Buffalo Bills: Things We Know This Week

“There’s a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it.” – William Wallace

On December 30, 1995, the Buffalo Bills beat up Dan Marino and his Miami Dolphins 37-22. Little did we know that it would be the very last playoff victory by our esteemed Bills until January 9, 2021.

1995..Beam me up Scotty. Wait…I’m Scotty. Never mind. Attention to detail can be so over rated.

Some players on that defense were Phil Hansen, Ted Washington, Bruce Smith, Bryce Paup, Sam Rogers, Cornelius Bennett, Thomas Smith, Jeff Burris, Henry Jones, and Kurt Schulz. Pretty solid list of “name” players.

The mid-1990s seem so long ago. The famous TV show, COPS, was filmed in Buffalo airing in October of 1995.

The Marine Midland Arena is completed in late 1995 and would be The Buffalo Sabres’ new home the following fall.

Anthony Masiello was the Mayor of Buffalo in 1995. He was a Democrat with big shoes to fill, as Mayor Jimmy Griffin was a legend. Griffin was famous for telling people to grab a six-pack and stay home during one of Buffalo’s multiple famous blizzards. He was being his version of politically correct by not suggesting a 24-pack or a party favorite of the time: The Beer Ball. 1995 was a long time ago.

“Attention Rex Manning fans, to your left you will notice a shoplifter being chased by night manager, Lucas. This young man will be caught, deep-fried in a vat of hot oil, and served to our first hundred customers. Just another tasty treat from the gang at Empire Records.” – Gina 

George E. Pataki was the Governor of New York State in 1995.

Braveheart won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. This recognition was very much warranted.

The song “NAME” by Buffalo’s own, The Goo Goo Dolls, reaches number five on the charts. This breakthrough song had them emerge as stars, as much as I loved music from the previous CD, Superstar Car Wash.

Toy Story is released, marking the first feature-length film created completely using computer-generated imagery. I suggest this is historical. Anyone? Anyone?

Nicholas Cage won the Oscar for Best Actor in the film Leaving Las Vegas. It was no Raising Arizona, but really what is?

“You know you drive almost slow enough to drive Miss Daisy.” – Mike Lowrey

“You know a lot of people who go to college for seven years.” – Tommy
“I know. They’re called doctors.” – Richard

“Fat Guy in a little coat.”

“OK, a simple “wrong” would have done just fine.” – Billy Madison

SEVEN MARY THREE – “Cumbersome: RADIOHEAD – “Fake Plastic Trees” TRIPPING DAISY – “I Got a Girl” WEEZER – “Buddy Holly” BUSH – “Everything Zen” PEARL JAM – “Better Man” NINE INCH NAILS – “Hurt” OASIS – “Wonderwall”

“Excuse me, Mr. Dittmeyer, but the height of your hedge is blocking your view of oncoming traffic, and as a junior safety inspector, I felt it was my duty to point out this hazard to you.” – Bobby Brady

Seinfeld broadcasts its 100th episode: Serenity Now.

“And I’m here to remind you
Of the mess you left when you went away
It’s not fair to deny me
Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know” – Alanis Morissette

Larry Hagman of Dallas and I Dream of Jeanie has a liver transplant. This gave many of my friends hope for their future.

More than 150 million people tune in to watch the verdict in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Not Guilty. I mean that glove did not fit. He was trying really really hard to get it on. It’s not like he was video taped at Rich Stadium as the sideline reporter for a Bills game wearing the Bruno Magli shoes in question. Wait a minute…..Your Honor!! I object.

News Radio debuts in prime time. RIP Phil Hartman

Michael Jordan returns to the NBA, ending his retirement.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis docks with the Russian Mir Space Station.

Price of gas: $1.15

“Bill Gates himself didn’t understand that the internet was the direction computing was going.” –  John Podhoretz

Amazon, eBay and Craigslist went live …oh my…

As they say, THE-REST-IS-HISTORY. If anyone here has any reason for me not to digress right here and now….speak up or forever hold your peace. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller Bueller Bueller…I Digress.

Things we know about the Buffalo Bills this week:

• The Bills had five of their drives start inside the 15-yard line. Three of these drives began inside the six-yard line. Ouch.
• The Bills have won seven straight games. The last loss was against Arizona and the mighty Hail Murrays.
• This was the second time the Bills played a postseason game with zero turnovers on either team. This is what the official stats show. I know I saw a Colts fumble, but I did have Lasik surgery in 1999, glitches repaired in 2000, and a total monovision enhancement in 2016. It’s safe to say I got a really awesome deal on Groupon for the most recent surgery. That in itself should address any concerns about my take on the FUMBLE.
• Josh Allen completed 12 straight passes in the third and fourth quarters becoming a new Buffalo playoff record. Gotta love Allen Town. Just Sayin’.