Buffalo News

‘”It’s like we have a disease, and it’s fatal,” defensive end Marcellus Wiley said after the Indianapolis Colts handed the Bills a 44-20 loss on Monday night. “Our death comes in two weeks.”‘

‘”It was extremely frustrating,” said tight end Jay Riemersma. “Not only that, it was embarrassing. You’ve got the whole country watching you and for some reason we didn’t come out and respond.”‘

‘Of greater concern should be Johnson’s state of mind. He has taken an horrific beating this season, and Monday was no different. Eight of the Colts’ nine sacks were at Johnson’s expense. He also took numerous shots even when he got the ball off.’

‘Everything Pendry has done all season is now open to question, including the decision to purge blocking fullback Sam Gash, the experiment with Sheldon Jackson as the H-back, the empty backfield and his role in firing offensive backfield coach Bishop Harris.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ veteran punter had a punt blocked by the Indianapolis Colts, which broke open a close game and resulted in a 44-20 loss at the RCA Dome. It was the first time since the last game of the 1997 season that Mohr had a punt blocked.’

‘Play of the Game: – Ex-Bills’ corner Jeff Burris blitzed from the right side of the Indy defense. Left tackle Marcus Spriggs, moving with the speed of wood, merely waved at Burris as he flew past him to sack Rob Johnson and cause a fumble. Bernard Holsey picked it up and rumbled 48 yards for the break-open touchdown.’

‘BILLS (D): Not nearly good enough against a team that was vulnerable on ground. Bryson didn’t find a lot of room between the tackles.’

‘Touchdown pass, 29 yards, from Flutie to Price at 8:36 (Bryson run). Drive of 67 yards in nine plays after Watson kickoff return of 30 yards to the Bills’ 33. Key gain: Flutie pass of 24 yards to Bryson to Colts’ 24. COLTS LEAD, 37-20.’

‘”The more I learn, I hope to make a run next week, if not the following week. I feel comfortable with myself learning. It’s just a matter of me learning this system and the coaches feeling comfortable with me. Being a reserve is “strictly not my goal,” Smith said, but he added: “They’re not gonna mess up something that is working, that is winning for them, just to get me in there, then I make mistakes. It’s gonna have to be a joint thing. They feel good about me and I feel good about what I’m doing and we’ll go from there.”‘

‘A judge Thursday began considering a request from Buffalo Bills receiver Andre Reed and his brother and sister to have assault and other charges lodged against an off-duty Buffalo police officer and others linked to a Sept. 5 fight in an Elmwood Avenue bar.’

‘Despite the limited playing time, Riddick always manages to get himself noticed on the field. In last Sunday’s 16-14 victory over New England, he ended the Bills’ drought for touchdown passes with his 3-yard scoring reception early in the fourth quarter.’

‘”I was surprised. Anybody would be surprised,” Drane said. “But, then again, I feel I can’t let anything disrupt my concentration on the game or the way I practice. You can’t let that rattle you. I can’t worry about what they do in the front office. I tend not to worry about things that happen or happened in the past. I just look forward to going to work and doing the best job I can every day.”‘

‘The Buffalo Bills acquired starting strong safety Leonard Smith from the Phoenix Cardinals Tuesday night in exchange for reserve cornerback Roland Mitchell and an undisclosed draft pick.’

‘It marked the first time since 1981 the Bills have sold out their first three games at Rich Stadium.’

‘Dawson then started the show by saying, “We’ve taken this show on the road many times, but never have we had the reception we’re having in Buffalo by the media and the fans. For those of you who keep bad-mouthing Buffalo, take a look around. This is a beautiful city, with the skyline behind us.”‘