Two Bills Drive

‘Starting cornerback Jeff Burris sustained what is believed to be a dislocated left thumb during 11-on-11 drills. The injury occurred when Burris closed on a receiver after a reception. Despite the noncontact tenor of the day’s work, the two collided and Burris was the worse for wear.’

‘”We’re a wide-open offense, we want to throw the ball down field and get it to the receivers,” said Greene, who played two seasons for the Carolina Panthers before signing with the Colts midway through last season. “The fullback doesn’t have that big a role right now, but now and then I’ll come in (and help).’

‘Phillips lost his weight — perhaps as much as 60 pounds — on a popular diet called Sugar Busters, which tries to decrease insulin levels that help determine a person’s hunger. It’s long on fruits and meat, short on potatoes and rice.’

‘This is the sleeper team in the league. The Bills have the ability to take it all. Doug Flutie is the key. If he plays like he did a year ago, they’ll be in the playoffs because they can run the ball inside (Antowain Smith) and play solid defense. They were hurt at CB last year and feel they have improved with Winfield. Watch for Price to give them a serious deep threat to team with Eric Moulds.’

‘Antowain Smith has yet to show he’s the kind of runner defenses fear, the way they used to respect Thurman Thomas, who is still around. The Bills lost twice to the Jets and twice to the Dolphins including playoffs last year. They must do better within the division.’

‘The offensive line gets a makeover, with Jerry Ostroski moving to centre to replace Dusty Ziegler, and second-year Robert Hicks moving in at right tackle. Hicks was superb in three starts last season, but has to handle a heavier workload. There may be more change in store on the OL, with Joe Panos bothered by a bulging disk in his neck that has robbed him of some strength and may keep him out of the start of the season, if not more. Even more than Flutie, it’s this offensive line that may indeed determine the Bills’ success.’

‘Buffalo 24, INDIANAPOLIS 17 — The Bills are 15-4 against the spread (ATS) in the last 19 meetings and 7-1 in the last eight meetings outright. The 2 1/2-point underdog Colts are closing the talent gap but probably aren’t ready to turn the tables yet.’

‘Walk into the administration building at Ralph Wilson Stadium and standing in the corner is a soft sculpture of an NFL referee wearing glasses and signaling a touchdown. It was commissioned by owner Ralph Wilson for display at his private Super Bowl party in January dubbed, “We get the last laugh party.”‘

‘In Buffalo, the magic is still there in the 5-9 form of quarterback Doug Flutie. But don’t be surprised if Rob Johnson plays a key role in the underrated Bills’ attempt to win their first title since 1995.’

‘Polian and Ted Marchibroda’s relationship dates back to Buffalo, where Marchibroda was the offensive coordinator when Polian was the general manager assembling the Bills teams that would play in the Super Bowl after the 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 seasons. So it was natural for Marchibroda to call and offer his congratulations when Polian took over as Colts president two years ago.’

AFC East:

4. Buffalo Bills

‘The Bills should make the playoffs again, especially if they learn how to beat division rivals on the road. With Flutie and five-receiver sets, they are going to be fun to watch.’

‘Yet Polian, too, deserves credit. He has not taken a wishin’-and-hopin’ approach to running the shop. He has acted boldly and decisively, without regard to the reaction his moves might create. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.’

‘”To have a chance to open the season against (the Bills) is something I’m looking forward to. It’s my first time to play against guys I love as friends … Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Ted Washington, guys that are left from when I was there.”‘