‘"We just showed everybody that we didn’t have the character to stand up to a Colts team who I still don’t know how we got blown out (by)," said always animated defensive end Marcellus Wiley.’
BillsBeat - December 13, 2000
Bumbling Bills attempt to salvage what's left of the season
‘The fallout from Monday’s 44-20 loss at Indianapolis found players questioning the Bills one-dimensional offensive scheme, others admittedly embarrassed, and a special teams unit in utter disarray.’
BILLS BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED BY SLIDE
‘”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.”‘
BillsBeat - December 12, 2000
MNF game balls
‘The defense was sparked by the play of two new starters in Brad Sicoli and Mustafah Muhammad who both were able to record five solo tackles.’
Colts sack Bills with "embarrassing" loss
‘"Whatever Webster defines ’embarrassed’ as … it just happened." Indeed it did.’
Bills out of playoff hunt after 44-20 loss
‘Last night they drew their final pathetic breath in what has been an extremely disappointing season as the Indianapolis Colts laid an embarrassing 44-20 whipping on them in front of a sellout crowd at the RCA Dome and a national television audience.’
End is here for these Bills
‘When quarterback Rob Johnson, that deer-in-the-headlights look right there for a Monday Night Football audience to see, fumbled on his seventh sack of the night, and that was returned for a score.’
Bills can't find second wind
‘Indianapolis did not get the fierce snowstorm that paralyzed Chicago yesterday. Instead, it rained heavily most of the day, and by evening, the winds picked up substantially. Thank goodness for the dome.’
Not dead just yet
‘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.’
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.’