‘Before designated snapper Ethan Albright could center the ball, the Patriots called timeout to give Christie time to contemplate his situation. "Actually, it gave me time to clean the mud out of my boots, so it was a good thing," Christie said.’
BillsBeat - November 6, 2000
Lucky break for Drew?
‘And make no mistake, if the right thumb Bledsoe jammed in the first quarter of New England’s 16-13 overtime loss to the Bills is broken, it would be a great stroke of good fortune for him, and possibly even for the Pats.’
Bishop looks at idle time
‘Michael Bishop had a feeling he would be the Patriots’ No. 3 quarterback for the rest of the season – and that was before he spent virtually the entire game on the bench yesterday.’
Pats loss a big pain in the back pocket
‘So Drew bashers, hope you had a good look at life without Bledsoe. Pats bettors did and it hurts.’
The defense rests: Verdict for Bills
‘If you thought a 2-6 start represented rock-bottom for the Patriots, think again.’
Christie aces toughest test yet
‘The Oakville, Ontario, native now is responsible for winning kicks in four of the Bills’ five wins. All four have come in the final minute or in overtime. He’s won three games on the final play.’
Friesz falls short in his first rescue mission for Pats
‘Friesz is the first to admit that he didn’t exactly light it up.’
Prospect of losing Bledsoe clouds already difficult season
‘The Patriots will be hurting, big-time, if Bledsoe can’t play.’
Pats Can't Reach Goal
‘How often has an allegedly professional football team have a first down on its opponent’s 1-yard line three times on the same possession and fail to score? It happened to the Patriots in the third quarter Sunday.’
Friesz's Performance Brings Cool Reception
‘It was not," Friesz said, "the first time I was booed." It was the first time Friesz was booed as a Patriots quarterback.’
Some Tough Questions
‘Bledsoe, who had no cast or bandage on his hand afterward and said he hoped to play next week at Cleveland, was aggravated himself. Aggravated by the loss and perhaps by his own misplaced inference that his toughness was being questioned.’
Flutie too much
‘Doug Flutie almost never loses in Foxboro. The New England Patriots almost never win there anymore, either.’
BillsBeat - November 5, 2000
When It Counts, Poof
‘It’s pretty sad when you predict exactly how your team will lose a game with 2:08 to play, and you turn out right on the button.’
Bills 16 Pats 13 OT
‘The Patriots’ inability to finish off teams in close games continued Sunday afternoon, as Steve Christie kicked a 32-yard field goal in overtime to give the Buffalo Bills a 16-13 win over New England.’
Bills 16, Patriots 13, OT
‘Steve Christie did it again, only this time he saved the Buffalo Bills twice in one game.’