Great read Matthew! I think we all watched a memorable game today and you captured the mood and the plays beautifully. Thanks for your intuitive coverage.
Interesting perspective, I know you left Buffalo for opportunities in Minnesota a few years ago. Crazy the two teams you know best are now playing at such a high level. It’s possible the Vikings and Bills could end up in the Super Bowl.
This is really well written. Your connection to Buffalo and its fans shines through.
I guess it’s not your beat, but I wonder if you’d write something this week about how the people you know in Buffalo react to this loss.
Allen is amazingly talented but he’s lost a lot of close games and he made some bad mistakes in big situations yesterday. For all the hope that comes with having one of the best players in the league at QB, this was the year the Bills expected to get over the hump, especially after signing Von Miller. And now that’s in doubt.
The Bills are in 3rd place in the division, 0-2 against the teams ahead of them, and they’ve lost the advantage for the 1 seed they seemed to have locked up just 2 weeks ago. They probably need to win at least 6 of their last 8 (with a schedule that includes the Patriots twice, Jets and Dolphins at home, and Bengals on the road) to have a good chance at winning the division. And if they can’t overtake Miami, they’ll be forced to try to win 3 road playoff games as a wildcard.
The last 2 weeks must have been tough on Bills fans. Take down Mahomes at Arrowhead, then embarrass Rodgers and the Packers in primetime, but then lose to Zach Wilson and Kirk Cousins?? Last 3 games in the second half and OT (100 minutes of game time), the Bills juggernaut offense has put up 9 total points while turning the ball over 6 times. Their defense couldn’t get consistent pressure on Cousins today, and gave up way too many dagger plays to a team that had been struggling to hit explosives all year.
Of course the Bills are a great team and fully capable of putting together a run to win it all. But the loss to the Vikings seems like it might come back to haunt them, not just in terms of the playoff race but the nagging doubt that the next time they need to win a big game, even a 3 score lead at home might not be enough.
Yeah my Buffalo friends were nervous when I talked to them. They know this is their big chance with Allen still being cheap but they can see some of the writing on the wall. Their QB makes some big errors, their OL is tender, they rely on one receiver, they can't run the ball and their secondary is banged up and...btw...the AFC is a monster. I think there's a lot of fear that 13 seconds was the closest they'll get
I just watched the 2nd half and OT in condensed game format again. I still feel shock. So many improbable plays...all strung together for a win. I kept thinking this is where the Bills win and the Vikings dodged and wiggled free each time. Crazy, crazy game.
I write a LOT. sometimes it’s a struggle to get a few words, but other times I can hardly keep up with my fingers. It’s like inspiration. I suspect that was your experience when writing this excellent article. Thanks.
Matthew, you know I’m an old timer (1969) curmudgeon, cynic. But after today’s game, I’m drinking the kool aid. KOC has them inspired and motivated.
The catch that JJ made @ 4 th and 22 was simply amazing . Odelish .
These don’t really work, but it’s a great day to be goofy
“Somebody make up a Miracle-related nickname.”
Buffalo beatification
Revelations at The Rich.
The Orchard PPark PPick
Bill’s Ralph at the Ralph
Patrick Peterson picks a pair of pickled passes
Great piece Matthew.
Great read Matthew! I think we all watched a memorable game today and you captured the mood and the plays beautifully. Thanks for your intuitive coverage.
That was amazing
Interesting perspective, I know you left Buffalo for opportunities in Minnesota a few years ago. Crazy the two teams you know best are now playing at such a high level. It’s possible the Vikings and Bills could end up in the Super Bowl.
This is really well written. Your connection to Buffalo and its fans shines through.
I guess it’s not your beat, but I wonder if you’d write something this week about how the people you know in Buffalo react to this loss.
Allen is amazingly talented but he’s lost a lot of close games and he made some bad mistakes in big situations yesterday. For all the hope that comes with having one of the best players in the league at QB, this was the year the Bills expected to get over the hump, especially after signing Von Miller. And now that’s in doubt.
The Bills are in 3rd place in the division, 0-2 against the teams ahead of them, and they’ve lost the advantage for the 1 seed they seemed to have locked up just 2 weeks ago. They probably need to win at least 6 of their last 8 (with a schedule that includes the Patriots twice, Jets and Dolphins at home, and Bengals on the road) to have a good chance at winning the division. And if they can’t overtake Miami, they’ll be forced to try to win 3 road playoff games as a wildcard.
The last 2 weeks must have been tough on Bills fans. Take down Mahomes at Arrowhead, then embarrass Rodgers and the Packers in primetime, but then lose to Zach Wilson and Kirk Cousins?? Last 3 games in the second half and OT (100 minutes of game time), the Bills juggernaut offense has put up 9 total points while turning the ball over 6 times. Their defense couldn’t get consistent pressure on Cousins today, and gave up way too many dagger plays to a team that had been struggling to hit explosives all year.
Of course the Bills are a great team and fully capable of putting together a run to win it all. But the loss to the Vikings seems like it might come back to haunt them, not just in terms of the playoff race but the nagging doubt that the next time they need to win a big game, even a 3 score lead at home might not be enough.
Yeah my Buffalo friends were nervous when I talked to them. They know this is their big chance with Allen still being cheap but they can see some of the writing on the wall. Their QB makes some big errors, their OL is tender, they rely on one receiver, they can't run the ball and their secondary is banged up and...btw...the AFC is a monster. I think there's a lot of fear that 13 seconds was the closest they'll get
I just watched the 2nd half and OT in condensed game format again. I still feel shock. So many improbable plays...all strung together for a win. I kept thinking this is where the Bills win and the Vikings dodged and wiggled free each time. Crazy, crazy game.
Great Game. Great Drama. Great Article.
Best game of the year, and your best recap of the year as well. Bravo
I write a LOT. sometimes it’s a struggle to get a few words, but other times I can hardly keep up with my fingers. It’s like inspiration. I suspect that was your experience when writing this excellent article. Thanks.
Great meaty article Mathew 👏