‘Even if most players are grasping what they need to do, all 11 must be on the same page for the defense to be effective. On some occasions, communication has broken down, and the result has been too much opportunity for opposing offenses.’
BillsBeat - December 15, 2000
BROWN, MOULDS NAMED PRO BOWL STARTERS
‘Brown and receiver Eric Moulds were named starters for the NFL’s all-star game, while linebacker Sam Cowart and nose tackle Ted Washington made it as reserves.’
VOTES SIMPLY DON'T ADD UP IN WADE'S WORLD
‘What Phillips has shown over the last 11 months is that while he’s a good coach, he’s a deficient head coach. He reacted to the embarrassment of Home Run Throwback by firing Bruce DeHaven and then stealing a baby from Texas-El Paso, as if it were the cradle of special teams coaches. He has stood by idly, his face enveloped in consternation, while Mauck has spewed toward his linemen clouds of invective intended to obscure his own shortcomings. Jamie Nails and Marcus Spriggs are in their fifth seasons, Robert Hicks in his fourth. Their progress has been a study in inertia, which is to say they’ve barely budged off Square One.’
PHILLIPS SAYS JOHNSON IS SORE, BUT SHOULD PLAY SUNDAY
‘”He’s got a sore elbow,” Phillips said. “But he threw better and better as the day went on today. . . . I think he’ll be all right.”‘
BillsBeat - December 14, 2000
2001 Opponent Update
‘The Bills will play their usual home-and-home series with the other AFC East opponents. In addition, their cross-conference opponents in the NFC West have also been determined. Here are the Bills NFC opponents…’
Phillips: These Bills are better
‘…coach Wade Phillips said yesterday he has no plans to fire Pendry or any of his other beleageured offensive assistants.’
Elbow injury may sideline Johnson
‘…he admitted yesterday that while he’s not listed on the injury report, there’s a chance he might be unable to play Sunday against the New England Patriots.’
Scaling back the 'D'
‘According to coach Bill Belichick, the players have not been able to handle the defenses he outlined for them.’
Belichick, defense feel the strain
‘Yesterday, Belichick said he has had to dramatically scale back the scope of his defensive scheme because his players weren’t picking it up.’
Patriots continuing to simplify defense
‘…Bill Belichick has been disturbed, disappointed and dumbstruck that too often this season his Patriots have appeared soft, passive and disjointed because of poor communications against even some of the most mediocre offenses they’ve faced.’
Offense's lack of production leaves Bledsoe frustrated
‘"It’s been extremely draining," Bledsoe said of the emotional currency he has invested in the train-wreck season. "To come in with expectations, then to lose so many close games early, then to come back each week and battle again and still end up losing 10 of 14 has just been very, very difficult."’
Some Suggestions For Ralph Wilson After Bills' Next Two Meaningless Games
‘So with a very strong likelihood that Buffalo will end its season in the midst of a five-game losing streak, here’s my suggestions for owner Ralph Wilson as to how to clean up the mess at One Bills Drive.’
Bledsoe: I want to stay in New England
‘Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe says he wants to finish his career in New England, despite a disappointing season that finds his team in last place.’
Bills Hansen, Fina questionable; Johnson nursing sore elbow
‘The banged-up Buffalo Bills might be minus a couple of more players as defensive end Phil Hansen and tackle John Fina are listed as questionable for this weekend’s game.’
Phillips gives Johnson vote of confidence
‘"We’re making yardage and he’s a high-rated passer. That’s why we feel like he has a future," the Buffalo Bills’ coach said of his quarterback.’