Two Bills Drive

‘When the Bills (2-1) host the high-powered Indianapolis Colts (2-1) Sunday, quarterback Rob Johnson will be missing one of his favorite receivers in Riemersma, a sure-handed 6-5 target who created great mismatches in the opponents’ secondary. If the game turns into a shootout between Manning and Johnson, the second- and third-ranked passers in the NFL, Buffalo’s hoping the dropoff between Riemersma and Collins is closer to stepping off a curb than a cliff. "He’s a great athlete, but he’s young," Johnson said of the 6-4, 250-pound Collins. "Jay’s the starter and one of the best tight ends in the league. Bobby’s been working hard, though. He realizes this is a great opportunity. But he’s got to get ready for a whole game instead of just spot play."’

‘"(Last week) felt like the first week of training camp where you were a fraction of a second later than what you want to be on that throw, or you were seeing everything but thinking a little too much," said Flutie, who received final medical clearance after a positive MRI result Tuesday. "Today was night and day from last week. I think I’ve played long enough that that (rustiness) is not really an issue."’

‘Running back Lennox Gordon was signed by the Indianapolis Colts off their practice squad on Wednesday. Gordon signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills last year and played in eight games, accumulating 38 yards on 11 carries. He also had one kickoff return for 11 yards.’

‘If you’re going to double-up on star receiver Marvin Harrison, you better not forget about Terrence Wilkins. Jacksonville did on Monday night, and Wilkins had a career night – catching nine passes for 148 yards and a touchdown in the Colts’ 43-14 rout.’

‘Catching the ball has always been the easy part for Jerome Pathon. But there is so much more to being a productive wide receiver than that. Assigned routes must be run precisely and consistently. Alternate routes must be learned and adjusted to at a moment’s notice, when necessary. Downfield blocking on running plays is an unattractive, but necessary, part of the job. Perhaps most importantly with Pathon, a relationship with the quarterback must be built, so timing and trust can be developed. After a frustrating 1999 season when he basically dropped off the map, the athletically gifted wide receiver is showing signs of fulfilling the potential he flashed as a rookie with the Indianapolis Colts in ’98. He’s making the catches, sure. But he’s also where he’s supposed to be, and when. And in many instances, the catch has been the beginning of the play, not the end. It might be a little early to say Pathon has arrived, but it’s not too early to say he’s on his way. After catching 14 passes in 10 games last season — and not playing at all in four others — Pathon has come out quickly this year with 11 receptions for 183 yards in three games.’

‘[Abdul-Karim] Al-Jabbar saw limited action in the opener at Kansas City. But soreness and swelling in his right knee have kept him out of the past two games. He’s listed as "doubtful” on the NFL’s injury report, but coach Jim Mora basically ruled him out of Sunday’s game at Buffalo. "It’s kind of a day-to-day thing, but I would say he’s out for this game," he said.’

‘I have been critical of the fan support the Colts receive in this city. I’ve always said we have great fans here, just not enough of them. And based on your responses, most people agree with me. But on Monday evening I experienced a quiet, reflective, pregame moment where I just sat, smiled, and thought to myself that this city is really starting to "get it".’

‘And that focus and intensity again will be the difference this weekend when Indianapolis visits Buffalo, where it has not won since 1994. Especially against a quarterback such as Rob Johnson, who is agile enough to lead the Bills in rushing this season. "We’re facing a similar type of quarterback as we did last week," coach Jim Mora said. "He’s an athletic-type quarterback that is tough to bring down."’

‘Before Flutie tore a groin muscle in July, Buffalo Bills head coach Wade Phillips suggested using Flutie in certain situations in place of starter Rob Johnson. With Flutie expected to be promoted to No. 2 quarterback for this Sunday’s game against Indianapolis, Phillips didn’t sound all that certain about sticking to his original plan. "We have to play that by ear," Phillips said on Wednesday. "Certainly, I think he can help you. I think he’s a guy that can come in and spark-plug you."’

‘"I think we’re going to be more of a passing team this year. That’s what it looks like to me," Phillips said on Wednesday. "I think we’re going to be able to move the ball through the air efficiently."’

‘After spending the first three weeks of the season as the third-string quarterback because of a groin injury, Flutie has moved ahead of Alex Van Pelt on the depth chart. Flutie began working with the second-team offense last week, and his workload will likely increase this week as the Bills prepare for Sunday’s AFC East showdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘Smith got the ball 18 times per game in 1998 when he ran for a career-high 1,124 yards, but averaged just 10 carries last season. "For me, I feel like I really wasn’t getting a fair opportunity at it," Smith said. "The last game, I only had five carries. Thirty carries (actually 34) in three games. . . . I guess that’s enough carries to do your job. I guess."’

‘"The running game hasn’t gotten off to a good start so the blame had to fall on somebody’s shoulders, and I’m that guy," said Smith, who was demoted to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Jonathan Linton and Shawn Bryson. Asked how big his shoulders were, an uncharacteristically angry and sarcastic Smith quipped: "Big enough to carry this blame."’

‘”You know something, for me I feel like I wasn’t given a fair opportunity. Last game I only had five carries. I guess 30 carries in three games is enough carries to do your job, I guess,” Smith said. “The running game hasn’t gotten off to a good start, so the blame has to fall on somebody’s shoulders and I’m that guy.”‘

‘While the Bills enjoyed a week off, Indianapolis, which already had its bye week, will be entertaining tough Jacksonville tonight. In case you’re wondering, Buffalo has one of the NFL’s best records in games after bye weeks, since those open dates were added to the schedule in 1990. The Bills are 9-2 following bye weeks, 6-2 at home, 3-0 on the road. In fact, they’re even inspired heading into bye, going 8-4 the game before, one of those losses coming a week ago at the Meadowlands.’