Two Bills Drive

‘Bills rookie running back Sammy Morris, who has missed three games with a high ankle sprain, ran well in practice yesterday and declared himself ready to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday.’

‘"We realize we are a long shot," tight end Jay Riemersma said following practice. "We also understand we are fighting for our jobs. We don’t want to go out and be embarrassed."’

‘"Their big three players have some of the most inconsequential statistics of any players in the league. They have the ability to play at a level that other teams can’t or won’t match, but they don’t."’

‘The most important pieces are in place. If Polian can successfully massage the cap, renegotiate some deals and bring in some defensive help, there’s no reason why the Colts can’t return as a contender next year.’

‘Although his team will carry a 7-6 record and tag of "underachiever” into Monday night’s game with Buffalo, Irsay said the right people are directing the franchise. They are, he noted, the same ones who led the Colts to an AFC East title a year ago.’

‘Injuries (ankle, elbow, shoulder) and ineffective play (6-of-18, 44 yards, two interceptions last week vs. Miami) have resulted in Johnson failing to finish five of the nine games he’s started this season. If that trend continues, it will be Doug Flutie to the rescue.’

‘"People aren’t flying around and being real peppy around here right now."’

‘The Bills took a chance in letting Bruce Smith go in a salary cap-cutting move after the 1999 season. There were many people outside the organization who weren’t sure if Wiley was ready to assume full-time duty at Smith’s right defensive end position. However, Wiley is making the gamble pay off.’

‘I don’t believe he deserves to be canned. At least not yet.’

‘Ultimately, it is the head coach who must prepare his team every week and it was utterly clear from the opening moments that the Bills were not ready. In the one area where he could have made a difference, Wade Phillips failed his team.’

‘And after what we all saw on Sunday, that embarrassing performance they gave in a 33-6 loss to Miami, it’s probably a good thing.’

‘As surely as two losses in three weeks to the Bills had punctuated the Dolphins’ decline under Shula, the end for Johnson started with last November’s 23-3 loss in Orchard Park. Miami lost five of its last seven and got butchered in the playoffs, triggering the retirements of Johnson and Marino.’

‘But they finally came to grips with that grim reality Monday when coach Wade Phillips basically told them they probably won’t be in the postseason for the first time since 1997.’

‘The injured player the Bills desperately need back is cornerback Donovan Greer, who has been sidelined for two full games and most of a third with a sore ankle. "We especially have to get him back because of his speed and he’s a corner and we just don’t have any corners," Phillips said.’

‘"We’ve got a lot of proud players, a proud team, and this next game, we’d better come back smoking."’