Colts' Offense vs Bills' Defense

The talk throughout training camp this year had been the Colts' need to find a stand out #2 receiver to complement Marvin Harrison. Enter Terrence Wilkins Monday night. Sidelined since the third preseason game by a concussion, Wilkins returned to his starting role at the #2 position and had an immediate and electrifying effect on the team. Manning hit Harrison on two deep routes to push his receiving yardage over 100 yards, while also completing 9 passes to Wilkins totalling 148 yards. Thus endeth the hand wringing over the #2 receiver! Manning set a new franchise record for passing yardage Monday night with 440 yards and 4 TDs. Edgerrin James, though held in check through most of the first half, continued his tradition of playing stronger and better as the game progressed, ending with an 11 yard TD run in the fourth quarter.

All in all, the Bills have their hands full with this unit. The defensive line of the Bills is talented and athletic and have managed to disrupt the flow of the offense in the past. The key to their success has been shutting down the Colts' running game and placing the team in obvious long yardage passing situations. The Bills do a great job of closing down cut back lanes which James loves to make use of. If they force James to kick his runs outside and not cut back, this strategy could work.

Asking Peyton Manning to beat you is NOT a wise strategy, however. In his third year, he has the presence in the pocket to perform well under intense pressure, even in long yardage situations. Ironically, the Colts may emply the no huddle offense (made famous by the Bill's Jim Kelly and then offensive coordinator Ted Marchibroda) to keep the Bills back on their heels.

One alarming cause for concern for the Colts' offense is the large number of false start and holding penalties assessed on the offensive line. Monday night, every player on the line had at least one penalty. In a close game, such penalties can easily kill productive offensive series.   The Colts will no doubt pay special attention to this issue in practice this week.

Even with this concern, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on the Bills to  raise their level of play to match the high powered Colt attack.

Advantage: Colts

Next Opponent
Buffalo Bills
10/01/2000

when: 12:00
where: Orchard Park
TV: CBS

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