1967 Topps football card of former pro quarterback George Wilson Jr., who had a brief career, basically only a single season, in the American Football League with the Miami Dolphins. He was drafted by Buffalo in 1965 but never played for them, then was traded to Miami in ’66, where he linked up with the Dolphins’ head coach, his father George Wilson Jr. He played in all 14 games that year, the Dolphins inaugural season as a franchise, and his claim to fame was that he quarterbacked the first victory in team history that year. He was then traded to Denver but didn’t make the squad, so his short-lived pro career was finished. Wilson Jr. died of throat cancer in 2011.
The Buffalo Bills host the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday as week 2 of the NFL season gets underway, and we’ll feature these 2 clubs for Throwback Thursday this week. Let’s travel back to January 20, 1991, to then Rich Stadium, for the AFC Championship game. Buffalo was attempting to reach the Super Bowl for the first time, while the Raiders, based in Los Angeles then, were looking to spoil that party.
It was never even close to being a contest. Jim Kelly led a drive that ended with a 13 yard touchdown pass to James Lofton to open the scoring, and after a Raider field goal the Bills drove downfield again and scored, this time on a 12 yard run by Thurman Thomas. The defense then got in on the action as linebacker Darryl Talley intercepted a Jay Schroeder pass and returned it 27 yards to the end zone to give his team a 21-3 lead after a quarter. The Bills didn’t let up in the second quarter either. Kenny Davis spelled Thomas at running back and scored twice on short runs, followed by another short Kelly to Lofton TD throw of 8 yards. At some point the beleaguered Raiders called what amounted to a basketball timeout to catch their breath as the vaunted no-huddle K-Gun attack of the Bills overwhelmed them. When the dust settled Buffalo held a commanding 41-3 lead at halftime.
I was in the stadium at that game, and across the field from me some fans were spelling out “Hello Tampa” in the stands. (Where the Super Bowl was to be played the next week) I saw that and immediately thought “Holy s**t, the Bills are going to the Super Bowl!” Later that day at home after the game, they showed earlier clips of workers at Tampa Stadium painting the Bills’ logo in the end zone, at halftime of the game! It was just an incredible experience.
Happy Bills’ fans with a message
Coach Marv Levy called off the dogs somewhat in the second half. The Bills scored only 10 points, on another short Davis run and a Scott Norwood field goal, to account for the final score of 51-3, launching the team to the big game. Kelly wound up throwing for 300 yards and the 2 TDs, while Thomas, although leaving the touchdown runs to Davis, racked up 199 yards of total offense. Lofton’s 2 TDs were among his 5 catches for 133 yards. The beleaguered Shroeder was intercepted 5 times by the Buffalo defense before being replaced by Vince Evans, who threw another pick. Little did the Bills and their fans know that what came next was the ultimate heartbreak of “Wide Right” by Norwood in Super Bowl XXV.
Logo of a college football team that plays in the Southern Conference, The Citadel Bulldogs. The school first fielded a team in 1905 and has won 4 conference titles. Former Bulldogs who have enjoyed pro grid careers include Paul Maguire, Cortez Allen, Greg Davis, Andre Roberts, Stump Mitchell, Travis Jervey and Angelo Coia.
1990 Fleer football card of former pro football quarterback Jim Kelly, who played 13 years, 11 of them in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. He joined the Bills after spending 2 years with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers leading the “run and shoot” offense there. He enjoyed tremendous success in Buffalo, guiding the Bills to 4 consecutive Super Bowl appearances running the fast-paced “K Gun” offense. Kelly was a five-time Pro Bowler as well as a member of the Bills’ Wall of Fame, and his jersey number 12 is retired by the franchise. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. He still lives in the Buffalo area, and has raised millions through his Hunter’s Hope (named after his late son) and Kelly For Kids Foundations.
It was a long wait, but the 2023 NFL season is finally upon us, and that also marks the return of our weekly Throwback Thursday feature, in which we travel back in time to highlight a game from the past played between teams who are matched against each other that week on the league slate. For opening week, we chose a matchup of 2 historic franchises, played on October 20, 1957. It pitted the Chicago Cardinals against the Washington Redskins at old Griffith Stadium in Washington. Those teams go head to head on opening day this season, although the Cardinals are based in Arizona and Washington’s club is now known as the Commanders.
Neither of these teams was very good that season, as they finished fourth and last respectively in the Eastern Division standings. The lowly Cardinals, who would only win 3 games all year, did boast one of the league’s most dynamic stars – halfback Ollie Matson. On this day, they rode a dominating performance from their future Hall of Fame back to a rousing 44-14 victory. He wasted no time as he broke off a 56 yard scamper to the end zone to open the scoring. The Cards’ other 2 star offensive weapons on this day, quarterback Lamar McHan and end Woodley Lewis, provided the next points, hooking up on a 39 yard touchdown pass, followed by an 18 yard McHan run to paydirt to put Chicago ahead 21-0. Washington regrouped somewhat and cut the lead to 21-7 when Eddie LeBaron tossed a short TD pass to Ed Podoley, but McHan and Lewis regained the momentum by hooking up for another score. Kicker Pat Summerall, who we all know would go on to become one of the most beloved football broadcasters of all time, added a field goal, and the Cardinals now owned a commanding 31-7 lead at halftime over the future Commanders.
Showing no mercy, McHan struck for the big play again to start the second half scoring when he found Matson open for a 50 yard touchdown. Matson had now showcased his talents as both a runner and receiver. LeBaron engineered another scoring drive for the Redskins before the third quarter ended, but the game was pretty much over by then. In fact, Washington only added to their ineptness when they fumbled on their own goal line in the final quarter. Leo Sugar accepted the gift, recovering the loose ball and traveling the 1 yard into the end zone to finalize the scoring. On a historic note, despite the one-sided nature of the contest, Washington did have a play made from a future Hall of Famer of their own, as McHan’s otherwise perfect game of 8 completions on 13 passes for 182 yards and 3 TDs was spoiled when he threw an interception into the waiting arms of Redskin defensive back Don Shula.
Matson, although today a mostly overlooked star from the NFL’s past, was a much coveted player in his era. In fact, the Cardinals, in 1959, traded him to the Los Angeles Rams for what amounted to 9 players (7 players and 2 top draft picks). That deal was orchestrated by the Rams’ general manager at the time, future NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
Ollie Matson (second from left) with his HOF classmates of 1972
Logo of a long-defunct college football team that competed as a Division II Independent school, the University of San Francisco Dons. Their program existed from it’s inception in 1917 until 1982. In 1951, despite finishing undefeated at 9-0, they were not invited to a bowl game. Although they were only a small college program, USF boasts 5 of their alumni who are Pro Football Hall of Famers – Ollie Matson, Gino Marchetti, Bob St. Clair, Dick Stanfel and former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
A custom-designed 1954 Bowman football card of former NFL player and coach Don Shula. The card never actually existed in the ’54 Bowman set, but is the artwork of that master of producing fake football cards, Bob Lemke. Shula was a 7 year journeyman defensive back as a player in the 1950s, but went on to become the winningest head coach in NFL history with 347 combined regular season and playoff wins. He coached teams to the Super Bowl 6 times, winning a pair with the Miami Dolphins that included the undefeated 1972 club. Shula was voted to the 1970s All Decade team and the 100th Anniversary team as a coach. He was a four-time NFL Coach of The Year, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
The 2022 NFL season for the Buffalo Bills, filled with preseason hype that the team was primed to win a Super Bowl, instead evolved into a crucible of obstacles put in front of them that included:
Death of Dawson Knox’s brother
Kim Pegula’s illness
Injuries to key players (Von Miller, Micah Hyde, etc.)
Dealing with multiple blizzards/home game relocated
Damar Hamlin’s near death
Josh Allen’s elbow injury
Despite the setbacks, the Bills managed 13 wins, another AFC East title and a wild card playoff win. They enter 2023 battle-tested and much more under the radar, to the point where some analysts are writing them off. Here is our preseason preview of where the three-time AFC East champs sit entering the upcoming season:
Front Office/Coaching
Buffalo still has a solid roster top to bottom thanks to the work of GM Brandon Beane and his staff, and if early indications on this year’s draft class prove to be true, they could be better than last year’s group. It’s a sign of how strong of a roster they have that both seventh round draft picks – Nick Broeker and Alex Austin, failed to make the final 53 man roster, yet both were claimed off waivers when they were released. Beane has also done his annual job of adding some low-key free agents who should strengthen certain areas. As for coaching, the major change has Sean McDermott taking over the defensive play calling from the departed Leslie Frazier. Most expect this change to result in a more aggressive approach on that side of the ball, a change that will surely be popular with the players.
Quarterbacks
QB Kyle Allen, Bills’ annual new backup QB
Following in the footsteps of Matt Barkley, Mitch Trubisky and Case Keenum, Kyle Allen is the newest backup option behind Josh Allen in the Bills’ quarterback room. Josh is the unquestioned starter, and with Kyle Allen, offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, QB coach Joe Brady and Barkley (on injured reserve for the year) there is plenty of support for the team’s top player. As long as Josh Allen is calling signals and not his golfing buddy Kyle, the Bills will be in the hunt for a Super Bowl title.
Running Backs
James Cook, the Bills’ new bell cow RB
Buffalo has been trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to develop a rushing attack in the last few years. They are a passing offense so they only need a slightly above average run game to keep defenses honest. This season, they have an almost completely new stable of running backs to try to finally accomplish that goal. James Cook isn’t new, but he is entering his first year of being counted on to be the main back in the offense. He has skills as both a runner and pass receiver, and has flashed brilliance at times. Now he has to prove he can be a positive contributor consistently. His backups are a pair of veterans who offer different skill sets than Cook. Latavius Murray is a solid short yardage back who should be valuable on the goal line while Damien Harris is an under the radar free agent signing who could play a major role in spelling Cook with no dropoff in production. He was a major thorn in the side of the Bills in his time in New England, rushing for over 100 yards in 3 of the 4 games he played against them. The Bills keep only one fullback on the roster, and that’s Reggie Gilliam. He’s mostly a blocker and special teamer, but occasionally is involved as a receiver out of the backfield.
Receivers
Trent Sherfield, Bills’ new slot receiver
Pundits are always downgrading Buffalo’s receiving corps, claiming that after the alpha dog Stefon Diggs there is no threat. “Big Play” Gabe Davis, a newly minted captain on the team, begs to differ. He is primed for a big season after battling drops and an injury last year. A new slot receiver was brought in from Miami in free agency – Trent Sherfield. He was a key piece for the Dolphins despite being overshadowed by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and his value for Buffalo is enhanced by a trait the Bills’ coaches like – versatility. Although likely playing mostly in the slot, he is capable of manning any of the WR spots, helping Dorsey be creative with formations, etc. GM Beane was determined to add speed to the receiving corps also, thus the signing of Deonte Harty from the Saints. He’ll be another slot option as well as returning kicks. Khalil Shakir starts the year a little banged up, but he for sure will have an impact down the line as the fifth receiver. Draft pick Justin Shorter, a big, physical wideout, starts the season on short-term injured reserve where he’ll get a chance to develop his game. Buffalo has a trio of capable tight ends entering the 2023 season thanks to the addition of rookie top draft pick Dalton Kincaid, who has high expectations. Along with established starter Dawson Knox, the Bills can employ double tight end formations to get favorable matchups and also help the run game. Quinton Morris is the third TE, and he has solidified his place on the team as a dependable backup and top special team guy.
Offensive Line
Connor McGovern adds beef to the Bills’ interior line
The divisional playoff loss to Cincinnati last year was a wake-up call that Beane needed to beef up the offensive line as Josh Allen was under duress the whole game. Both starting guards will be new this season, with free agent Connor McGovern replacing Rodger Saffold at left guard and impressive rookie O’Cyrus Torrence taking over on the right side. Center Mitch Morse returns to anchor the line, and starting tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown are also back. Brown is still a work in progress and he’ll be pushed for playing time by newcomer Germain Ifedi, a late waiver acquisition, and Ryan Van Demark, who earned his way onto the roster after serving time on the practice squad last year. Reliable Ryan Bates is the main backup, and he can play any position on the line. Alec Anderson, who like Van Demark elevated himself from the PS to the roster, is being groomed to mirror Bates in that he can man any spot. Another interior reserve is veteran free agent signee David Edwards.
Defensive Line
DT Daquan Jones, an underrated defender
The Bills’ defensive line will automatically be improved once future Hall of Famer Von Miller returns from his injury, but the team also added some extra help on both the inside and at defensive end in tackle Poona Ford and pass rusher Leonard Floyd, who will be counted on to replace at least some of Miller’s production in getting after opposing quarterbacks. Newly extended Ed Oliver mans one starting tackle spot, alongside an underrated star of the D-line in DaQuan Jones. His absence in the divisional playoff loss was a big factor. Greg Rousseau starts on the outside and is expected to improve on his 8 sack season of a year ago, with Floyd starting the year opposite him. Ford, Jordan Phillips, the one man hype machine, and Tim Settle will spell the starting tackles in the team’s D line rotation, while on the outside Shaq Lawson, Kingsley Johnathan and A.J. Epenesa (who bagged 6 sacks in a rotational role) will tag in for the starters.
Linebackers
LB Terrel Bernard has been hampered by injuries
The glaring missing piece from the linebacking corps, of course, is departed Tremaine Edmunds, who left for the Bears in free agency. Buffalo only employs 2 ‘backers most of the time, and All Pro Matt Milano is one of them, so they still should be OK there. Edmunds’ spot is still up in the air. Veteran Tyrel Dodson is the presumed starter at this point, but he hasn’t exactly put a stranglehold on the job. Second year LB Terrel Bernard was expected to compete to start, but he was hampered by a hamstring injury all through the preseason. An interesting option was signed to the practice squad on cutdown day in veteran Christian Kirksey. He was a starter and captain with the Texans and his statistics are actually better than what Edmunds provided here. Rookie Dorian Williams is starting out as a backup to Milano, but could be moved to MLB if none of the others provide the answer. Also on the LB depth chart is special teamer Tyler Matakevich.
Defensive Backs
S Micah Hyde was sorely missed last season
The Bills will open the season with a secondary manned by a veteran group that didn’t play a single down together in 2022. The reliable veteran safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer is back together, joined by cornerback Tre’Davious White and nickel corner Taron Johnson. The other outside cornerback spot is still undecided, with Dane Jackson, Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford all competing. In any event, the cornerback position is steeped in depth. Cam Lewis and Siran Neal are listed as CBs on the roster also, and both can fill in at safety if needed. They are also valuable special teamers. Veteran Taylor Rapp, signed away from the Rams, and Damar Hamlin are the main reserves behind Hyde and Poyer.
Special Teams
Special teams ace Siran Neal
The Bills value special teams highly, and are blessed with a veteran kicking game trio of dependable players in punter/holder Sam Martin, kicker Tyler Bass and long snapper Reid Ferguson. They have one of the NFL’s top gunners in Siran Neal, and other bomb squad vets like Tyler Matakevich, Cam Lewis, Tyrel Dodson, Damar Hamlin and Reggie Gilliam. One area that might still be unsettled is in the kick return department. They’ll have to choose between options such as Deonte Harty and Khalil Shakir for those roles.
Here’s your annual song to get psyched up for the upcoming season, the Bills’ Shout song:
Used from 1956 until 1972, this is an old logo of a college football team that begins play in Conference USA this season, the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks. Playing in various leagues since their inception in 1904, JSU has captured 25 conference titles and a Division II national championship in 1992. Former Gamecocks who have gone on to play pro football include Alvin Wright, Terry Owens, Jesse Baker, Keith McKeller, Eric Davis, Dieter Brock and current Buffalo Bill Siran Neal.
1989 Pro Set football card of former NFL head coach Marv Levy, who has a long and storied coaching career at various levels dating back to 1951. He was an NFL head coach for 17 years, and had his most success in Buffalo, where he led the Bills to 4 consecutive Super Bowls. Levy also coached the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian League for 5 seasons, winning 2 Grey Cup titles. A vegetarian, the 98 year old Levy lives with his wife in the Chicago area. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and the CFL Hall of Fame in 2021.
