Two Bills Drive

Columnist Don Banks indicates that while media reports have speculated that Flutie was in the lead for most of the past week or so, league sources believe Johnson will be the choice of coach Gregg Williams. League personnel officials and scouts say that the signs all indicate it’s Johnson’s job to lose.

‘Creating enough room under the salary cap, however, could be a stumbling block in signing either Johnson. As it stands, the Dolphins will have to restructure some deals and release playersto re-sign some of their own free agents.’

‘The Dolphins have reason to cheer for Doug Flutie.’

‘Look for the Dolphins to be among a group of teams that will express strong interest in Buffalo Bills quarterback Rob Johnson if he is released this week.’

‘During his 27-year football coaching career, Sheppard has been climbing the ladder of success, and now he has his first chance to put his own stamp on a National Football League offense.’

‘Tom Donahoe would do well to consult his "Internet personality" – "As a starter Flutie’s record is 21-9, what’s the decision?" – and launch this new era of Bills football with Flutie, the more reliable choice.’

‘Don’t be surprised if it’s the other way around — Johnson over Flutie. Johnson has more upside and seems ideally suited for the West Coast system Williams plans to install. They also save more against the cap by waiving Flutie ($3 million) than Johnson ($1.6 million).’

‘"Even if we didn’t have the salary cap issue, these guys couldn’t be on the same team. This has gone almost beyond not liking each other."’

‘Marcellus Wiley got his wish Thursday. He lost his job.’

"The answer is, emphatically, that no decision will be made until next week," Donahoe said. "Any other report or speculation would be false and premature."

‘More people on the Flutie Wagon.’

‘Other hints that Flutie may be the man….’

‘But there’s no doubt who Mauck thinks was the best man for the offense in 2000. "Doug got sacked one out of 23 pass attempts, Rob got sacked one out of six," Mauck said from his office in Detroit, where he is the Lions’ offensive line coach. "I think you can figure it out for yourself."’

Provides a team-by-team summary of cuts, franchise tags, transition players, and signings as of 2/22/01

‘"They do not like each other," said Donahoe, not exactly breaking that story. "Both of them were committed to being the guy. As long as the other guy wasn’t there. … Even if we didn’t have a [salary] cap issue, these two guys can’t be on the same team. This has almost gone beyond not liking each other."’