‘The weather was too bad, the ball too slippery and the game too meaningless.’
BillsBeat - December 18, 2000
Vinatieri provides a needed kick
‘Adam Vinatieri was by far the most popular player in the New England Patriots locker room last night…because the kick allowed the team to come in from the cold.’
Players weather storm
‘Mo, Larry and Curley would have fit right in. Charlie Brown and Lucy, too.’
Savvy Patriots don't flake out
‘"We scrapped the throws down the field, anything that had to stay in the air for a long time," Bledsoe said.’
Flutie's cool with climate
‘The weather at Ralph Wilson Stadium didn’t faze Doug Flutie.’
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."’