The five greatest moments in Buffalo Bills history

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, July 12, 2006  |  Comments( 12 )

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This is the final piece of a two-part series discussing memorable moments in the history of the Buffalo Bills.

Although the Bills' history has been filled with plenty of devastating moments, there has also been a good deal of triumph. Winning two American Football League titles in the mid 1960s certainly stands near the top, as does going to four straight Super Bowls a decade and a half ago. The Bills tasted bitter defeat in all of those games, but being the AFC's best team between 1990-1993 is a special accomplishment in its own right.

Since there have been a bevy of terrific moments in the Bills' 46-year run, it's not an easy task to get everything into a countdown of just five.

No. 5 - Bills beat the Dolphins on opening day in 1980 to end decade-long losing skid against their archrival.

After compiling an 0-20 record against Miami during the 1970s, the Bills opened the '80s with a 17-7 victory on a beautiful September afternoon at Rich Stadium over their division rival. Led by quarterback Joe Ferguson, star rookie running back Joe Cribbs and a stingy defense, the Bills pulled off the win, leading the team's shocked and joyful fans to rush the field and tear down the goal posts. The triumph helped propel the Bills to an 11-5 record and an AFC East title.

No. 4 - Jim Kelly finally arrives in Buffalo.

The Bills used the 14th overall pick on Kelly in the 1983 NFL Draft, but the former Miami Hurricane refused to play in Buffalo. Instead, he spent two years experiencing great success in the now-defunct United States Football League, leading the Houston Gamblers' potent offense.

When the USFL finally folded, Kelly joined the Bills in 1986 with great fanfare. In fact, the eventual Hall of Famer was welcomed by cheering fans on his way to his first press conference in Buffalo. The rest was history as Kelly led the Bills to prominence throughout his 11-year career, making the postseason eight times and earning four trips to the Pro Bowl.

Along with head coach Marv Levy, running back Thurman Thomas, receiver Andre Reed and center Kent Hull (who joined the team on the same day as Kelly), the Bills' no huddle "K-Gun" offense became a revolutionary and dominant entity in the league.

No. 3 - "The hit heard 'round the football world."

In the 1964 AFL title game, the Bills were facing the heavily-favored defending champion San Diego Chargers. Already trailing 7-0 in the first quarter, Buffalo needed an early spark to wake up and get in the game, especially since the Chargers were driving to a potential second touchdown on as many drives.

On a screen pass to Chargers running back Keith Lincoln, Bills star Mike Stratton gave the team the energy it needed. He crushed Lincoln, breaking his ribs and knocking him out of the game. The Bills used that momentum to propel themselves to a 20-7 victory; it was the first of two straight AFL championships for the Bills.

No. 2 - Bills earn their first trip to the Super Bowl with a 51-3 victory over the Los Angeles Raiders.

In front of an excited and patriotic Rich Stadium during the Gulf War in January 1991, the red, white and blue Bills dominated the feared Raiders, winning by a whopping 48 points. Head coach Art Shell could only watch in awestruck frustration as his team fell behind by 41 in the first half.

Led by an unstoppable offense and inspired defensive performances by the likes of linebacker Darryl Talley and all-time sack king Bruce Smith, Buffalo devastated the Raiders to the amazement of the Bills' fans. General manager Bill Polian looked on as the team he assembled became the conference's best before losing a heartbreaking Super Bowl XXV to the New York Giants.

No. 1 - "The Comeback."

Was there ever a doubt as to what would be the greatest moment in Bills history?

On a brisk January 1993 afternoon in Buffalo, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon and the "Run N' Shoot" Houston Oilers came into the AFC Wild Card Game and ran roughshod over the sluggish Bills. The Oilers grabbed a 35-3 lead early in the second half after Bubba McDowell intercepted a Frank Reich pass and coasted into the Bills' end zone.

With key cogs in the Bills' machine like Jim Kelly and Cornelius Bennett unable to play because of injuries, the second-string Reich led the Bills from the depths of despair to what is still the greatest comeback in NFL history.

It all began with a one-yard touchdown scamper from backup runner Kenneth Davis to make the deficit 35-10. After Steve Christie recovered his own onside kick, the Bills rushed down the field again and added another touchdown courtesy of a Reich touchdown pass to receiver Don Beebe. From there, the Bills' defense made another key stop and Reich heaved a touchdown over the middle to wideout Andre Reed, making the score 35-24.

The Bills' next two possessions ended with Reich to Reed touchdowns as well, putting the Bills up 38-35 in Rich Stadium, which wasn't even sold out. Houston kicker Al Del Greco tied the game with seconds left to force overtime, but the task was just too daunting for the stunned Oilers.

On the first possession of overtime, a Moon pass was intercepted by Bills defensive back Nate Odomes. Afterwards, the Bills sent Christie back on the field for the game-winning attempt, which he made. The Bills pulled off a miraculous 41-38 victory and went on to their third of four consecutive Super Bowl appearance thereafter.

It should be noted that Reich, who attended college at the University of Maryland, led the Terrapins to what is still the greatest comeback in NCAA football history. In 1984, he came off the bench to relieve starter Stan Gelbaugh and rallied the 'Terps from a 31-0 second half deficit against Bernie Kosar's Miami Hurricanes. Reich and Maryland ended up winning the game, 42-40.

Thus, lightning struck twice for the greatest backup quarterback in the history of the Buffalo Bills' franchise.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Buffalo Bills at Realfootball365.com.
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