‘But is [Thomas] Smith willing to share secrets? "Well, I do know a lot about the defense and the personnel there, so any advice I could give I surely will," he said.’
BillsBeat - November 10, 2000
Flutie's the man for the Bears
‘Coach Wade Phillips determined yesterday following practice that Doug Flutie would start for the fourth game in a row Sunday when the Bills host the Chicago Bears at not-yet-soldout Ralph Wilson Stadium.’
Newman plays with poise of old veteran
‘Probably no one outside the Buffalo Bills organization could have predicted that Keith Newman would become one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2000 season.’
Bills' ticket push earning more blackouts
‘That gives the Bills until 1 p.m. today to sell 2,000 remaining tickets. Sponsors could purchase any remaining tickets, ensuring the season’s sixth sellout and the 14th in the last 15 games.’
No. 1 job is solving Bills' 3-4 defense
‘But it is outside linebackers Keith Newman, who leads the Bills with four sacks, and Sam Rogers who will trigger most of the mayhem for the Bears to sort out. When a linebacker blitzes to the outside, typically the tackle slides out to block him, meaning the guard on that side must move quickly to block the defensive end to that side.’
QB takes care teammates
‘Once again praising the play of his offensive line in the Bears’ victory over Indianapolis, quarterback Jim Miller, who was not sacked in the game, said he gave all of his blockers gifts as a measure of his appreciation.’
No QB speculation
‘The more you talk to people around the Bears, the more you hear offensive coordinator Gary Crowton wanted to make a quarterback change even before Cade McNown was injured.’
Smith providing inside info on Bills
‘[Thomas] Smith spent his first seven seasons with Buffalo, and the Bears are counting on him for some keen insights, or anything that might make a difference when they face the Bills on Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’
What quarterback controversy?
‘Wade Phillips, coach of the Buffalo Bills, knows what a quarterback controversy consists of, and he believes he doesn’t have one on his team.’
Bears' reserve QB Matthews could move on after season
‘After waiting patiently and silently for the first half of the season, backup quarterback Jim Miller is getting his chance to play. But Shane Matthews, who moved up to No. 2 when Cade McNown was injured, may have to wait until next year to get back on the field – and it almost certainly won’t be in a Bears uniform.’
Miller's generosity is appreciated, but all 'Big Cat' wants is victories
‘The monetary gift that quarterback Jim Miller bestowed upon his offensive teammates this week for their role in keeping him upright helping his production last Sunday was certainly appreciated but hardly necessary.’
Flutie will start; Bills hope Johnson is healthy enough to back up
‘Johnson has nearly recovered from his separated shoulder, but lacks preparation time to be the starter when the Bills play Chicago in Orchard Park this Sunday, coach Wade Phillips said.’
BillsBeat - November 9, 2000
Too close to call: Johnson or Flutie?
‘No, we’re not taking about Al Gore and George W. Bush, but a race far more important to some Western New Yorkers. The Buffalo Bills could announce today if Doug Flutie or Rob Johnson will be the starting quarterback against the Chicago Bears Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’
It's time for Johnson to take charge
‘But don’t you find yourself wishing Rob had a little more Jim Kelly in him? Regardless of where you stand on the quarterback controversy, don’t you feel like shaking the guy and asking him to start acting more like a leader?’
Cowart, Christie gain AFC plaudits
‘"Those two guys especially have done well for us this year," Phillips said. "Steve Christie is the best clutch kicker I think anybody could have. Sam Cowart is playing tremendous football. He, to me, is the top linebacker in the league right now. He backs it up with the number of plays he’s made. We’ve seen him play at a tremendously high level."’