Two Bills Drive

‘"There’s been a couple of cuts that people didn’t expect," he said. "That hasn’t really happened here before. People here are getting used to how pro football really is. Before, we just kept our 53 guys and that’s our team for the year. Now, if you’re not playing well or if things aren’t going well, they’re going to look to upgrade the team."’

‘Manning has been held under 200 passing yards in 11 of his 49 career starts in the league. Four have come against the Bills.’

‘Five sacks and three interceptions in the opener are ample evidence of that. But with just two field goals against the Saints, the entire Bills offence has something to prove. Everyone’s learning the new offence, not just me," Johnson said. "It’s not just one guy, it’s 11 guys."’

‘And nobody’s quite sure what to expect in the aftermath of the unspeakable tragedies in New York and Washington, especially for a game in which violence and aggressiveness are an integral part. That’s very much the case for the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts who meet this afternoon in the soldout RCA Dome.’

‘"I think it’ll be a proud time for us as a country, getting back to sports and the things we enjoy and may take for granted," linebacker Keith Newman said. "For us to play this game and the fans who come to watch, those are luxuries we sometimes forget. That’s why being out there and hearing the anthem is going to be a great feeling. Then we’ve got to focus on the game."’

‘The Indianapolis Colts’ 25-year-old throwing machine is at the head of a successful new breed of young signal callers, a class that also includes Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb, Minnesota’s Daunte Culpepper, Cleveland’s Tim Couch and Denver’s Brian Griese.’

‘"We had not been trained to deal with a suicide hijacker because there had never been such a scenario," he said. "What occurred on September 11 was unprecedented."’

‘"My individual goal is to bring the best Larry Centers to the field each Sunday. I want all my teammates to know that I come to play and every play, when I get my opportunity I’m going to get the maximum amount of yards allowed me on that play. "That’s how I grade myself on film. I ask, ‘What could I have done differently to get more yards? How could I have played the situation better?’ That’s how I’ve come to analyze myself as a player, taking it play by play."’

‘The Bills must come out of the blocks fast. Falling behind on the road is never a good idea, especially not in the emotionally charged environment that will exist today. The offense has to get on track. You know the Colts are going to score points, so the only way Buffalo can win is to score more points. Pretty simple logic, right?’

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8. Buffalo Bills: 38 players, $11.3 million under.

The Bills are one of the best teams, salary cap wise, as of Sept. 13.

With 38 players signed they are $11.3 milion under the cap (not taken into account some bonuses, accelerations and other monies that could be earned).

‘"We like our kicker (Jake Arians), but we’re not trying to put him in the Pro Bowl," said wide receiver Peerless Price. "We have to find a way to score touchdowns on a consistent basis."’

‘Granted it’s only one week into the NFL season, but Rob Johnson’s rating, among the 32 quarterbacks ranked, is near the bottom in the league.’

‘"My whole take on it is the football season is basically September, October and November," Cowart said in his first interview since having surgery Monday to repair a partially torn right Achilles’ tendon. "The doctors said it’s going to take three months for it to heal. But when a doctor tells you three months, that’s really four. After those three months to get healthy, you then have to get back to where you are in football shape and at football speed."’

‘Spoon practiced extensively with the first-team defense during Friday’s practice. Kenyatta Wright is still expected to get the majority of snaps Sunday, but Spoon is certain to get plenty of action, particularly on early downs.’