.png)
While the Bills may have been betting favorites heading into the Divisional Round game against the Baltimore Ravens, we knew that America was rooting against us. Just ask Buffalo star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who asked the question that we've been wondering all year:
We don't know why we're always being picked against, but one thing is for sure, no matter how much Skip Bayless trash talks Josh Allen, no matter how many people think the Bills stand no chance against Kansas City next week, I'm here to tell you one thing; the Buffalo Bills are here to stay.
Taron Johnson's pick six will live in the hearts and minds of Bills fans forever
In what many are dubbing one of the greatest plays in franchise history, Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson picked off Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on third and goal, when Baltimore was threatening to tie the game at 10 with 58 seconds left in the third quarter. Jackson fired a pass into the end zone intended for Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews. Johnson read Andrews' route perfectly, put himself in position to make a play, and took the ball all the way from his own end zone down to Baltimore's, for a 101-yard interception return.
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass would secure the extra point to put Buffalo up 17-3, which would prove to be the final score of the game.
Bills Mafia raises money for Blessings in a Backpack, Lamar Jackson's favorite charity
Baltimore Ravens fans watched with a heavy heart as their star quarterback Lamar Jackson left the game late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a concussion. After a bad snap from Baltimore guard Patrick Mekari, the ball sailed clear over the head of Jackson. The Ravens' quarterback had to chase the ball 15 yards back into his own end zone, where he was tackled for a loss of yards. The botched play could've easily been ruled a safety as well. Jackson was hit hard in the end zone, where he came down and smacked his head on the playing surface.
Jackson headed to the locker room for concussion protocol. The Baltimore Ravens' season came to an end in disastrous fashion.
However, Bills fans were humble in victory. Members of the Bills Mafia started donating $8 each to Lamar Jackson's favorite charity, Blessings in a Backpack. The "get well soon" gift from Buffalo took off, and the story was soon picked up by major news media outlets such as CNN, NBC, and Fox, making national headlines. So far, more than $150,000 has been raised by Bills Mafia! What a kind gesture from the best fanbase in the league.
The donations come just a few months after Bills fans donated $500,000 to the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo, in honor of Josh Allen's late grandmother, Patricia Allen, who passed away just one day before the Bills' Week 9 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Current donation totals exceed $1,000,000.
The Buffalo Bills will visit the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship game
After taking care of business against the Baltimore Ravens, Bills' fans and players sat down and enjoyed a Sunday afternoon matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs; if Cleveland wins, the AFC Championship game will be hosted by Buffalo, if Kansas City wins, it's time to hop on a plane and travel to Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs were able to contain the red-hot Cleveland Browns, despite Kansas City superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, leaving the game early with a similar injury that Lamar Jackson suffered just one night before.
The biggest X factor heading into the AFC Championship game for both teams will be the status of Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City will do absolutely anything they can in order to make sure that Mahomes suits up on Sunday, to give his team a chance to go to their second straight Super Bowl. But even if he does, will he be 100%? Kansas City will be facing a hungry Buffalo team who have risen up and met every single challenge they've been faced with this season. This might be the hardest matchup yet this year for Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs and Bills battled it out in Week 6 of the regular season, where Kansas City defeated a short handed Buffalo team, 26-17. Now, it's Kansas City who will be facing roster adversity.
Let's go Buffalo! Hop on the hype train! It's time to make a run at the Super Bowl. As the great Ric Flair once said, "to be the man, you gotta beat the man!"
Follow me on Twitter for all your Buffalo Bills news, updates, and rumors. @NY_cth.
-Chris
Comments