Day #9 after the loss to KC: Feeling better? Worse? Why? (Thread started at Day #2)

[Big Blitz]

 

[hjnick]

On 1/28/2025 at 9:43 AM, ShakAttack said:

I have found that my typical "stages" in processing each season's elimination game is not too unlike going through the stages of grief.

 

The night of the loss is actually the easiest for me because at that point I'm pretty much just numb and probably emotionally spent from watching the game and all of the buildup during the week, but I usually wake up multiple times overnight, which is the segue into...

 

Day #1 this is where I look to fellow Bills fans and familiar sources for what is essentially a form of therapy. Reading TBD, listening to WGR, listening to Locked On Bills, and relating to everything.  It helps me to surround myself with others that can relate to the pain, particularly the day after the game.  Also, I COMPLETELY avoid ANY and all media related to the Chiefs and their success. 

 

Day #2 is kind of where the sadness peaks for me, and that is where I'm at now.  So yeah, I feel worse this morning than I did yesterday. 

 

Obsession over missed opportunities, feeling of disgust toward KC and worrying about if/when we will ever get back to this game.  A lot of the stuff that I kind of block out in the beginning seems to find it's way through on this day.  Although I'd like to block it out entirely, it has to be processed in order to move on.  Some aspects of the game end up being easier to process than others.  When it is all said and done, there is usually one thing that sticks with me for good.   Last year it was the 2nd and 9 play on the Chiefs 20 or so yard line where Diggs was wide open and Allen didn't throw it to him.  This year I am guessing that "moment" will be the horrible 4th and 1 call that swung momentum back to KC or the Kincaid drop.  OR heck, maybe it will just always be both.

 

Sorry this was a bit rushed and I'd have liked to elaborate a little more/differently, but have to take my son to school in a couple minutes.  I'll probably chime in again once I return and read some of your responses.

Nope.  Feel exactly the same way.

 

WE BLEW IT!  We had the ball w/ 3:30 left down 3...  that was our chance.

THEN we had 2 chances to stop their offense to get the ball back...  NOPE.

 

We had the ball in our hands and lost.  It's on us (even though we had to go against KC and the refs).

Edited 19 hours ago by hjnick

[ShakAttack]

22 minutes ago, hjnick said:

Nope.  Feel exactly the same way.

 

WE BLEW IT!  We had the ball w/ 3:30 left down 3...  that was our chance.

THEN we had 2 chances to stop their offense to get the ball back...  NOPE.

 

We had the ball in our hands and lost.  It's on us (even though we had to go against KC and the refs).

 

Definitely past where I was when I posted this thread, but I genuinely think we were good enough to beat any team in the NFL this season. I think the toughest matchup for us, by far, was the Ravens, and we got past them. This isn't like 2020 when we got to the AFCCG. This time around, I know we could have won the Super Bowl. And that realization is what still make it tough to think about every now and then.

[reddogblitz]

On 2/2/2025 at 10:47 PM, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Cook was right don't leave it up to them

 

This is also what Tom Landry would say about a loss when the refs shall we say did not do their best.  It shouldn't have come down to that.  They're both right.  We had plenty of chances we didn't take advantage of.  Missing 2 points conversions and giving one up. Not getting enough yards on the 4th and 1 (I mean like enough for it to be obvious).  Etc.

 

On a side note, my wife sez Marv always said never take points off the board.  Coach McDermott did, and up ended missing the 2 pt conversion , missing another causing KC to go for 2 and get it.  I hate chasing points until the 4th quarter.  

[reddogblitz]

14 hours ago, 2003Contenders said:

we are talking about an opposing team that has Andy Reid calling the plays and Spags running the defense. Both of these gentlemen will likely wind up in the Hall of Fame one day.

 

I'll give you Reid.  Am curious though, as a coordinator ever gotten into the HOF?

[muppy]

upon reflection I believe that after the super bowl we can refocus our attention to either other things outside football. 

 

OR the football obsessed can turn to the NFL draft. I say that with all the respect and love. No snark

 

either way for me I WILL move on after the stupor bowl to bigger and better things. 

 

Yes I AM snarky with the NFL. That too will pass. I love it and I hate it at the same time,

 

just Fix the danged thing. It needs it. 

 

 

 

[zow2]

Hey if Kansas City can get to the AFCCG how many years in a row now??  we've seen it's possible.  There's no reason Buffalo can't get there a few more times and finally kick the door down.

[ShakAttack]

As expected, trigger week has arrived. And even though I go out of my way to avoid it, it’s ultimately inevitable. 
 

Taking my son to elementary school this morning, start the car, Sirius NFL channel is on, and there’s Brett Veach. Of course, I changed the channel almost immediately, but then on the way back home, I am channel surfing past the Sirius NFL channel, and there’s Chris Jones. 

 

My exposure to national media has been VERY limited since the AFCCG, but when I do hear anything about the Super Bowl, it’s exclusively about KC. Philly has been completely ignored.

 

Barf city. 

[90sBills]

15 hours ago, ShakAttack said:

 

Definitely past where I was when I posted this thread, but I genuinely think we were good enough to beat any team in the NFL this season. I think the toughest matchup for us, by far, was the Ravens, and we got past them. This isn't like 2020 when we got to the AFCCG. This time around, I know we could have won the Super Bowl. And that realization is what still make it tough to think about every now and then.

A lot of us have had this feeling in recent years until the team ultimately proved that isn’t the case. Maybe a mental adjustment is in order for next year. A little reverse psychology might help. 

[corta765]

16 hours ago, Big Blitz said:

 

 

Agreed although im starting to enjoy the hotel california feel of this thread lol

[T master]

Still pissed, still not interested in anything (including the Super bowl) out side of anything Bills related, i look on the Bills app & listen to 1 Bills Live and the rest of the NFL can go eat a booger !! Just hard to want any part of it after getting screwed the way the Bills did and by watching any of it i feel i would be supporting the Bills getting F'd over .

 

So i keep my self else where and not watching anything not pertaining to the Bills !!! 

Edited 1 hour ago by T master

[Success]

20 hours ago, SaulGoodman said:

 

My point is that mistakes were made on both sides. It's not easy to be a ref and to get every call correct in real time. 

 

If there were an agenda to help KC, it doesn't make sense that they'd overlook blatant penalties on the opponent. The easiest way to help a team is to call the obvious ones. 

 

Your team is playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

 

Why are you here trying to argue against something that there is basically a national consensus on at this point? 

 

We're in mourning here. Enjoy being in another title game, and let us complain about the refs.

 

 

[BuffaloBaumer]

I think the painful part is that I don't think Josh will ever win a Super Bowl.

 

They blew the 13 seconds game when they were fully healthy. Josh was playing better than any other QB in playoff history

They blew it last year with 3 minutes left and the ball to go to the Super Bowl, and they were as healthy as you could ask...again.

Next year, Chiefs will have their number 1 receiver back and a draft plus FA to fill any holes. Cinci and teams like them will only get better. Our division will not be nearly as easy next year and we can only HOPE to be as healthy as we were in the playoffs.

 

What is this offense anyway? They were lucky to get by the Ravens and it seems like they are taking the ball out of Allen's hand more and more every year. How many incredible opportunities will they have after flushing it down the drain multiple years already. Allen is being wasted and it's the same thing as the Kelly years (except they can't even get to a Super Bowl.)

[The Jokeman]

1 minute ago, BuffaloBaumer said:

I think the painful part is that I don't think Josh will ever win a Super Bowl.

 

They blew the 13 seconds game when they were fully healthy. Josh was playing better than any other QB in playoff history

They blew it last year with 3 minutes left and the ball to go to the Super Bowl, and they were as healthy as you could ask...again.

Next year, Chiefs will have their number 1 receiver back and a draft plus FA to fill any holes. Cinci and teams like them will only get better. Our division will not be nearly as easy next year and we can only HOPE to be as healthy as we were in the playoffs.

 

What is this offense anyway? They were lucky to get by the Ravens and it seems like they are taking the ball out of Allen's hand more and more every year. How many incredible opportunities will they have after flushing it down the drain multiple years already. Allen is being wasted and it's the same thing as the Kelly years (except they can't even get to a Super Bowl.)

Cici could be losing Higgins and talk that might be shipping Hendricks, I would say their on the wrong side of turning things around. In terms of our division until anyone of those teams shows they can beat us when we aren't resting starters I am not worried. The offense was the 2nd best offense in the league with a WR core many call less than spectacular. We're not taking the ball from Josh but making a more complete offense. The thing that's holding us back is our defense isn't consistent in part because of lack of talent and possibly scheme. TBH I expect more of the same which has been the 2nd best team in the league behind KC and we were less than a yard from a refs vantage point from possibly beat them in 2024. If Kelce retires or they lose Trey Smith or Nick Bolton in free agency we might surpass them next year.