AFC East

Sporting News, The, Dec 14, 1998

Week 15 matchup

Keyshawn Johnson vs. Terrell Buckley and Sam Madison

After two solid if not spectacular seasons, Jets receiver Keyshawn Johnson is living up to the hype. The former No. 1 overall draft pick is proving that he can walk the walk. And, of course, he still can talk with the best of them.

For instance, Johnson isn't shy about expressing his opinions on Dolphins cornerbacks Terrell Buckley and Sam Madison, who will take turns covering Johnson Sunday. In a 20-9 win by the Jets in Week 5, Johnson was bemused and turned off by the trash-talking Madison.

"Sam Madison talks entirely too much for the type of player he is," Johnson says. "In the last game, I beat him several times. I had him beat for a touchdown, and the safety saved his (butt). But he keeps talking about how he should be in the Pro Bowl."

Johnson was held to three catches for 28 yards by Miami, but he did beat Buckley on a 10-yard fade pattern for a touchdown. "I respect both players," Johnson says. "I think Madison will be a better player than Buckley in the future, but not right now. He talks too much. I don't understand why he feels the need to call attention to himself."

Madison, widely regarded as the biggest yapper on the Dolphins, fired the first verbal shot before the last game when he said, "(Johnson) thinks he's the world's best football player. He thinks he's better than Jerry Rice."

Part II should be a blast. It could produce more filibusters than a typical day in Congress.--Rich Cimini

Buffalo

8-5: T 3rd

Critical, three-game run could bring playoff berth

The week from hell came to an end with an impressive win over Cincinnati. Given all that happened in the week leading up to the game, the team's resolve and ability to focus were remarkable, even against a weak opponent. There was the bitterness after the loss to the Patriots; the emotional glee of reaching $11 million in the sale of premium seats, which guarantees the team will stay in Buffalo at least five more years; the $50,000 fine against team owner Ralph Wilson for his criticism of the officiating in New England; Wilson's caustic response to commissioner Paul Tagliabue, which made him a hero in his players' eyes; and ILB Marlo Perry's automobile accident, which took the life of an elderly woman, two days before the Bengals game. The victory positions the team for a critical three-game, season-ending run, which could bring a playoff berth. First up come the Raiders, who are battling the Bills for a wild-card berth. Then the AFC East-leading Jets visit for a game that could decide the division. Last is a trip to New Orleans to play a Saints team that could still be alive for a wild-card berth. The Raiders have played a relatively weak schedule, but their defensive performance has been stout all season. They rank in the top 5 in total yards and passing yards allowed per game. Missing CB Eric Allen, though, could be detrimental against a Buffalo team that possesses redhot Eric Moulds and clutch veteran Andre Reed.

LARGE MAN: G Jamie Nails was close to eating himself out of the league last year as a rookie when he weighed about 380 pounds. When Wade Phillips took over as head coach in January, he mentioned Nails as one who had the potential to contribute if he got himself in shape. Nails is still huge, tipping the scales at about 350, but he has made tremendous progress, which was evident against Cincinnati when he stepped in for injured Ruben Brown at left guard for the final three quarters. Nails has been getting playing time, mostly at right guard in relief of Joe Panos. If Brown's pectoral injury is serious and he has to miss a game or two, it is now obvious Phillips can confidently turn to Nails to fill the void.

GOAL-LINE STAND: One area the Bills need to shore up is pre-snap penalties. There still are far too many false-start and offsides penalties, and that could prove costly down the stretch. Seven of their eight penalties against the Bengals fell in one of those two categories, and crowd noise certainly wasn't to blame --Sal Maiorana

GRADING OUT vs. Cincinnati

OFFENSE A

Moulds was dominant, but three TOs and settling for four FGs was disappointing.

DEFENSE B

There were some breakdowns but, in general, a solid effort vs. a weak team.

SPECIAL TEAMS B

Christie kicked four field goals and Kevin Williams had productive return day.

STRATEGY A

Team was ready for zone blitzes with quick slants to Moulds and Reed.

BILLS

PASSING          Att.      Comp.      Pct.      Yds.      Long

Flutie            290        171     59.0      2307        84t
R. Johnson         89         55     61.8       694         50

PASSING           TD         Int.    Rate     Sacks

Flutie             17         10     89.5        10
R. Johnson          5          3     90.8        25

RUSHING           Att.      Yds.      Avg.       TD

A. Smith          246        923        3.8       6
Thomas             80        341        4.3       2
Flutie             42        201        4.8       1

RECEIVING          No.       Yds.     Avg.       TD

Moulds             55       1107       20.1       8
Reed               54        683       12.6       5
K. Williams        24        339       14.1       1
Thomas             24        200        8.3       0

SCORING           XPM       XPA       FGM       FGA       Pts.

Christie           29        29        28        35        113

PUNTING            No.       Yds.       Avg.      Blk.

Mohr               57       2357       41.4       0

KO RETURNS         No.       Yds.       Avg.      TD

K. Williams        40        898       22.5       0

PUNT RETURNS       No.       Yds.       Avg.      TD

K. Williams        30        241        8.0       0