‘The weather at Ralph Wilson Stadium didn’t faze Doug Flutie.’
BillsBeat - December 18, 2000
Bettors feel hot
‘Those who bet the over were snowed under as the 37-point line was close to unapproachable in such conditions.’
Fragile Redmond feels the cold
‘After looking impressive gaining 66 yards on 20 carries, Redmond went down in the third quarter with a twisted right ankle. He did not return and was on crutches after the game.’
Pats pull off a real snow-job
‘Siberia may be colder and the Himalayas may receive more snow, but it’s impossible to imagine conditions more miserable than they were at Ralph Wilson Stadium about 4:45 p.m. yesterday…’
In show of character, Pats earned an A-plus against elements, Bills
‘The conditions couldn’t have been much worse, but the outcome couldn’t have been any better.’
Johnson takes hold, becomes the all-time career leader in punts
‘"That kick is supposed to be automatic. But it’s not that way from a holder’s perspective. On a normal day, it’s not bad. It’s an easy catch. But, the way the wind was blowing today (yesterday), it was weird.’
Romp in snow more than he bargained for
‘"They got smart in what they started running (in overtime)," Bills quarterback Doug Flutie said of the Pats’ performance in the extra period. "They ran unders and crosses and got guys running.’
Weather Is Frightful, Finish Delightful
‘With all flights canceled and the Buffalo airport already closed, the Patriots and Bills were two bad teams going nowhere Sunday, both literally and figuratively.’
Well-Timed Record
‘By kicking the ball hard and low to outwit the wind, Johnson punted great – a 42.3 average in horrid weather – clearly outdoing Bills punter Chris Mohr, who averaged only 29.1.’
Bills cold in red zone
‘But in the 41-year history of the Bills’ franchise, it is unlikely there has ever been a day that combined cold, wind and snow as fiercely as Sunday.’
Patriots 13, Bills 10, OT
‘"I know we aren’t going to the playoffs this year," Pats coach Bill Belichick said. "But when you walk in the locker room, you can see this game meant a lot to these players."’
Bills QB Johnson knocked out again
‘Rob Johnson once again couldn’t finish what he started.’
New England 13, Buffalo 10 (OT)
‘Drew Bledsoe is not known as a running quarterback, but he used his legs on an icy field to set up the game-winning kick by Adam Vinatieri.’
Expectations were too high for stumbling Bills
‘Phillips came across as too optimistic in believing a team that had been to the playoffs (there’s that word again) in his first two years — but one that entered this season in a state of transformation — could stay in the thick of the chase.’
BILLS STUMBLE IN WINTER BLUNDERLAND
‘”I’ve played in some cold games, some snowy games, some windy games, but this was a combination of all three,” Bills safety Henry Jones said. “We had sleet and snow coming down sideways today. It was just a brutal day. . . . It was miserable. To lose a game in those type of conditions makes it even worse.”‘