Bills’ Tyler Bass has closed off all social media amid death threats for botched field goal in Chiefs playoff game

The Buffalo Bills went through a tumultuous NFL season with highs and lows that kept fans on the edge of their seats. However, they bounced back brilliantly from their initial form and ensured a playoff run. The wild card playoff round saw the team conquer the Pittsburgh Steelers in adverse weather conditions.

Nevertheless, the Bills’ journey faced a major setback in the divisional playoff round against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite holding home-field advantage and high expectations, they struggled throughout the game before embracing the loss. Kicker Tyler Bass bore the brunt of the defeat due to his crucial mistake. He subsequently deactivated his social media accounts to shield himself from fan threats.

Tyler Bass deactivated his social media amid death threats

Bills Mafia is one of the most dedicated fan bases in the NFL. From shoveling ice to clear the stadium to cheering for the team, this fanbase has another level of craziness.

But when their high expectations were shattered following the loss to the Chiefs, some Bills fans took to social media to express their disappointment to Tyler Bass. Unfortunately, they subjected him to harassment and death threats over his missed kick in the Divisional Round on Sunday. In response to this negativity, Bass deactivated all his social media accounts.

Durig the crucial tie, with merely one minute left in regulation, quarterback Josh Allen ensured an impressive drive. The signal-caller set the stage for Bass to attempt a critical 44-yard field goal. The hopes of the Bills’ faithful were shattered when the kick veered wide right, sealing their defeat.

In the aftermath, the kicker shouldered the responsibility for the missed kick. He candidly acknowledged the need for improvement in his technique and a better understanding of the left-to-right wind conditions. Despite his accountability, some fans couldn’t help resorting to extreme measures.

However, it is crucial to recognize that such reactions likely represent a minority of the Bills Mafia. Many supporters took to social media to express solidarity with Tyler Bass and the team. They emphasized that the blame should not fall solely on him.

The kicker had a commendable 82.8 percent success rate on field goals during the regular season. But he finished the regular season and postseason with the lowest field goal percentage (76.5%) of his four-year career in the league.

Josh Allen defends Tyler Bass’ failed field goal costing playoff loss

The Bills’ exit from the divisional playoff marked the second such exit in three years. Despite the heartbreak, Josh Allen refused to place blame solely on Tyler Bass. The QB’s disappointment was directed at the collective team effort. Aware of potential criticisms, Allen urged support for his teammate by highlighting that executing key plays earlier in the game could have altered the outcome.

“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 of plays prior, we’re probably singing a different tune right now,” said Allen.

Even if the field goal attempt had been successful, the Bills couldn’t have guaranteed a win. They would have faced the challenge of defending their lead with nearly two minutes on the clock and the Chiefs holding all three timeouts. While Tyler Bass’s miss represented a missed opportunity, winning or losing goes beyond one specific play.

Nevertheless, the game highlighted Allen’s dual-threat capabilities on the field. He completed 26-of-39 passes for 186 yards, including a touchdown, and showcased his running prowess with a notable 72 yards on 12 carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns. While the Bills’ season ended in disappointment, fans are hopeful that the lessons learned will fuel their quest for success in the seasons to come.