The "Classic Bills" are 7-2 after last week's 21-14 win over Denver. This week, it's a Monday night matchup in Miami, from 1992.
The Bills were in the middle of their longest run of dominance, one that began with an AFC East title in 1988. Most fans know the numbers: four straight AFC titles, 10 playoff appearances in 12 years. I think that one of the most satisfying aspects of their AFC dynasty was the Bills' consistent ability to beat Miami in important games.
To wit: The AFC East title was on the line, late in 1990. Even without an injured Jim Kelly the Bills won, and then with Kelly back they beat Miami again in the playoffs. Buffalo wasn't as dominant a team in 1992 as in the prior two seasons, and Miami capitalized with a division title, relegating the Bills to the wild-card round. But when it mattered most, in the playoffs, the Bills were better once again, winning the AFC title game that year in Miami 29-10. In 1993 and 1995, the Bills slapped Miami down again.
The Buffalo-Miami Monday night game on November 16, 1992 became a preview of that aforementioned AFC championship game. Miami opened up a 14-3 lead and with the way the inconsistent Bills had been playing that year, it might have looked to many like an insurmountable lead. Many fans probably thought early in this game that Miami was just better than the Bills that year, having beaten them in Orchard Park that season.
But this is the game I think of that established Buffalo's ability to take out the Dolphins at the most critical moments. The Bills took their first lead early in the third quarter on Kenneth Davis' second short touchdown run. Steve Christie tacked on two short field goals and the Bills went on to win, 26-20. Fans might remember the Bills, leading by six, running the clock out on Miami on a first-down run by Thurman Thomas, preventing the Dolphins from one last chance to score and win.
The Bills also sacked Dan Marino four times in this game. Looking back, it seemed to me that the Bills were the only team that could ever sack Dan Marino.
I love what this game showed about the Bills. As much as any game shy of "The Comeback" might have, it proved that the Bills had the resiliency they would become known for. On the road, at night, playing a rival, down by 11 ... so what. If it was Buffalo against Miami in those days, and the game really mattered, the Bills always won. Always.
To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 1 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 2 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; tournament; WGR; Jeremy White; Golf; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 3 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 4 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 5 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 6 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 7 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 8 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala;
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