Flutie deserves a better situation

After years of success in Canada, Doug Flutie shocked us all, as the 5-foot-10 quarterback came to an aging Buffalo Bills team. Predicted to go nowhere in 1999, the Bills bolted into the playoffs under Flutie's endless fighting and remarkable leadership. \nWhile the NFL believed Flutie was good enough to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl, coach Wade Phillips believed Flutie wasn't the best quarterback on the team. Phillips rested Flutie for the season's final game and was so impressed by Rob Johnson's meaningless win against Indianapolis that he let him start in the post-season.\nFlutie was shocked. Buffalo lost to Tennessee.\nDespite cries of dispute from analysts and loyal Bills fans, Phillips again went with Johnson to start the 2000 season. But Johnson's injury against San Diego allowed Flutie to return. Flutie calmly came in and led the Bills downfield for a field goal and the win. \nJohnson is now healthy, and the biggest controversy outside of West Palm Beach, Fla., has resurfaced. Phillips announced Sunday that Johnson would start this week against Kansas City. Flutie was again shocked.\nFlutie went 3-1 in four starts this season, his only defeat a close 31-27 loss to Minnesota, arguably the NFL's best team. \nJohnson, on the other hand, is 3-3 as a starter, counting the San Diego win. In a little more time than Flutie, Johnson has been the better passer, with eight touchdowns to Flutie's three. He also has 500 more passing yards.\nBut Flutie has been sacked 20 fewer times and, more importantly, has brought victories. The Bills are legitimate wild card contenders and need every win they can get. \nFor some reason, though, Phillips insists Johnson is the better player, or at least the best fit in the Buffalo's offense. It has been consistently proven that Flutie is the man for the win. Phillips has shown zero respect for the man who repeatedly succeeds against the odds. Flutie was better than Johnson last year, and so far has been better this year, yet Phillips continues to shun him.\nAt this point in his career, Flutie deserves better. At age 38, he has one or two good years remaining. If he can find a team that will honor his effort, respect his ability and appreciate his victories, he should go there. Enough is enough, and Flutie does not deserve to be hurt anymore by Phillips' harsh decisions. \nWherever Flutie goes, let's hope it's a team that has Buffalo on the schedule, so Wade Phillips can see exactly what he ignored.