ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Terrell Owens isn't ready to give back the key to the city just yet.

Though bluntly describing his statistics as "pathetic," the Buffalo Bills receiver yesterday shrugged off suggestions that he's lost a step in his 14th NFL season. As for the guarantee he made last spring to Buffalo mayor Byron Brown that he'll score 10 touchdowns this year or give back the key, well, there's still time.

"The season's not over yet. I can still get those 10," said Owens as the Bills (3-4) prepare to host Houston (4-3) this weekend. "I've got to hold up my end of the bargain."

It'll take some doing because so far T.O. in Buffalo has amounted to something pretty close to zero. And that's not what anyone expected when he generated a major buzz in March by signing a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Bills.

Through seven games, Owens has 18 catches for 242 yards and a touchdown, which marks his worst start to a season since 1996, his rookie year in San Francisco. Worse, Owens saw his 185-game reception streak snapped when he failed to make a catch in a 27-7 loss to New Orleans on Sept. 27.

"They're pathetic to be honest," Owens said, referring to his statistics. "Definitely, for myself, it's very, very frustrating. I hear a lot of people saying I've hit the wall, I can't play any more, this and that. I mean, I know I can play."

CHIEFS

Johnson suspended: Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who made two gay slurs within a 24-hour period, was given what amounts to a one-game suspension last night, but Johnson's agent said he would appeal.

Agent Peter Schaffer said the game check and other lost revenue would amount to about a penalty of about $600,000 for the former two-time Pro Bowl player. The Chiefs are on their bye week and will not play again until traveling to Jacksonville on Nov. 8.

RAMS

Reinstated LB will sue: St. Louis Rams linebacker David Vobora took the majority of snaps with the first team yesterday in his first practice since a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The second-year player said yesterday he did nothing wrong and plans to file a lawsuit over the matter.

PANTHERS

Delhomme will start: Jake Delhomme will remain Carolina's starting quarterback despite an NFL-high 13 interceptions in six games.

Coach John Fox announced after practice yesterday that he still thinks Delhomme gives the Panthers "the best chance to win" and will start him in Sunday's game at Arizona, ahead of backups Matt Moore and A.J. Feeley.