‘Simmons’s locker was all but vacant, a clear sign that something was wrong.’
BillsBeat - December 15, 2000
Pass Rush Plays Big Part In Pats' Fall
‘In a 31-team league, they are tied for 29th when it comes to sacking the quarterback.’
Belichick fighting flu
‘New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick went to a hospital emergency room Thursday night for treatment of flu-like symptoms.’
Flutie can't predict his future in Buffalo
‘With Flutie set to make a $5.4 million base salary, which translates into about a $5 million increase over this season, speculation has been raised whether that is too expensive a price to pay a backup quarterback.’
Four Bills named to the Pro Bowl
‘Somewhat more surprising is Brown, who will be making his fifth straight trip to Hawaii. He has started all 14 games at left guard for a much-maligned offensive line that has given up 55 sacks this season — 48 of them with Rob Johnson at quarterback — and paves the way for a ground attack that ranks 19th in the league in rush yards per game with 109.4.’
Belichick eases on defense
‘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.’
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.’