Matt Prater Breaks the Buffalo Jinx with Game-Winning Kick
The Amazon Prime broadcast of the Buffalo Bills’ Week 3 matchup against the Miami Dolphins took an unusual turn as Matt Prater prepared to kick a game-clinching field goal. With the Bills holding a seven-point lead, the broadcast team felt compelled to flash back to one of the most notorious moments in Buffalo sports history: Scott Norwood’s infamous miss in Super Bowl XXV.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
As Prater approached the ball, viewers were subjected to a reminder of Norwood’s “wide right” kick that haunted the franchise during its four consecutive Super Bowl losses. The decision to air the clip seemed arbitrary and unnecessary, especially considering the context. This was just a Week 3 game, not a high-stakes Super Bowl showdown, and Prater was attempting this kick to seal the victory, not to tie or win the game.
Prater’s Moment of Truth
As Prater’s kick soared, there was a moment of unease as it began to drift slightly to the right, evoking memories of Norwood’s blunder. However, the kick ultimately sailed through the uprights, much to the relief of fans and teammates alike. Announcer Al Michaels perfectly captured the moment: “Not wide right,” he remarked, punctuating the significance of Prater’s successful attempt.
The Unwanted Comparison
Despite the successful outcome for Prater, the broadcast’s choice to juxtapose his kick with Norwood’s miss was met with criticism. Bills fans found little enjoyment in revisiting such a painful moment in their franchise’s history. The comparison felt misplaced, leaving many to wonder why such a random and unnecessary flashback was included during a routine game.
Looking Forward
While Prater’s kick may have dispelled some of the lingering Buffalo curse associated with Norwood’s infamous moment, it also served as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with being a kicker in Buffalo. As the season progresses, the hope is for Prater to continue building on this moment, leaving the past firmly in the rearview mirror.
