‘When special teams player Paul Shields started the second half by blocking a Buffalo punt, it changed the game’s complexion.’
BillsBeat - December 12, 2000
At the dome
‘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.’
Colts stay alive, eliminate Bills with 44-20 win
‘"It was an important game for us and an important game for Buffalo, and we got it," Colts coach Jim Mora said.’
Bye, bye, Buffalo
‘Fork, please.’
Colts 44, Bills 20
‘"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."’
Maligned Colts' defense comes through
‘"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."’
Indianapolis 44, Buffalo 20
‘"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."’
OVER AND OUT BILLS' PLAYOFF HOPES CRUSHED BY COLTS, 44-20
‘”It was extremely frustrating,” said tight end Jay Riemersma. “Not only that, it was embarrassing. You’ve got the whole country watching you and for some reason we didn’t come out and respond.”‘
JOHNSON, MOULDS UNLEASH FRUSTRATION
‘Of greater concern should be Johnson’s state of mind. He has taken an horrific beating this season, and Monday was no different. Eight of the Colts’ nine sacks were at Johnson’s expense. He also took numerous shots even when he got the ball off.’
PENDRY'S PLANS DESERVE TICKET OUT OF TOWN
‘Everything Pendry has done all season is now open to question, including the decision to purge blocking fullback Sam Gash, the experiment with Sheldon Jackson as the H-back, the empty backfield and his role in firing offensive backfield coach Bishop Harris.’
MOHR'S RARE MISCUE BOOSTS COLTS
‘The Buffalo Bills’ veteran punter had a punt blocked by the Indianapolis Colts, which broke open a close game and resulted in a 44-20 loss at the RCA Dome. It was the first time since the last game of the 1997 season that Mohr had a punt blocked.’
TUESDAY BILLBOARD
‘Play of the Game: – Ex-Bills’ corner Jeff Burris blitzed from the right side of the Indy defense. Left tackle Marcus Spriggs, moving with the speed of wood, merely waved at Burris as he flew past him to sack Rob Johnson and cause a fumble. Bernard Holsey picked it up and rumbled 48 yards for the break-open touchdown.’
BUFFALO BILLS REPORT CARD: WEEK FIFTEEN - BILLS 20, COLTS 44
‘BILLS (D): Not nearly good enough against a team that was vulnerable on ground. Bryson didn’t find a lot of room between the tackles.’
BY THE NUMBERS: BUFFALO (20) - INDY (44) FIRST QUARTER
‘Touchdown pass, 29 yards, from Flutie to Price at 8:36 (Bryson run). Drive of 67 yards in nine plays after Watson kickoff return of 30 yards to the Bills’ 33. Key gain: Flutie pass of 24 yards to Bryson to Colts’ 24. COLTS LEAD, 37-20.’
BillsBeat - December 11, 2000
Bills' playoff future on line tonight
‘Clearly, the loser is finished. But the winner will be alive for at least another week.’