Archives for December 2000

‘Indianapolis did not get the fierce snowstorm that paralyzed Chicago yesterday. Instead, it rained heavily most of the day, and by evening, the winds picked up substantially. Thank goodness for the dome.’

‘The defense, maddeningly inconsistent this season, set the tone early and remained firm throughout. It limited the Bills to 294 total yards, produced a season-high nine sacks — eight at the expense of starting quarterback Rob Johnson — and posted a pair of second-half touchdowns that enabled the Colts to stretch a 9-6 halftime lead to 37-12 with 9:51 to play.’

‘Who knows what Phillips was thinking? Perhaps of next year, but surely not of this one.’

‘Wade Phillips unofficially threw in the towel early in the second half, choosing to stay far too long with Rob "I’m Not Throwing The Ball And You Can’t Make Me" Johnson instead of Doug Flutie. (Note to Doug: Pack your bags. It’s over in Buffalo, babe).’

‘With no pressure in his face, Mohr did a double clutch and nearly kicked into Buffalo guard Jamie Nails, who was blocking Shields.’

‘The defense scored two touchdowns. Special teams set up two others, and the Colts gave an RCA Dome sell-out crowd what it came for, a 44-20 victory that kept alive their postseason aspirations.’

‘"We were talking a good game," Muhammad said. "I think I got into [Eric Moulds’] head a little bit, but I think they went away from him a little bit. For what reason, I don’t know."’

‘When special teams player Paul Shields started the second half by blocking a Buffalo punt, it changed the game’s complexion.’

‘Blue arm-length plastic sleeves with white monkey paws were passed out as fans entered the building, and those in the crowd who pulled them on did so with enthusiasm.’

‘"It was an important game for us and an important game for Buffalo, and we got it," Colts coach Jim Mora said.’

‘Fork, please.’

‘"We didn’t make the necessary adjustments," said wide receiver Eric Moulds, who managed just two receptions for 47 yards as the Bills were eliminated from the playoff race. "Give those guys credit, they played well and we stunk the place up."’

‘"We didn’t have a block called at that time. We had a return called," Mora said. "He just took a long time to get the kick off."’

‘"It’s been the story of our season," Bills receiver Eric Moulds said. "I feel that in every game we go out and play tough in the first half and then in the second half, we just fall off."’