Sunday, December 28, 2014

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Evaluating Stevie's post game comments

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What's in a post game comment? For Bills receiver Stevie Johnson, the answer Sunday was frustration.

"I think we need to let our quarterback call these plays," he told YNN after the game. "I think (Fitzpatrick is) out there on the field, he sees the adjustments that need to be done.


Johnson was then asked if he lost faith in the play calling, and responded with the following.

"The play calling is cool. The plays are good that we have. In situations, we're the ones out there on the field. (Fitzpatrick) knows what to check into, check out of. It's different when you're up there in the booth. . .than being out there."

Those comments raised some eyebrows among football fans and media. Naturally, it was a hot topic during Monday's media availability.

"The intent was basically - more so audible," Johnson told the media. "I didn't mean changing play calling duties and all that. I may have said that, but what I meant to say was 'audible.' Giving Fitz the ability to audible a little more."

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick offered his agreement.

"Sometimes we get into a better flow when I'm able to go out there, especially with (Johnson) and the way he runs routes and things, and give him some routes at the line and do some of those different things," Fitzpatrick said. "That's something we've done a lot in the past, and did a few times in the last game. I think that's just what's on his mind."

In light of the post game comments, players say there's no disconnect between Johnson and the coaching staff. In fact, Johnson and Fitzpatrick are both quick to point out that the wide receiver's game flourished under Chan Gailey.

"I wouldn't even be here now," said Johnson. "I wouldn't be the number one receiver or have the contract that I have if it wasn't for Coach Gailey. I've got too much respect for him to go about it the way that it is perceived to be."

"You gotta understand it's the heat of the battle," added Gailey. "If you don't know a guy, you might tend to get really upset. But if you know a guy, you know where his heart is, even though he might not have said it exactly right. You know where his heart is. I know Stevie." ClientIP:, UserAgent: CCBot/2.0 ( Profile: TWCSAMLSP