PRO FOOTBALL ’95 : Kelly’s Bad Day Suddenly Turns, and Bills Win, 31-9

In the third quarter, Jim Kelly had more interceptions than completions. Still, one of the worst games of his career didn’t rattle him or the Buffalo Bills.

Kelly completed only four of 21 passes for 176 yards, but a 77-yard touchdown pass play to Russell Copeland finally got the offense moving in a 31-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Kelly was one of 14 for four yards with three interceptions when he connected with Copeland over the middle for Buffalo’s first score. The Bills followed with three quick touchdowns after going to their no-huddle offense.

“I had a feeling that I had more interceptions than completions,” Kelly said. “I started pressing and trying to make plays that weren’t there.”

Carolina held Buffalo to 69 yards in the first half but allowed 279 in the second.

On the touchdown pass to Copeland, Kelly scrambled out of trouble and his pass barely missed the outstretched arm of Tim McKyer and went into Copeland’s hands near the Bills’ 45. Copeland used a downfield block by rookie Justin Armour to reach the end zone. It marked the first time the Bills moved the ball past midfield.

“The biggest difference in the second half was that when we had a bad play, we followed with a good play,” Buffalo Coach Marv Levy said. “In the first half, we followed a bad play with a worse play.

“Jim Kelly always has the same frame of mind. He’s so tough-minded. He threw three interceptions in the first half and played great in the second half.”

Kelly had not played so poorly since he completed only five passes against New England in 1990.

“It was very frustrating,” Kelly said. “I couldn’t get anybody open. We didn’t run well, we didn’t pass well. They were covering us like blankets.”

Thurman Thomas, who gained 91 yards in 22 carries, gave the Bills a 14-9 lead with a four-yard touchdown run with 6:05 left in the third quarter. His 60-yard reception also set up Darick Holmes’ three-yard touchdown run.

Kurt Schulz scored on a 32-yard interception return that gave Buffalo a 28-9 lead with 2:03 left in the third quarter. Steve Christie added a 39-yard field goal.

“I don’t ever want a victory to be a relief,” Levy said. “I’m thrilled we won the game, whether it was 31-9 or 10-9.”