'He’s our guy': Allen, Bills show love for Tyler Bass after game-winning kick
“I love this. I love this sport. It’s what I dreamed of.”
Tyler Bass felt the same way that 71,000 fans in the stands felt, when he drilled a 61-yard field goal through the goalposts, giving Buffalo a 30-27 win over the Dolphins.
After suffering through the first half, they watched a wild, seesaw battle in the second with no punts, five touchdowns, and the game-winning field goal from Bass.
“What a great win. What a story. T-Bass kicking a franchise record kick,” coach Sean McDermott said.
Bass's 61-yarder was 2 yards longer than Steve Christie’s record set against the Dolphins 31 years ago.
Bass needed to make a big kick. So far this season he has missed three field goals, and he missed his third extra point Sunday. The league’s new rule has made his kickoffs irrelevant.
“You’re going to go through ups and downs,” he said. “I’m only as good as my next kick. You take the confidence with it and keep moving.”
His kick gave teammates reason to celebrate.
“We love Tyler Bass,” said rookie running back Ray Davis.
And many recognize the pressure he’s been under.
“The trials and tribulations he’s been through this year,” says Josh Allen. “It’s what stories are made of, I love him. I respect him. He’s our guy.”
Bass’ game-winning kick gave Buffalo a season sweep of the Dolphins, a season-long four game win streak, and a four-game lead for the division title. With eight games left on the schedule it’s virtually over.
Which is not to say that Sunday’s win was easy. Miami ran for 149 yards on the ground and Tua Tagovailoa completed all but three passes. And the Bills overcame some wretched officiating in the first half.
First there was an unnecessary roughness call on Taylor Rapp in the first quarter that led to Miami’s first score. Then were back-to-back “phantom” holding calls on Dion Dawkins and O’Cyrus Torrance that forced a Buffalo field goal in the second quarter when the Bills had first down at the Miami 11-yard line.
Referee Tra Blake and his crew have been in the middle of controversy already this season. They haven’t improved since the season opener against Arizona.
On the other hand, improvement continues for the Bills rookie class of 2024. The Bills played eight rookies against Miami.
“You guys never thought I would play young guys, “McDermott kidded the media. “We’ll play young guys when they’re ready to play and they earn it.”
His strategy is working. The Bills are just past the midway point of the season with seven wins and rookies and youngsters making significant contributions. And they’re getting better.
John Murphy, the longtime Voice of the Bills, is writing columns for WIVB.com this season. Find more of his work here.