The Bills snapped a 15-game losing streak to the Patriots Sunday with a 34-31 win at home. Simply overcoming a 21-0 deficit makes the win special, but finally beating the Patriots made it spectacular. Buffalo had been thoroughly dominated by the Pats for years. New England had won 20 of their last 21 meetings with the Bills, so the victory had to feel like winning the Super Bowl for many fans.
Chris Kelsay, who is the only Bills player on the roster who was with the team the last time they had beaten the Patriots (in 2003), called it the biggest win of his career. Running back Fred Jackson ran around the field waving a Bills flag after the win, and the goal posts had to be lowered to keep fans from pulling them down. It was like a college atmosphere in Buffalo.
After the win, Bills players raved on Twitter about the amazing energy from the fans.
“We can’t thank Bills nation enough for being a great 12th man out there today. You guys are the best!” linebacker Shawne Merriman wrote.
“Bills Mafia showed up big today thanks for all the support!!!!” wrote linebacker Nick Barnett.
Added linebacker Kirk Morrison, said “I’ve played at a lot of different stadiums in my career but today when Lindell made that Field Goal to win, The Ralph was deafening.”
Safety Bryan Scott said “I’ve never heard the ralph rock like that!!! Thank You 12th man!!!”
And linebacker Arthur Moats added that the stadium was rocking and “stupid loud.”
Of course Bills fans were loving it — they’re 3-0, they’ve overcome 18-or-more point deficits in consecutive weeks, and they’re first place in the AFC East.
Now that you’ve read about how great the atmosphere was, it’s finally time to experience it. Watch this video to see what it was like in the stadium when Rian Lindell made the winning kick:
The city of Buffalo hasn’t had much to be excited about regarding its football team for years. The win was relieving, exhilarating, and energizing. The team is improved this year, and the connection between the fans and players is evident. Even wide receiver David Nelson, who’s only in his second year with the Bills, understands the history. “That was for YOU Buffalo. You deserve it.”
The Bills are in first place in the AFC East and they have a whole city riding behind them. They have a big responsibility every time they take the field.
Picture via Rachel Nichols
