The Buffalo Bills fans, also known as the Bills Mafia, are called one of the most dedicated fan bases in the NFL. Recent bad weather has prevented the team’s game. When their wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was postponed for weather conditions, the Bills Mafia rallied on the stadium to shove ice to avoid the second-time postponement.
Buffalo advanced to the playoffs to play the Kansas City Chiefs. Hoping to win, Bills supporters shoved the stadium again. Unfortunately, their hopes were crushed. Josh Allen refused to blame Tyler Bass for their 24-27 defeat, even though his field goal was missed.
Josh Allen talks on Tyler Bass’ missed FG
All eyes were on Tyler Bass’s botched 44-yard field goal attempt after the Bills’ playoff defeat to the Chiefs. Josh Allen had a great sense of team spirit while he was speaking with the media by denying his colleague’s faults. He was disappointed, not in his kicker but in the squad as a whole for not being able to seal the win.
“I wish it wouldn’t have been put in that situation. You win as a team, you lose as a team. One play doesn’t define a game, it doesn’t define a season. I know people are gonna be out there saying that. We’ve got to be there for [Tyler], because (if) we execute a couple plays prior, we’re probably singing a different tune right now”, Allen said via SI.com.
Throughout the crucial drive, which lasted 16 plays and almost seven minutes, two incomplete passes from Allen also added to the Bills’ misfortune. The quarterback openly recognized the importance of those plays. He mentioned that not capitalizing on those opportunities was just as damaging as Tyler Bass’ subsequent missed field goal.
With home-field advantage, the Bills were seen as favorites, but they had difficulties all game long. Allen showed excellent leadership in spite of the setback as he consoled the kicker on the field before going to the locker room.
Tyler Bass reflects on game tying kick
Following the disappointing three-point loss, Tyler Bass reflected on a game-tying kick that could have altered the outcome. With just 1:43 left in regulation, Josh Allen sealed an impressive drive, positioning Bass for a 44-yard field goal attempt to level the score. Ultimately, the collective hopes of the Bills’ faithful were dashed as he missed the kick, the ball drifting wide right.
In the post-game reflection, the kicker took full responsibility for the missed kick. He acknowledged the need for improvement in his technique and the importance of adjusting to the left-to-right wind conditions.
“Ultimately, it’s completely on me. I’ve got to do a better job of getting through to my target, I’ve got to do a better job of playing it a little bit more left when you have a left to right [wind]. I’ve been here long enough to know that you have to do that.”
The footballer continued to express genuine remorse and highlighted his commitment to doing a better job in future.
“You know, I was trusting my line that I had in warmups. Hit a good ball, but it didn’t work out. I feel terrible, you know? I love this team and it hurts. This one hurts bad. Yeah, I’ve got to do a better job. Totally on me.”
The loss to the Chiefs holds added significance as the defending champion team have now ended the Bills’ playoff journey three times in the past five years. The recurring theme of playoff disappointment against them will continue to haunt Bills Mafia for long. Their frustration was visible, as several fans threw ice balls to Patrick Mahomes and other players of the Chiefs.