In the 1999 campaign, Flutie led the Bills to a 10-5 record but was benched in the final game of the season in favor of Rob Johnson, ostensibly because the game would have no bearing on Buffalo's playoff position. But Johnson's stellar performance (287 yards, two TDs, a 120.4 QB rating) sharply contrasted with Flutie's struggles throughout the year and led fans to wonder if the younger, taller Johnson should retake the starting spot. Head coach Wade Phillips made the surprising decision to make the change immediately and kept Flutie on the sidelines the following week for Buffalo's playoff game against the Tennessee Titans.