ATLANTA -- Terrell Owens had little chance to celebrate an important career milestone.
Owens became just the sixth player in NFL history to catch 1,000 passes Sunday, but his Buffalo Bills had too little offense in a 31-3 road loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Owens had four catches for 39 yards in the game and said he didn't make a big deal about joining Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Cris Carter, Tim Brown and Isaac Bruce as the only players with 1,000 receptions in their NFL careers.
"It doesn't bother me," Owens said. "I just go out and play the game. I'm blessed to be able to play this game and to play it at a productive level."
Owens reached the milestone with an 8-yard reception during the second quarter. He caught a 10-yard pass from Brian Brohm, who made his first NFL start at quarterback, earlier in the drive.
Owens entered the game needing just two catches to reach 1,000 for his career, which began in 1996. He was held without a catch in the first quarter but took care of the milestone with three receptions in the second quarter.
Owens reached the milestone in 203 games. Only Harrison and Rice made 1,000 career receptions in fewer games.
The Bills were held to just 178 total yards in the game.
"I don't have any answers," Owens said. "All the guys are working hard in practice.
"We're not executing. It's been that way all year. I wish we could have made more plays. ... It's hard to win games when you're going three and out. We haven't been able to sustain drives."
Bills interim coach Perry Fewell said Owens hasn't let a frustrating season affect his effort.
"The guy gives it his best," Fewell said. "He has each and every time."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
