‘By not decisively naming a starting quarterback since midway through the second Clinton administration, Buffalo’s coach earned the wrath of fans, commentators, columnists and a lot of other people whose opinions, in the end, don’t count for much…’
BillsBeat - November 12, 2000
A Should-Win Situation
‘With Rob Johnson’s shoulder not fully recovered, Doug Flutie will make his fourth straight start at quarterback for Buffalo when Chicago visits Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday…’
No Argument Here
‘Even with debate raging throughout the region and the nation about Bush and Gore, Flutie and Johnson, the networks’ premature evaluation and a coach’s maddening indecision, with the impact of drunken driving arrests thrown in as a wild card, there remains a message everyone can agree on…’
BillsBeat - November 11, 2000
Johnson-Flutie not your normal QB controversy
‘Flutie is as smooth as silk, and he has a knack for saying the right things when he wants to. But he also knows how to get under the skin like few players, and he doesn’t hesitate to do it when he feels like it.’
Saimes, Kalsu will be honored Sunday
‘Former Buffalo Bills George Saimes and Bob Kalsu will be inducted to the team’s Wall of Fame in ceremonies before the 1 p.m. kickoff of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.’
Game is sold out
‘Verizon Wireless purchased the remaining tickets for Sunday’s game to ensure the local blackout will be lifted.’
Free agents: boom or bust
‘Four of those 15 – Schulz, Bruce Smith, Thomas Smith and Dusty Zeigler – are starting and making a major contribution to their new teams. Two others – Thurman Thomas and Sean Moran – have contributed regularly in backup roles. The other eight ex-Bills are either out of the NFL or have seen very limited time with their new clubs.’
Stars grab a vine to talk smack in Rome's jungle
‘Buffalo Bills quarterback Rob Johnson went whack and smacked Doug Flutie, entering The Jungle in a telephone call last week from B-Lo with Van Smack that led to a story in the fishwraps the next day.’
Moulds, Smith shoot it out - for real
‘For four seasons, Eric Moulds and Thomas Smith were gunslingers using rubber bullets.’
Bears find full-service tight end
‘Kaseem Sinceno began his Bears career as the "other" name on the announcement, the player signed the day they traded tight end Alonzo Mayes to the Miami Dolphins. What he is becoming is something the Bears have spent years and draft picks looking for: a tight end who rarely comes off the field.’
Like Bears of old, Urlacher, Brown give till it hurts
‘For the first time since the post-Super Bowl days, the Bears have two players whom opponents are beginning to fear: Brian Urlacher and Mike Brown.’
Kennison quick to catch on at an unfamiliar position
‘Kennison is playing Bobby Engram’s role as the inside receiver in the Bears’ offense, with statistics not usually associated with a speed receiver–29 receptions for 271 yards (9.3 yards per catch) and a long play of 24 yards.’
Bears hope practice noise prepares them for Buffalo
‘"It’s a big stadium, (the fans) make a lot of noise and they know when to do it," Jauron said. "The weather is not dissimilar from our weather. In terms of the wind, same kind of wind. It is unpredictable at times and it will swirl. We will have to see what we get on Sunday."’
BillsBeat - November 10, 2000
Flutie is the starter . . . for now
‘"I think it’s kind of like it was last week in that our goal – and it looks like we’ll be able to do it – is let Rob be the backup quarterback this week," Phillips said. "I think he’ll be ready to do that, and Doug will be the starter."’
Leader of 'D' backs
‘It didn’t take the Bears long – less than one practice, in fact – to realize that Mike Brown was special.’