Falcons, committed 12 penalties for 95 yards, Van Pelt’s throwing was erratic, there were dropped passes, blown defensive assignments and coverages, lack of a pass rush, and some questionable coaching decisions.’
Players, coaches both to blame
‘The players made their share of blunders in this game, but the coaching staff did its part, too.’
Bills' Bryson shines in Atlanta before his hometown fan club
‘Hard-working relatives, friends and neighbors from Franklin, N.C., who made the two-hour trip to the Georgia Dome once they heard their native son would be starting at running back for the Buffalo Bills against the Atlanta Falcons.’
Report card
‘Coaching: Team was far from mentally sharp, committing 12 penalties, the most in 11 games. Decision to go for two points after going ahead 20-16 was the wrong one. Decision to squib kick the last kickoff also backfired. Decision to make Chris Chandler look like Dan Marino also a bad one. Add it up and it equals 2-12. F’
52-yard field goal does the trick for Falcons
‘"At the coin toss, Chandler looked a little pale," said Bills defensive end Phil Hansen, whose team had just one sack. "He said, ‘Hey, man, I’m sick; take it easy on me.’ I laughed, and went back and told the whole defense to get after Chandler; he’s sick. Then, he turns around and sets a record for yards."’
A feel-good kick for rookie Feely
‘The Bills elected to squib kick instead of kick deep after tying the score with 48 seconds left, so the Falcons started the last possession at their 43.’
Smith: 'I'll always be here supporting the Falcons'
‘Sunday’s dramatic win over the Buffalo Bills not only was the Falcons’ final home game of the year, but also the final home game for Smith as team president.’
Unloved Chandler delivers his best day
‘Chris Chandler is a good player who has remained unloved.’
Straight talk from the game
‘The Falcons converted nine of 14 third downs, and running back Rodney Thomas finally got a chance to pitch in and rushed for 41 yards, just enough to keep Buffalo honest.’
Five key questions ... and answers
‘130: The number of rushing yards gained by Buffalo running back Shawn Bryson. Indianapolis’ Dominic Rhodes gained 177 yards last week against the Falcons.’
Bucs, Ravens, Eagles on track; Falcons need help
‘The Falcons almost certainly need to win their final games against Miami and St. Louis, and for the Bucs to lose to Baltimore Saturday and Philadelphia next week. Even then, what the Saints and Giants do might still keep them home for the postseason.’
McCord records hit of the game
‘The officiating crew of referee Larry Nemmers had a bad day. They failed to nullify Buffalo’s game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter, when the Bills were in an illegal formation and appeared to snap the ball after the play clock had run out.’