Two Bills Drive

‘As a result, Monday night’s game means a little more to the winner

than the loser. But not much.’

‘…the Indianapolis Colts were the choice of many prognosticators to repeat as AFC East Division champions and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. So much for predictions.’

‘Smith’s replacement, Marcellus Wiley, the shining light of the Bills locker room, has been every bit as productive a player as he is a quote machine for the media.’

‘So, when the Colts play AFC East rival Buffalo in the RCA Dome on ABC’s Monday Night Football, Belser will be on hand to hit from the secondary. It will mark the 100th consecutive start of his nine-year career.’

‘If last weekend was a baptism of fire for many Bills youngsters filling in for five injured starters, the challenge doesn’t get any easier.’

‘Marv Levy, winner of four straight AFC titles and loser of four straight Super Bowls as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, always went in with a clear definition of what it takes to win.’

‘With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Bills can’t afford a repeat performance. Monday could be a chance to make something happen on offense as the Colts have the 26th-ranked defense in the NFL.’

‘Left tackle John Fina seems to be the biggest concern. He missed his second straight practice Thursday because of a sprained right knee suffered in the 33-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. He is questionable for the Monday night game at Indianapolis.’

‘However, if the Bills and their fans are perplexed by what has taken place in 2000, imagine what the Colts and the fine citizens of Indianapolis are going through.’

‘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.’