‘The defense, maddeningly inconsistent this season, set the tone early and remained firm throughout. It limited the Bills to 294 total yards, produced a season-high nine sacks — eight at the expense of starting quarterback Rob Johnson — and posted a pair of second-half touchdowns that enabled the Colts to stretch a 9-6 halftime lead to 37-12 with 9:51 to play.’
BillsBeat - December 12, 2000
Much-needed ringer for Horseshoes
‘Who knows what Phillips was thinking? Perhaps of next year, but surely not of this one.’
Why couldn't Colts play like this all season?
‘Wade Phillips unofficially threw in the towel early in the second half, choosing to stay far too long with Rob "I’m Not Throwing The Ball And You Can’t Make Me" Johnson instead of Doug Flutie. (Note to Doug: Pack your bags. It’s over in Buffalo, babe).’
Rare, odd blocked punt leads scoring blitz
‘With no pressure in his face, Mohr did a double clutch and nearly kicked into Buffalo guard Jamie Nails, who was blocking Shields.’
Game exercise in what should never be
‘The defense scored two touchdowns. Special teams set up two others, and the Colts gave an RCA Dome sell-out crowd what it came for, a 44-20 victory that kept alive their postseason aspirations.’
Colts state case defensively
‘"We were talking a good game," Muhammad said. "I think I got into [Eric Moulds’] head a little bit, but I think they went away from him a little bit. For what reason, I don’t know."’
Report card
‘When special teams player Paul Shields started the second half by blocking a Buffalo punt, it changed the game’s complexion.’
At the dome
‘Blue arm-length plastic sleeves with white monkey paws were passed out as fans entered the building, and those in the crowd who pulled them on did so with enthusiasm.’
Colts stay alive, eliminate Bills with 44-20 win
‘"It was an important game for us and an important game for Buffalo, and we got it," Colts coach Jim Mora said.’
Bye, bye, Buffalo
‘Fork, please.’
Colts 44, Bills 20
‘"We didn’t make the necessary adjustments," said wide receiver Eric Moulds, who managed just two receptions for 47 yards as the Bills were eliminated from the playoff race. "Give those guys credit, they played well and we stunk the place up."’
Maligned Colts' defense comes through
‘"We didn’t have a block called at that time. We had a return called," Mora said. "He just took a long time to get the kick off."’
Indianapolis 44, Buffalo 20
‘"It’s been the story of our season," Bills receiver Eric Moulds said. "I feel that in every game we go out and play tough in the first half and then in the second half, we just fall off."’
OVER AND OUT BILLS' PLAYOFF HOPES CRUSHED BY COLTS, 44-20
‘”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.”‘
JOHNSON, MOULDS UNLEASH FRUSTRATION
‘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.’