As Abba once so poignantly said, “The history book on the shelf, is always repeating itself.”  Forgive the reference, but I happen to be comfortable with my sexuality.

Many local sports’ writers and fans alike, have paralleled this season with the 1988 campaign.  And, while I haven’t been one of them, I have referenced this point in the past, and couldn’t help but think of that ‘88 season when the Bills left University of Phoenix Stadium with their tails between their legs this past Sunday.  In fact, when I started thinking about the Bills since that “coming of age” year, I began to recall games very similar to that of the one in Arizona.  So, after doing a bit of research to confirm that my memory was still in good shape, I found that I was correct in my assertion that Buffalo have incurred similar defeats, all by at least 21-points, under similar circumstances - all in seasons where the team got at least as far as the AFC Championship Game.

Sunday October 2nd, 1988 - @ Chicago

Buffalo entered week 5 coming off 4 straight wins to open the season - 3 of which were by 3 points or less.  Nevertheless, they were off to their best start in years, and hopes were high going into their first real test of the year; a trip to Chicago.  The Bears wasted no time in seemingly exposing a pretender by defeating Buffalo 24-3.  But, pretenders the Bills were not, as they would go on to win their next 7 games en route to a 12-4 record, and a berth in the AFC Championship Game; a game in which they would lose to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Monday October 7th, 1991 - @ Kansas City

Buffalo were 5-0 entering their Monday night contest in Kansas City.  However, their aspirations for a 6th straight win to start the season were quickly diminished by a 33-6 butt-kicking at the hands of the Chiefs.  Christian Okoye stomped the Bills for 122 yards, and Buffalo left Missouri with a shattered ego.  Nevertheless, they would bounce back with 5 straight wins, and end the season 13-3.  Of course, we all know how the season came crashing down against the Redskins in Super Bowl XXVI, so I’ll go no further. 

Sunday October 4th, 1992 - vs. Miami

The Bills had been very good at home in their previous 4 seasons, but they were about to face one of their worst defeats there when Miami strolled into town for a week 5 showdown.  Buffalo were manhandled by the Dolphins 37-10, and turned the ball over 5 times.  The Bills actually dropped their next game to the LA Raiders, but followed that up with a 5-game winning streak, and finished the season 11-5.  Once again though, Buffalo would end the year with a defeat in the Super Bowl, this time to the Dallas Cowboys.

What does all of this mean?  Well, nothing really.  However, it is certainly an interesting way to consider just how this season might pan out.  Think about it, aside from this year, 3 times the Bills have started at least 4-0 since 1988, and on all 3 occasions they were stomped during their first defeat of each respective season.  Thought provoking, no?

I’m not in any way, shape, or form implying that this team is as good as any of those mentioned above, but you can’t help but wonder if there is a real chance that this group could still make some noise down the stretch, and potentially even win a playoff game.  Moreover, with affirmation from one of the great bands of our time, hope should resonate that our Bills may finally be ”meeting their Waterloo.”

Go Bills!

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