Two Bills Drive

‘Grumbling among players during the season was directed mostly at the play-calling of offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard and at offensive line coach Ronnie Vinklarek.’

‘"We could do that," Donahoe said, "and that’s still an option that we’ll certainly take a look at. I don’t like it because I think sometimes it creates hard feelings. But in the system that we have it’s available to us. We would be foolish if we didn’t explore it."’

Donahoe reiterated that Buffalo will not offer Johnson a long-term contract extension and still prefers a deal that allows the team one more season to evaluate him. The indications are that Johnson won’t accommodate the club with that kind of contract.

‘”I think it’s totally unfair to expect a player, who would normally get his bonus at one time, be expected to tier it in a way that means he has to audition,” Burrough said. “Once you activate a player, then you’ve determined by activating him that he’s ready.”‘

The Bills signed 3 free agents: WR Reggie Allen (1999, 2001 Bills training camp), WR Scott Keys (Eagles 2001 camp), and Safety Chad Sears (1996-2000 University of North Alabama).

‘The Buffalo Bills signed three free agents on Friday, including receiver Reggie Allen, who spent part of last year on the team’s practice roster.’

Marv Levy opened the door to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim Kelly might be the first to follow him in. In his first year of eligibility, and a year after Levy was inducted, Kelly was among 15 finalists announced for selection into the hall. The class of 2002 will be determined on Feb. 2, a day before the Super Bowl, following a vote of the hall’s board of selectors.

‘”Whether it’s this year, whether it’s next year or two years down the road, my dream is that my son will be around to watch me go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Kelly said. “He’s my life.”‘

‘"Did I learn anything from that game? You bet I learned something from that game," said Smith. "I learned you have to be ready for all situations. I thought the Bills were ready for everything that Tennessee thought of for us except the last play of the game on special teams with that throwback. That taught me we have to be ready for all situations no matter what comes up and never stop playing."’

‘If there is a favorite among the 15 [finalists], it is Kelly, the only one in his first year of eligibility.’

‘Kelly is the only candidate in his first year of eligibility.’

‘Quarterback Jim Kelly, Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell and punter Ray Guy were among the other finalists for the Class of 2002, which will be announced Febuary 2 in New Orleans.’

There’s a strong sense around the NFL that Buffalo is banking on picking either Joey Harrington or David Carr, the top two QBs in this year’s draft class. It’s likely team president Tom Donahoe will let oft-injured QB Rob Johnson go, leaving Alex Van Pelt, who recently agreed to a five-year contract extension, as the starter.

Jim Kelly, QB, 1986-1996 Buffalo Bills

James Lofton, WR, 1989-1992 Buffalo Bills (among others)

Kelly also played two seasons in the defunct USFL with the Houston Gamblers (1984-85).

Ted Washington never gets tired of going to the Pro Bowl.

Although he’s a Pro Bowl veteran, this will be the first time Washington has represented the NFC. His other three trips — 1996, 1997 and 2000 — came when he was in Buffalo.