Two Bills Drive

‘Tim Ruddy earned his second game ball of the season after Sunday’s victory in Cincinnati. Coach Dave Wannstedt says the seventh-year center is playing at a "Pro Bowl level." And vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman says Ruddy is playing a lot more physical than in past years. But accolades and testimonials aside, Ruddy’s ascent will be tested Sunday at Pro Player Stadium by an old nemesis — the Bills’ Ted Washington. Buffalo’s Pro Bowl nose tackle and immovable force remains a daunting task for any center, but especially Ruddy. But Ruddy’s play this season has convinced even the greatest doubters that the Dolphins made a wise choice to re-sign him to a five-year, $12.75 million contract — including a $4 million signing bonus — last February.’

‘The Dolphins acquired yet another tight end Monday when they dealt a seventh-round draft pick in the 2001 NFL draft to Chicago for Alonzo Mayes.’

‘The Dolphins don’t want to reveal how coaches have graded center Tim Ruddy through the first five games of the season, but the fact he is the only offensive player to receive two game balls from coach Dave Wannstedt speaks volumes.’

‘While most of the attention this week will be on running back Thurman Thomas, playing his first game against his former team, a more important storyline — if the Dolphins are to run against the Bills Sunday at Pro Player Stadium — should unfold in the trenches. That’s where center Tim Ruddy, who according to head coach Dave Wannstedt is playing the best football of his career, will butt heads with All-Pro tackle Ted Washington. The Bills enter Sunday’s game with the league’s second-ranked run defense, yielding an average of only 66.3 yards per game. The 6-5, 330-pound Washington, who has averaged nearly 110 tackles the past four years, remains a big reason why Buffalo is so formidable against the run.’

‘The Bills rank among the NFL’s best defensive teams, and in two meetings against them last year, Miami totaled one touchdown. "They’re probably the most physical team we play all year,” coach Dave Wannstedt said.’

‘The Miami Dolphins acquired tight end Alonzo Mayes from the Chicago Bears for an undisclosed late-round draft choice Monday.’

‘"We know Thurman. I think he’s pulling everybody’s chain," Bills coach Wade Phillips said. "He’s a great guy and a great leader. He’ll do whatever it takes. … Thurman’s got his own reasons for everything. He’s a special guy as far as leadership is concerned, we all know that."’

‘"The way this turned out doesn’t surprise me at all. The way this turned out — coming down to the last play — doesn’t surprise me at all. It was a real dogfight right from the beginning," said Colts coach Jim Mora. "To come up here and beat these guys here in a really important game for both teams is a tremendous accomplishment for our football team. I couldn’t be more proud of them."’

‘Waiting for the elevator outside the Ralph Wilson Stadium press box, the Indianapolis Colts’ assistant coaches who had been in the booth, spotted general manager Bill Polian. Spontaneously, they shared a collective hug and Polian, who held that position for eight seasons with Buffalo, gave a relieved eye roll that said, ‘We stole one.”

‘Indianapolis sacked Bills’ quarterback Rob Johnson four times. The first was recorded by former Bill Cornelius Bennett. Later, Marcus Johnson sacked Johnson, who fumbled, with tackle John Fina recovering. However, Fina wasn’t allowed to advance the ball since the fumble occurred in the final two minutes of a half and, thus, could only be taken forward by the fumbler. Dwight Hollier also got a sack. It was first sack of the season for all three linebackers. In addition, defensive end Chad Bratzke recorded his second sack of the campaign.’

‘As for Vanderjagt, he once played a double for actor Tony Danza in a football movie called ‘The Garbage Pickin’ Field-Goal Kickin’ Philadelphia Phenomenon.’ That my well be a forgettable part, but his heroics yesterday will be a role that will be remembered for a long time.’

‘Nope, the burden of this second straight AFC East loss sits squarely on the shoulders of Buffalo’s offense. “We definitely blew good opportunities in the first half,” Johnson said. It came back to bite them in the end.’

‘In a game that was dominated by the Bills in almost every statistical category the Colts have to feel fortunate to come out of there with a win. The Bills who has had a very weak running game so far this year was able to "run by committee" and put up some impressive numbers. The combination of running Bryson and Litton had 101 yards on 24 carries. Rob Johnson had a solid day connecting on 21 of 32 for 246 yards and a TD. What hurt Buffalo the most was their inability to punch the Ball in the end zone. In the first half Buffalo had three impressive drives that got them in the red zone every time, but had to settle for field goals.’

‘Overall, this was a tough battle in a tough place to come away with a win. Perhaps not the prettiest of victories but I’ll take it. I’m sure Jim Mora and the Colts will say the same.’

‘Buffalo had run for 170 yards and a 5.2 average, passed for 246, performed well on special teams, had no turnovers and almost a 12-minute advantage in time of possession. In addition, the Bills’ defense limited the production of the Colts’ talented trio of Manning, Harrison and running back Edgerrin James. Usually that is a prescription for winning. Not Sunday, however. The problem was the Bills’ inability to put the ball in the end zone, especially in the first half.’