Two Bills Drive

‘"My focus this week is on this ballgame," said Phillips, who is rumoured to be next in line for owner Ralph Wilson Jr.’s axe after Buffalo wraps up the regular season in Seattle on Saturday night at Husky Stadium.’

‘They are traveling cross country to play the Seahawks in a game that has none of the meaning Phillips had hoped it would have. But jobs for 2001, including his, are at risk.’

‘But the facts are these: Wilson’s contract offers weren’t competitive.’

‘Now that he’s going [to Seattle this weekend], rumors are running rampant that Wilson may decide — based on what happens in Seattle — Phillips’ future this weekend.’

‘"I had an excellent working relationship with John, just as I had a great working relationship with his predecessor, Bill Polian," Levy said when asked about that scenario. "I have great regard for John. Yes, that would be a desirable situation, but I don’t even want to speculate about that."’

‘The Bills reportedly will be $11 million over the adjusted salary cap for 2001 and will have to pay big money to retain free agents Eric Moulds and Marcellus Wiley. The team will have to cut several high-priced veterans and is unlikely to have any money to attract any significant free agents.’

‘When asked about the speculation that he would be courted by other teams, specifically the Chargers, Butler said: "I didn’t even have a chance to think about anything besides the Buffalo Bills. They were my team for 14 years."’

‘A month ago, the Bills were 7-4 and in the thick of the playoff hunt. They’ve since lost four straight for the first time in 15 years, been decimated by injuries, and are playing out the season in a mean-nothing game at Seattle.’

‘After four Super Bowls, 15 seasons and 941 catches in Buffalo, this is what the once-magical hands of Andre Reed have been reduced to. And each time a picture of Reed in a Bills uniform slides into his hand, it seems to make him a little sad.’

‘Chargers president Dean Spanos has said he would consider hiring a new general manager if the right man became available. That might have happened yesterday.’

‘"He had heard the Chargers were holding a job open for Butler," said the source, "and when Ralph gets ticked off, he lashes out."’

‘The owner, two more losses removed from those comments, conceded, "As far as Wade and the coaching staff is concerned, I’m here to talk about John Butler … so I’d rather not comment." That’s hardly a vote of confidence.’

‘Put it this way: The 82-year-old Wilson isn’t planning to take a cross-country flight on Christmas weekend to do sightseeing in the Pacific Northwest. The one thing he is going to take careful notice of, though, is the effort of the players.’