Two Bills Drive

‘Daryl Porter realizes that for as long as he lives, the horrible memory will remain deep in his mind. "I still haven’t gotten over it," Porter said yesterday when asked to recall Homerun Throwback, the miraculous 75-yard trick kickoff return that Tennessee executed last Jan. 8 which doomed the Bills to one of the most heartbreaking losses in their history. "That will be something that’s in the back of my mind for the rest of my life."’

‘Butler called talks "ongoing" but gave no positive indications that a deal would be struck soon. Bills vice president of business administration Jim Overdorf is handling the details with agent Eric Metz. One issue is that Metz has numerous other clients he’s trying to get signed with other teams and hasn’t been devoting total attention to Flowers. It’s believed the Bills and Metz are talking over a deal similar to the one last year’s top pick, Antoine Winfield, received: $7 million over five years with a $3.5 million bonus. However, unlike a year ago, the Bills are struggling to find salary cap room that can accommodate a large bonus for Flowers. "It’s got to meet terms, length, money," Butler said. "He (Metz) has a client to take care of, and we have a club to take care of."’

‘"This place is fantastic," said Miller, who is spending two weeks with his sister and brother-in-law in Niagara Falls. "Everything about this facility is first class. The sight lines are great. "We’ll probably come back one more time before we head back." Miller, his wife and four of their children are all registered members of the Southern Cal Bills Backers club. He hasn’t had a chance to register 5-month-old son Jacon yet. The family usually watches the Bills play on Sundays at a sports bar near their home.’

‘"For me what was more disappointing than the loss (to Tennessee in the wild-card playoff game) was to see all the players go in the offseason," Hansen said. "I thought we were on the verge of something special last year. "Those were major contributors to this team. That team will never be together as a team again."’

‘"I just have to stay away from getting hurt," Johnson said. "A lot of quarterbacks get hurt. The hits you take with the size of the guys that are hitting you, you are going to get bumps and bruises. "But you have to stay away from the major wounds." Johnson’s frailties are part of the reason the Bills don’t mind having Flutie waiting in the wings. It also is why in his heart, the former Argo believes he’ll get another shot at starting.’

‘Flowers’ agent Eric Metz refused to comment on negotiations when reached by The Associated Press. "I can’t really talk about it right now," Metz said. Bills general manager John Butler simply said talks are "ongoing." All of that leaves coach Wade Phillips in a bit of a lurch. "I want to say one more practice and he’s got to be here," Phillips said, worried about Flowers falling behind. "Each individual’s a little different as far as how long they could go without hurting them and consequently hurting the football team." Asked if Flowers will benefit from the time he spent attending the Bills’ two spring minicamps, Phillips said: "He was doing fine, but he won’t be OK for a while. I want him in here as quickly as he can."’

‘Those who are wondering who are the Bills’ "Next Three" better consult their spellchecker. Marcellus, Antowain and Peerless.’

‘The tough part for both Flutie and Johnson is that the subject remains so uncomfortable. They don’t have answers for the reason why Phillips made the switch at that time, and while they can peacefully coexist now that Johnson is the starter, both quarterbacks won’t feel comfortable again until the season ends and the results are in.’

‘It is down to the final two players. Jim Kelly vs. Steve Tasker. Who should survive? Who is most deserving of the title: Mr. Buffalo Bill. Here are the opinions of two fans. You decide who is right.’

‘The Buffalo Bills haven’t practiced at their new training camp at St. John Fisher College yet, but owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. already has proclaimed the move a success. The campus will make its official debut as the Bills’ summer home today. "We’re excited about being here," Wilson said during a news conference. "Everything looks fantastic."’

"Meanwhile, talks between the Bills and Flowers are continuing. Neither Butler nor Flowers’ agent, Eric Metz, could be reached for comment. Both had expressed confidence last week that an agreement would be made soon. Bills coach Wade Phillips said Flowers can’t afford a long layoff. "At some point it will hurt young players not to be here, but it’s not to that point right now," Phillips said. "It’s hard for both sides to get exactly what they want. But I’m not into the business side of it. I’m into the football part. Whoever’s out there, I’m going to coach them."’

‘Reed said he contemplated retirement but a chance to get that elusive Super Bowl ring was too hard to pass up. "I wanted to finish out on my own terms and come to a team that has a good rep, a good coach and good players and fit into a situation. It worked out for me. I’m happy to be here," he said.’

‘"We have a large stadium in Buffalo. And in the present environment of the National Football League, (Buffalo) is going to have a very difficult time supporting this franchise," Wilson said. "So we have to reach out to Rochester and Syracuse and across Western New York to establish ourselves as a Western New York franchise.’

‘New location. Revamped team. Combined, they made Wade Phillips feel like a rookie head coach again Thursday as the Buffalo Bills prepared to open training camp. "I’m excited about being here as I am every year, but I think even more so this year — it’s something new," said Phillips. "It seems like the first year I was here. The excitement is there because it’s something new. "I think that helps. I think that’ll help our football team respond the right way."’

‘Reed went to the Super Bowl four times with the Bills but never came home a winner. He believes Shanahan may help him get that elusive championship ring. "I just heard tremendous things about him from people around the league," Reed said. "It’s no secret that he’s a proven winner and what kind of show he runs here. He just wants guys to win, and that’s why I’m here. I told Mike that I just want to taste (winning a Super Bowl) one time. I think I had the best chance of doing that by coming here."’