Buffalo Bills seek 4-0 start as history reveals a mixed bag of outcomes from AFL triumphs to Super Bowl heartache
The Buffalo Bills are on the brink of achieving a rare feat in franchise history: a 4-0 start to the season. Following a decisive victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Bills now have a few extra days to prepare for their next challenge against the New Orleans Saints. While the Saints are expected to struggle this season, the Bills enter as significant favorites. A win would mark the tenth occasion the team has started a season with four consecutive wins.
Historical Context of 4-0 Starts
The Bills’ pursuit of a perfect start prompts a look back at their previous 4-0 seasons and how those campaigns ultimately unfolded.
1964: AFL Champions
In 1964, the Bills achieved a remarkable 12-2 record under the leadership of quarterback Jack Kemp. This season culminated in an AFL championship, with the Bills defeating the San Diego Chargers in the title game.
1965: Back-to-Back Titles
The following year, Kemp guided the squad to another successful season, finishing 10-3-1 and securing a second consecutive AFL title by once again overcoming the Chargers.
1975: Offensive Powerhouse Falls Short
Fast forward to 1975, when the Bills boasted the league’s top offense, spearheaded by O.J. Simpson, who racked up 1,817 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Despite this offensive firepower, the team faltered down the stretch, finishing with an 8-6 record and missing the playoffs.
1980: Divisional Round Exit
The Bills returned to the postseason in 1980, finishing with an 11-5 record fueled by running back Joe Cribbs, who amassed 1,185 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, their playoff hopes ended prematurely at the hands of the Chargers in the Divisional Round.
1988: AFC Championship Heartbreak
A new era began in 1988 with quarterback Jim Kelly and rookie running back Thurman Thomas leading the Bills to a 12-4 record. They made a strong playoff run, defeating the Houston Oilers but ultimately falling to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship.
1991: Super Bowl XXVI Loss
1991 brought renewed hope as the Bills finished 13-3 and earned a return trip to the Super Bowl after losing the previous year to the New York Giants. However, their aspirations were dashed once more as they succumbed to Washington in Super Bowl XXVI.
1992: Another Super Bowl Setback
The 1992 season mirrored the previous year’s success with another 4-0 start, culminating in an 11-5 finish. However, disaster struck in Super Bowl XXVII when Kelly was injured early in the game, allowing the Dallas Cowboys to claim victory with a dominating 52-17 scoreline.
2008: A Season of Disappointment
In 2008, the Bills began with promising momentum but ended the season at 7-9. Despite Marshawn Lynch’s impressive 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns, inconsistent quarterback play hindered their playoff ambitions.
2020: AFC Championship Appearance
The most recent 4-0 start came in 2020, when Josh Allen led the Bills to a remarkable 13-3 record. His explosive performance, including 35 touchdown passes, propelled the Bills deep into the playoffs. They defeated both the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens before facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, where their season ultimately ended.
As the Bills gear up for another shot at history, they do so with the weight of past successes and failures as a backdrop. Each season offers its unique challenges and opportunities, and the 2023 campaign holds the promise of new possibilities.
