1998 Buffalo Bills season: Difference between revisions
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| owner = [[Ralph Wilson]] |
| owner = [[Ralph Wilson]] |
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| stadium = [[Ralph Wilson Stadium]] |
| stadium = [[Ralph Wilson Stadium]] |
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| playoffs = Lost [[1998–99 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Playoffs]] |
| playoffs = Lost [[1998–99 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Playoffs]]<br>(at [[1998 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]]) 17–24 |
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| pro_bowlers = QB [[Doug Flutie]]<br>FB [[Sam Gash]]<br>WR [[Eric Moulds]]<br>G [[Ruben Brown]]<br>DE [[Bruce Smith]]<br>DT [[Ted Washington]] |
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| shortnavlink = Bills seasons |
| shortnavlink = Bills seasons |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''1998 Buffalo Bills season''' was the team's 39th season, and 29th in the [[National Football League]] (NFL).<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Buffalo Bills Roster & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1998_roster.htm |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The season marked an important development in the Bills’ history as a quarterback controversy would consume the whole season between [[Rob Johnson (American football)|Rob Johnson]] and [[Doug Flutie]]. It would also mark the beginning of the [[Wade Phillips]] era. The Bills improved on the [[1997 Buffalo Bills season|previous season]]'s output of 6–10, and finished second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://buffalobills.com/display_cont.jsp?cont_id=73872&print=yes |title=Buffalo Bills |publisher=www.buffalobills.com |access-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040918141743/http://buffalobills.com/display_cont.jsp?cont_id=73872&print=yes |archive-date=September 18, 2004 }}</ref> and would qualify for the playoffs only to lose in the wild card round to the [[Miami Dolphins]]. |
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The '''1998 Buffalo Bills season''' was the team's 39th season, and 29th in the [[National Football League]].<ref> |
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{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1998_roster.htm|title=1998 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=www.pro-football-reference.com|access-date=April 16, 2008}}</ref> The season marked an important development in the Bills’ history as a quarterback controversy would consume the whole season between [[Rob Johnson (American football)|Rob Johnson]] and [[Doug Flutie]]. It would also mark the beginning of the [[Wade Phillips]] era. The Bills improved on the [[1997 Buffalo Bills season|previous season]]'s output of 6–10, and finished second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://buffalobills.com/display_cont.jsp?cont_id=73872&print=yes |title=Buffalo Bills |publisher=www.buffalobills.com |access-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040918141743/http://buffalobills.com/display_cont.jsp?cont_id=73872&print=yes |archive-date=September 18, 2004 }}</ref> and would qualify for the playoffs only to lose in the wild card round to the [[Miami Dolphins]]. |
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The Bills lost their first three games of the season, all by six points or less, and looked to be headed for a losing season. After a bye in Week Four, quarterback Rob Johnson finally won his first game with Buffalo, holding on for a 26–21 win over [[1998 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco]] in Week Five. Flutie started the next eleven games, winning nine of them. The Bills had a playoff spot locked up by the final game of the season, which Johnson started and won. |
The Bills lost their first three games of the season, all by six points or less, and looked to be headed for a losing season. After a bye in Week Four, quarterback Rob Johnson finally won his first game with Buffalo, holding on for a 26–21 win over [[1998 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco]] in Week Five. Flutie started the next eleven games, winning nine of them. The Bills had a playoff spot locked up by the final game of the season, which Johnson started and won. |
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The Bills also signed long-time [[Canadian Football League|CFL]] quarterback [[Doug Flutie]] to back up Johnson; Flutie would end the 1998 season with the [[NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award]]. |
The Bills also signed long-time [[Canadian Football League|CFL]] quarterback [[Doug Flutie]] to back up Johnson; Flutie would end the 1998 season with the [[NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award]]. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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! Additions || Subtractions |
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|- |
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| QB [[Rob Johnson (American football)|Rob Johnson]] (Jaguars) || WR [[Steve Tasker]] (retirement) |
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|- |
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| QB [[Doug Flutie]] (CFL) || QB [[Todd Collins (quarterback)|Todd Collins]] (Chiefs) |
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|- |
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| G [[Joe Panos]] (Eagles) || LB [[Bryce Paup]] (Jaguars) |
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|- |
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| || G [[Corbin Lacina]] (Panthers) |
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|} |
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=== NFL draft === |
=== NFL draft === |
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{{Main|1998 NFL |
{{Main|1998 NFL draft}} |
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{| |
{| |
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|- |
|- |
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|style="background-color:#FFCC00; border:1px solid #aaaaaa; width:2em;"| |
|style="background-color:#FFCC00; border:1px solid #aaaaaa; width:2em;"| |
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|= [[Pro Bowl]]er <ref name="Pro Bowler note">Players are identified as a Pro Bowler if they were selected for the Pro Bowl at any time in their career.</ref> |
|= [[Pro Bowl]]er <ref group="note" name="Pro Bowler note">Players are identified as a Pro Bowler if they were selected for the Pro Bowl at any time in their career.</ref> |
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|} |
|} |
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! 2 |
! 2 |
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! 39 |
! 39 |
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| bgcolor="#FFCC00"|[[Sam Cowart]]<ref> |
| bgcolor="#FFCC00"|[[Sam Cowart]]<ref group="note">Elected to Pro Bowl in 2000</ref> |
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| [[Middle linebacker|MLB]] |
| [[Middle linebacker|MLB]] |
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| [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]] |
| [[1997 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] |
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| |
| |
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|- |
|- |
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Line 51: | Line 63: | ||
| [[Robert Hicks (American football)|Robert Hicks]] |
| [[Robert Hicks (American football)|Robert Hicks]] |
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| [[Offensive tackle|OT]] |
| [[Offensive tackle|OT]] |
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| [[Mississippi State Bulldogs football|Mississippi State]] |
| [[1997 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team|Mississippi State]] |
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| |
| |
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|- |
|- |
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Line 58: | Line 70: | ||
| [[Jonathan Linton]] |
| [[Jonathan Linton]] |
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| [[Fullback (American football)|FB]] |
| [[Fullback (American football)|FB]] |
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| [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|North Carolina]] |
| [[1997 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|North Carolina]] |
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| |
| |
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|- |
|- |
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Line 65: | Line 77: | ||
| [[Fred Coleman]] |
| [[Fred Coleman]] |
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| [[Wide receiver|WR]] |
| [[Wide receiver|WR]] |
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| [[Washington Huskies football|Washington]] |
| [[1997 Washington Huskies football team|Washington]] |
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| |
| |
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|- |
|- |
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Line 72: | Line 84: | ||
| Victor Allotey |
| Victor Allotey |
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| [[Offensive guard|OG]] |
| [[Offensive guard|OG]] |
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| [[Indiana Hoosiers football|Indiana]] |
| [[1997 Indiana Hoosiers football team|Indiana]] |
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| |
| |
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|- |
|- |
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Line 78: | Line 90: | ||
| Kamil Loud |
| Kamil Loud |
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| WR |
| WR |
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| [[Cal Poly Mustangs football|Cal-Poly SLO]] |
| [[1997 Cal Poly Mustangs football team|Cal-Poly SLO]] |
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| |
| |
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|} |
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===Undrafted free agents=== |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ 1998 Undrafted Free Agents of note |
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!Player |
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!Position |
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!College |
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|- |
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|Jason Crebo |
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|Linebacker |
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|[[1997 Montana Grizzlies football team|Montana]] |
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|- |
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|Shane Doyle |
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|Defensive end |
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|[[1997 Washington State Cougars football team|Washington State]] |
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|- |
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|James Grier |
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|Defensive tackle |
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|[[1997 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team|Mississippi State]] |
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|- |
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|Raymond Hill |
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|Defensive back |
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|[[1997 Michigan State Spartans football team|Michigan State]] |
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|- |
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|Herb Howard |
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|Defensive tackle |
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|[[Virginia State Trojans football|Virginia State]] |
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|- |
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|Todd Kollar |
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|Offensive tackle |
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|[[1997 Youngstown State Penguins football team|Youngstown State]] |
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|- |
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|Carl McCullough |
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|Running back |
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|[[1997 Wisconsin Badgers football team|Wisconsin]] |
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|- |
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|Hardy Mitchell |
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|Defensive tackle |
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|[[1997 Buffalo Bulls football team|Buffalo]] |
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|- |
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|[[David Mudge]] |
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|Offensive tackle |
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|Michigan State |
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|- |
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|Mark Nohra |
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|Running back |
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|British Columbia |
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|- |
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|Willie Rodgers |
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|Linebacker |
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|[[1997 Florida Gators football team|Florida]] |
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|- |
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|Jerry Ross |
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|Tight end |
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|[[Pittsburg State Gorillas football|Pittsburg State]] |
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|- |
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|Hassan Shamsid-Deen |
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|Defensive back |
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|[[1997 NC State Wolfpack football team|NC State]] |
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|- |
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|Adrion Smith |
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|Defensive back |
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|[[Southwest Missouri State Bears football|Southwest Missouri State]] |
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|- |
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|Duane Stewart |
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|Defensive back |
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|Washington State |
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|- |
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|Paul Turner |
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|Wide receiver |
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|[[1997 Colorado State Rams football team|Colorado State]] |
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|- |
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|[[Clarence "Pooh Bear" Williams]] |
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|Running back |
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|[[1997 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] |
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|- |
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|Dan Williams |
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|Center |
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|[[Wofford Terriers football|Wofford]] |
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|- |
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|Undre Williams |
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|Wide receiver |
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|[[Florida A&M Rattlers football|Florida A&M]] |
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|} |
|} |
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Line 135: | Line 232: | ||
| running_backs = |
| running_backs = |
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{{NFLplayer|33|Sam Gash|FB}} |
{{NFLplayer|33|Sam Gash|FB}} |
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{{NFLplayer|35|Jonathan Linton|FB}} |
{{NFLplayer|35|Jonathan Linton|rookie=y|FB}} |
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{{NFLplayer|23|Antowain Smith}} |
{{NFLplayer|23|Antowain Smith}} |
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{{NFLplayer|34|Thurman Thomas}} |
{{NFLplayer|34|Thurman Thomas}} |
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{{ |
* {{player|39}} ''[[Clarence "Pooh Bear" Williams|Pooh Bear Williams]]'' FB |
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| wide_receivers = |
| wide_receivers = |
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{{NFLplayer|94|Mark Pike|DE}} |
{{NFLplayer|94|Mark Pike|DE}} |
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{{NFLplayer|91|Shawn Price|DE}} |
{{NFLplayer|91|Shawn Price|DE}} |
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{{NFLplayer|78|Bruce Smith |
{{NFLplayer|78|Bruce Smith|DE}} |
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{{NFLplayer|92|Ted Washington|NT}} |
{{NFLplayer|92|Ted Washington|NT}} |
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{{NFLplayer|75|Marcellus Wiley|DE}} |
{{NFLplayer|75|Marcellus Wiley|DE}} |
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{{NFLplayer|55|Wayne Simmons|d=American football|OLB}} |
{{NFLplayer|55|Wayne Simmons|d=American football|OLB}} |
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| |
| defensive_back = |
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{{NFLplayer|25|Donovan Greer|CB}} |
{{NFLplayer|25|Donovan Greer|CB}} |
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{{NFLplayer|27|Ken Irvin|CB}} |
{{NFLplayer|27|Ken Irvin|CB}} |
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{{NFLplayer|13|Jim Ballard|QB|IR}} |
{{NFLplayer|13|Jim Ballard|QB|IR}} |
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{{NFLplayer|46|Marlon Kerner|CB|IR}} |
{{NFLplayer|46|Marlon Kerner|CB|IR}} |
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{{NFLplayer| |
{{NFLplayer|73|Mike Rockwood|T|IR}} |
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| practice_squad = |
| practice_squad = |
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{{NFLplayer| |
{{NFLplayer|81|Fred Coleman|rookie=y|WR}} |
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{{NFLplayer| |
{{NFLplayer|71|Dave Mudge|rookie=y|T}} |
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{{NFLplayer| |
{{NFLplayer|86|Jerry Ross|d=tight end|rookie=y|TE}} |
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{{NFLplayer| |
{{NFLplayer|14|Undre Williams|rookie=y|WR}} |
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<small>53 active, 3 inactive, 4 practice squad</small> |
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{{NFLplayer|--|Undre Williams|rookie=y|WR}} |
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}} |
}} |
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== Regular season == |
== Regular season == |
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The opening game for 1998 constituted the first time since [[1985 Buffalo Bills season|1985]] that the Bills played [[1985 San Diego Chargers season|the San Diego Chargers]].<ref> |
The opening game for 1998 constituted the first time since [[1985 Buffalo Bills season|1985]] that the Bills played [[1985 San Diego Chargers season|the San Diego Chargers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=1961&year_max=2012&game_type=&playoff_round=&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&week_num_min=0&week_num_max=99&game_day_of_week=&game_time=&time_zone=&game_location=&surface=&roof=&game_result=&overtime=&league_id=&team_id=buf&opp_id=sdg&conference_game=&division_game=&tm_is_playoff=&opp_is_playoff=&tm_is_winning=&opp_is_winning=&tm_scored_first=&tm_led=&tm_trailed=&c1stat=&c1comp=gt&c1val=&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=game_date&order_by_asc=Y|title=Buffalo Bills v San Diego Chargers|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> The reason for this is that before the admission of [[list of Houston Texans seasons|the Texans]] in [[2002 Houston Texans season|2002]], NFL scheduling formulas for games outside a team's division were much more influenced by table position during the previous season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=521|title=History of the NFL's Structure and Formats|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> |
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=== Schedule === |
=== Schedule === |
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=== Week 1 === |
=== Week 1 === |
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Starting QBs: Buffalo: [[Rob Johnson (American football)]] ** Johnson left with a concussion with the Bills trailing 10-0. ** |
Starting QBs: Buffalo: [[Rob Johnson (American football)|Rob Johnson]] ** Johnson left with a concussion with the Bills trailing 10-0. ** |
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{{Clear}} |
{{Clear}} |
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San Diego Chargers: [[Ryan Leaf]] ** 1st NFL Start ** |
San Diego Chargers: [[Ryan Leaf]] ** 1st NFL Start ** |
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|H1= 3|H2=0 |H3=10|H4=3 |
|H1= 3|H2=0 |H3=10|H4=3 |
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|Date=Sep 6, 1998 |
|Date=Sep 6, 1998 |
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|Location=[[QUALCOMM Stadium]] |
|Location=[[QUALCOMM Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]] |
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|StartTime=4:15pm |
|StartTime=4:15pm |
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|TimeZone=EST |
|TimeZone=EST |
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{{AFB game box end}} |
{{AFB game box end}} |
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<ref name="vchargers">{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809060sdg.htm|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers — September 6th, 1998}}</ref> |
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<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809060sdg.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref> |
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{{Clear}} |
{{Clear}} |
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=14|Home=16}} |
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=14|Home=16}} |
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<ref name="vchargers"/> |
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<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809060sdg.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref> |
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{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers |
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers |
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| HomeReceivingStats = 6 receptions, 128 yards, 1 TD |
| HomeReceivingStats = 6 receptions, 128 yards, 1 TD |
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}} |
}} |
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<ref name="vchargers"/> |
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<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809060sdg.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref> |
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{{ |
{{Clear}} |
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{{AmFootballGameStatistics |
{{AmFootballGameStatistics |
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| Float = right |
| Float = right |
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Line 531: | Line 628: | ||
| HomeTOP = 26:52 |
| HomeTOP = 26:52 |
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}} |
}} |
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<ref name="vchargers"/> |
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<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809060sdg.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref> |
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{{ |
{{Clear}} |
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{{Clear}} |
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{{Clear}} |
{{Clear}} |
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{{-}} |
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=== Week 2 === |
=== Week 2 === |
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* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
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* Attendance: 73,097 |
* Attendance: 73,097 |
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* Weather: 82 |
* Weather: {{convert|82|F}}, 10% chance of rain |
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* TV: CBS |
* TV: CBS |
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* Announcers: Ian Eagle and Mark May |
* Announcers: Ian Eagle and Mark May |
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* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
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* Attendance: 65,199 |
* Attendance: 65,199 |
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* Weather: 72 |
* Weather: {{convert|72|F}}, sunny, wind {{convert|10|mph|abbr=on}} |
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* TV: Fox |
* TV: Fox |
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* Announcers: Kenny Albert and Tim Green |
* Announcers: Kenny Albert and Tim Green |
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* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
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* Attendance: 76,615 |
* Attendance: 76,615 |
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* Weather: 50 |
* Weather: {{convert|50|F}}, cloudy |
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* TV: Fox |
* TV: Fox |
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* Announcers: Ray Bentley and Ron Pitts |
* Announcers: Ray Bentley and Ron Pitts |
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* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
* Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT |
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* Attendance: 77,635 |
* Attendance: 77,635 |
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* Weather: 68 |
* Weather: {{convert|68|F}}, sunny |
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* TV: CBS |
* TV: CBS |
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* Announcers: [[Greg Gumbel]] and [[Phil Simms]] |
* Announcers: [[Greg Gumbel]] and [[Phil Simms]] |
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|ElapsedTime= |
|ElapsedTime= |
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|Attendance= |
|Attendance= |
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|Weather=55 |
|Weather={{convert|55|F}}, wind {{convert|2|mph|abbr=on}} |
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|Referee=[[Gerald Austin|Gerry Austin]] |
|Referee=[[Gerald Austin|Gerry Austin]] |
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|TVAnnouncers=[[Mike Patrick]], [[Joe Theismann]], [[Paul Maguire]] and [[Solomon Wilcots]] |
|TVAnnouncers=[[Mike Patrick]], [[Joe Theismann]], [[Paul Maguire]] and [[Solomon Wilcots]] |
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Line 614: | Line 711: | ||
{{AFB game box end}} |
{{AFB game box end}} |
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<ref> |
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199810250car.htm|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers — October 25th, 1998}}</ref> |
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{{ |
{{Clear}} |
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==== Week 10 ==== |
==== Week 10 ==== |
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Line 643: | Line 740: | ||
==== Week 14 ==== |
==== Week 14 ==== |
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First meeting of the two teams in Cincinnati since the 1988 [[AFC Championship Game]]. |
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First meeting of the two clubs in Cincinnati since the 1988 [[AFC Championship Game]]. |
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{{Clear}} |
{{Clear}} |
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Starting QBs: Buffalo: [[Doug Flutie]] |
Starting QBs: Buffalo: [[Doug Flutie]] |
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Line 654: | Line 750: | ||
On the first play from scrimmage, [[Eric Moulds]] became the 20th Player in Bills History With 50+ Receptions In A Season, as he caught a 55 yard reception from [[Doug Flutie]]. |
On the first play from scrimmage, [[Eric Moulds]] became the 20th Player in Bills History With 50+ Receptions In A Season, as he caught a 55 yard reception from [[Doug Flutie]]. |
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<ref> |
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/single-season-receiving.htm|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Buffalo Bills Single-Season Receiving Leaders}}</ref> |
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{{AFB game box start |
{{AFB game box start |
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Line 668: | Line 764: | ||
|ElapsedTime= |
|ElapsedTime= |
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|Attendance=54,359 |
|Attendance=54,359 |
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|Weather={{Convert|66|F|C}} • {{Convert|14|mph|km/h knot}} |
|Weather={{Convert|66|F|C|1}} • {{Convert|14|mph|km/h knot}} |
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|Referee=[[Ron Blum]] |
|Referee=[[Ron Blum]] |
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|TVAnnouncers=[[Gus Johnson (sportscaster)]] and [[Steve Tasker]] |
|TVAnnouncers=[[Gus Johnson (sportscaster)]] and [[Steve Tasker]] |
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{{AFB game box end}} |
{{AFB game box end}} |
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<ref> |
<ref name="Rosters">{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1998.htm|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=1998 Buffalo Bills Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees}}</ref> |
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{{Clear}} |
{{Clear}} |
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Line 841: | Line 937: | ||
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=33|Home=20}} |
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=33|Home=20}} |
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<ref name="Rosters"/> |
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<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1998.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref> |
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{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers |
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers |
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Line 862: | Line 958: | ||
| HomeReceivingStats = 8 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD |
| HomeReceivingStats = 8 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD |
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}} |
}} |
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<ref name="Rosters"/> |
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<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1998.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref> |
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{{ |
{{Clear}} |
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{{AmFootballGameStatistics |
{{AmFootballGameStatistics |
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| Float = right |
| Float = right |
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Line 883: | Line 979: | ||
| HomeTOP = 25:37 |
| HomeTOP = 25:37 |
||
}} |
}} |
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<ref name="Rosters"/> |
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<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1998.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref> |
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{{ |
{{Clear}} |
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==== Week 15 ==== |
==== Week 15 ==== |
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Line 940: | Line 1,036: | ||
* [[Doug Flutie]], AFC Pro Bowl Selection |
* [[Doug Flutie]], AFC Pro Bowl Selection |
||
* Doug Flutie, [[NFL Comeback Player of the Year]] |
* Doug Flutie, [[NFL Comeback Player of the Year]] |
||
==Notes== |
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{{reflist|group=note}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
Latest revision as of 23:06, 2 December 2024
1998 Buffalo Bills season | |
---|---|
Owner | Ralph Wilson |
General manager | John Butler |
Head coach | Wade Phillips |
Home field | Ralph Wilson Stadium |
Results | |
Record | 10–6 |
Division place | 3rd AFC East |
Playoff finish | Lost Wild Card Playoffs (at Dolphins) 17–24 |
Pro Bowlers | QB Doug Flutie FB Sam Gash WR Eric Moulds G Ruben Brown DE Bruce Smith DT Ted Washington |
The 1998 Buffalo Bills season was the team's 39th season, and 29th in the National Football League (NFL).[1] The season marked an important development in the Bills’ history as a quarterback controversy would consume the whole season between Rob Johnson and Doug Flutie. It would also mark the beginning of the Wade Phillips era. The Bills improved on the previous season's output of 6–10, and finished second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record,[2] and would qualify for the playoffs only to lose in the wild card round to the Miami Dolphins.
The Bills lost their first three games of the season, all by six points or less, and looked to be headed for a losing season. After a bye in Week Four, quarterback Rob Johnson finally won his first game with Buffalo, holding on for a 26–21 win over San Francisco in Week Five. Flutie started the next eleven games, winning nine of them. The Bills had a playoff spot locked up by the final game of the season, which Johnson started and won.
The Bills played the Dolphins in the Wild Card round of the 1998 AFC Playoffs, where wide receiver Eric Moulds would set the NFL playoff record for receiving yards, with 240. The Bills would end up losing the game 24–17, as Dolphins lineman Trace Armstrong sacked Flutie on Buffalo's last drive, forcing him to fumble, and icing the game for Miami.
Offseason
[edit]The Bills, looking to upgrade the quarterback position, signed Rob Johnson, who had played for Jacksonville in 1997, and improved his stock with a win in relief of Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell. Bills general manager John Butler traded away the Bills' first- and fourth-round picks to Jacksonville for the rights to Johnson.
The Bills also signed long-time CFL quarterback Doug Flutie to back up Johnson; Flutie would end the 1998 season with the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Additions | Subtractions |
---|---|
QB Rob Johnson (Jaguars) | WR Steve Tasker (retirement) |
QB Doug Flutie (CFL) | QB Todd Collins (Chiefs) |
G Joe Panos (Eagles) | LB Bryce Paup (Jaguars) |
G Corbin Lacina (Panthers) |
NFL draft
[edit]= Pro Bowler [note 1] |
Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 39 | Sam Cowart[note 2] | MLB | Florida State | |
3 | 68 | Robert Hicks | OT | Mississippi State | |
5 | 131 | Jonathan Linton | FB | North Carolina | |
6 | 160 | Fred Coleman | WR | Washington | |
7 | 198 | Victor Allotey | OG | Indiana | |
238 | Kamil Loud | WR | Cal-Poly SLO |
Undrafted free agents
[edit]Player | Position | College |
---|---|---|
Jason Crebo | Linebacker | Montana |
Shane Doyle | Defensive end | Washington State |
James Grier | Defensive tackle | Mississippi State |
Raymond Hill | Defensive back | Michigan State |
Herb Howard | Defensive tackle | Virginia State |
Todd Kollar | Offensive tackle | Youngstown State |
Carl McCullough | Running back | Wisconsin |
Hardy Mitchell | Defensive tackle | Buffalo |
David Mudge | Offensive tackle | Michigan State |
Mark Nohra | Running back | British Columbia |
Willie Rodgers | Linebacker | Florida |
Jerry Ross | Tight end | Pittsburg State |
Hassan Shamsid-Deen | Defensive back | NC State |
Adrion Smith | Defensive back | Southwest Missouri State |
Duane Stewart | Defensive back | Washington State |
Paul Turner | Wide receiver | Colorado State |
Clarence "Pooh Bear" Williams | Running back | Florida State |
Dan Williams | Center | Wofford |
Undre Williams | Wide receiver | Florida A&M |
Personnel
[edit]Staff
[edit]
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
|
Roster
[edit]Regular season
[edit]The opening game for 1998 constituted the first time since 1985 that the Bills played the San Diego Chargers.[4] The reason for this is that before the admission of the Texans in 2002, NFL scheduling formulas for games outside a team's division were much more influenced by table position during the previous season.[5]
Schedule
[edit]Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | September 6 | at San Diego Chargers | L 14–16 | 0–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | 64,037 |
2 | September 13 | at Miami Dolphins | L 7–13 | 0–2 | Pro Player Stadium | 73,097 |
3 | September 20 | St. Louis Rams | L 33–34 | 0–3 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 65,199 |
4 | Bye | |||||
5 | October 4 | San Francisco 49ers | W 26–21 | 1–3 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 76,615 |
6 | October 11 | at Indianapolis Colts | W 31–24 | 2–3 | RCA Dome | 52,938 |
7 | October 18 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 17–16 | 3–3 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 77,635 |
8 | October 25 | at Carolina Panthers | W 30–14 | 4–3 | Ericcson Stadium | 64,050 |
9 | November 1 | Miami Dolphins | W 30–24 | 5–3 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 79,011 |
10 | November 8 | at New York Jets | L 12–34 | 5–4 | Giants Stadium | 75,403 |
11 | November 15 | New England Patriots | W 13–10 | 6–4 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 72,020 |
12 | November 22 | Indianapolis Colts | W 34–11 | 7–4 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 49,032 |
13 | November 29 | at New England Patriots | L 21–25 | 7–5 | Foxboro Stadium | 58,304 |
14 | December 6 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 33–20 | 8–5 | Cinergy Field | 54,359 |
15 | December 13 | Oakland Raiders | W 44–21 | 9–5 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 62,002 |
16 | December 19 | New York Jets | L 10–17 | 9–6 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 79,056 |
17 | December 27 | at New Orleans Saints | W 45–33 | 10–6 | Louisiana Superdome | 39,707 |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Week 1
[edit]Starting QBs: Buffalo: Rob Johnson ** Johnson left with a concussion with the Bills trailing 10-0. **
San Diego Chargers: Ryan Leaf ** 1st NFL Start **
Vegas Line: San Diego Chargers -1.5
Over/Under:41.0 (under)
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Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Bills | Passing | Doug Flutie | 12/20, 158 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT |
Rushing | Antowain Smith | 20 carries, 54 yards | |
Receiving | Andre Reed | 7 receptions, 94 yards, 2 TD | |
Chargers | Passing | Ryan Leaf | 16/31, 192 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT |
Rushing | Natrone Means | 15 carries, 57 yards | |
Receiving | Bryan Still | 6 receptions, 128 yards, 1 TD |
Statistics | Bills | Chargers |
---|---|---|
First downs | 20 | 14 |
Plays–yards | 62-297 | 51-254 |
Rushes–yards | 28-90 | 20-67 |
Passing yards | 207 | 187 |
Passing: comp–att–int | 20-34-2 | 16-31-2 |
Time of possession | 33:08 | 26:52 |
Week 2
[edit]Week 2 at Miami Dolphins
- Score: L 13-7
- Date: September 13, 1998
- Stadium: Pro Player Stadium, Miami FL
- Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT
- Attendance: 73,097
- Weather: 82 °F (28 °C), 10% chance of rain
- TV: CBS
- Announcers: Ian Eagle and Mark May
Week 3 vs St Louis Rams
- Score: L 33-34
- Date: September 20, 1998
- Stadium: Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
- Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT
- Attendance: 65,199
- Weather: 72 °F (22 °C), sunny, wind 10 mph (16 km/h)
- TV: Fox
- Announcers: Kenny Albert and Tim Green
Week 4 Bye
Week 5 vs San Francisco 49ers
- Score: W 26-21
- Date: October 4, 1998
- Stadium: Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
- Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT
- Attendance: 76,615
- Weather: 50 °F (10 °C), cloudy
- TV: Fox
- Announcers: Ray Bentley and Ron Pitts
Week 6 at Indianapolis Colts
- Score: W 31-24
- Date: October 11, 1998
- Stadium: RCA Dome, Indianapolis IN
- Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT
- Attendance: 52,938
- Weather: Dome
- TV: CBS
- Announcers: Bill Macatee and John Dockery
Week 7 vs Jacksonville Jaguars
- Score: W 17-16
- Date: October 18, 1998
- Stadium: Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
- Start Time: 1PM ET/10AM PT
- Attendance: 77,635
- Weather: 68 °F (20 °C), sunny
- TV: CBS
- Announcers: Greg Gumbel and Phil Simms
Week 8
[edit]
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Week 10
[edit]
|
Week 14
[edit]First meeting of the two teams in Cincinnati since the 1988 AFC Championship Game.
Starting QBs: Buffalo: Doug Flutie
Cincinnati: Neil O'Donnell
Vegas Line: Buffalo Bills -4.5
Over/Under: 43.0 (over)
On the first play from scrimmage, Eric Moulds became the 20th Player in Bills History With 50+ Receptions In A Season, as he caught a 55 yard reception from Doug Flutie. [8]
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Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Bills | Passing | Doug Flutie | 18/30, 319 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT |
Rushing | Antowain Smith | 18 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD | |
Receiving | Eric Moulds | 9 receptions, 196 yards, 2 TD | |
Bengals | Passing | Neil O'Donnell | 19/31, 168 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT |
Rushing | Corey Dillon | 11 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD | |
Receiving | Carl Pickens | 8 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD |
Statistics | Bills | Bengals |
---|---|---|
First downs | 21 | 15 |
Plays–yards | 64-448 | 53-234 |
Rushes–yards | 34-139 | 17-58 |
Passing yards | 309 | 176 |
Passing: comp–att–int | 18-30-3 | 22-36-1 |
Time of possession | 34:23 | 25:37 |
Week 15
[edit]Wade Wilson gets his 2nd start at QB since 1993 by head coach John Gruden. Buffalo clinches playoff berth with the win. Wade Phillips also gets his first head coaching win vs the Raiders.
|
Standings
[edit]AFC East | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA | STK | |
(2) New York Jets | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 416 | 266 | W6 |
(4) Miami Dolphins | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 321 | 265 | L1 |
(5) Buffalo Bills | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 400 | 333 | W1 |
(6) New England Patriots | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 337 | 329 | L1 |
Indianapolis Colts | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 310 | 444 | L2 |
Playoffs
[edit]AFC: Miami Dolphins 24, Buffalo Bills 17
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bills | 0 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
Dolphins | 3 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 24 |
at Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida
- Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), partly cloudy
- Game attendance: 72,698
- Referee: Mike Carey
- TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Dan Dierdorf, Boomer Esiason (color commentators), and Lesley Visser (sideline reporter)
Awards and honors
[edit]- Doug Flutie, AFC Pro Bowl Selection
- Doug Flutie, NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "1998 Buffalo Bills Roster & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ "Buffalo Bills". www.buffalobills.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2004. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
- ^ 1998 Buffalo Bills Media Guide.
- ^ "Buffalo Bills v San Diego Chargers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "History of the NFL's Structure and Formats". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ a b c d "Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers — September 6th, 1998". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers — October 25th, 1998". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "Buffalo Bills Single-Season Receiving Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ a b c d "1998 Buffalo Bills Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.