Buffalo Bills: Things We Know This Week

“According to a Veteran’s Administration study, half of the Vietnam combat veterans suffered from what psychiatrists call post-traumatic stress disorder. Many vets complain of alienation, rage, or guilt. Some succumb to suicidal thoughts. Eight to ten years after coming home almost eight-hundred-thousand men are still fighting the Vietnam War. None of them received a hero’s welcome. Nineteen. S-S-S-S-Saigon. Nineteen, n-n-n-n-n-nineteen N-n-n-n-n-nineteen.” – Paul Hardcastle

It was the best of times and the worst of times. **1973**.

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away… (You know the drill… wave your hands as Wayne and Garth did in Wayne’s World entering dream segments. “Doo doo doo doo! Doo doo doo doo!)

“He promised me he’d give me the football and give me an offensive line and he sure kept his word” — OJ Simpson

OJ Simpson rushed for 250 yards against the Patriots in Week 1.

“It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.” — Han Solo

George Lucas begins writing Sar Wars.

“You don’t need to see his identification… These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.” — Obi-Wan Kenobi

The first mobile hand held phone call was placed by inventor Martin Cooper to Joel S. Engel of Bell Labs.

The Bills finished in 2nd place in the AFC East Division division and finished the season with a record of 9 wins and 5 losses.

Paul Seymour and Joe DeLamielleure were both drafted by Buffalo in the first round.

“And, sure, fine, I do check my phone about every two minutes, but so do a lot of people, and it’s better than smoking, that’s what I say. It’s the new, lung-safe cigarette.” — Aimee Bender, author

OJ Simpson became the first player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. 

Major League Baseball begins using the designated hitter.

“Who loves ya, baby?” — Kojak

The Soviet Union launched Luna 21. The last United States combat soldiers leave South Vietnam.

“He’s done no wrong! No, not the slightest thing!” — Pontius Pilate (Jesus Christ Superstar)

The Bills offensive line became known as the Electric Company as they “TURNED ON THE JUICE.”

Led Zeppelin performed in Buffalo, NY.

“Conjunction Junction, what’s your function?” — Schoolhouse Rock

Secretariat becomes the first horse since Citation in 1948 to win the Triple Crown.

 “I’m quite proud of Mrs. Addams’ hothouse. She’s raised these plants from tiny weeds.” — Gomez Addams

Quarterback Joe Ferguson was drafted in the third round and went on to play 164 games over a dozen seasons for Buffalo.

The average retail price of gas was $0.39/gallon. (This would be the equivalent of $2.56 in 2022.)

“Defeat doesn’t finish a man, quit does. A man is not finished when he’s defeated. He’s finished when he quits.” — Richard M. Nixon

Richard Nixon was the President of the United States.

“My Style? You Can Call It ‘The Art Of Fighting Without Fighting‘.“-Bruce Lee

Top Songs:

• Angie – The Rolling Stones
• Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’round the Old Oak Tree – Tony Orlando & Dawn
• Crocodile Rock – Elton John
• Killing Me Softly With Your Song – Roberta Flack
• You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
• “Roger-Dodger.Vroom-a-zoom-zoom!” – Speed Buggy

Top Movies:

• Enter The Dragon
• American Graffiti
• Live And Let Die
• Jesus Christ Superstar
• Serpico
• The Exorcist

Top TV Shows:

• Kojak
• The Addams Family
• Shaft
• Speed Buggy
• The $10,000 Pyramid

Why the focus on 1973? It was the last time the Buffalo Bills played in a new stadium. Rich Stadium opened for the first exhibition game on August 17th against the Washington Redskins. 80,000+ fans piled into the stadium in Orchard Park. Rockpile was in the conversation for the worst stadium in the NFL in 1972. The 1973 Bills season was the 14th season for the team and their 4th season in the NFL. Rich Products purchased the naming rights for 25 years.

Things we know about the Buffalo Bills this week

Pro Football Focus named Leslie Frazier as the best defensive play caller in the NFL.

The Buffalo Bills will participate in the fifth annual quarterback coaching summit. Leslie Frazier will be a panelists.

James Cook has shined at OTAs as his speed and route running abilities has turned many heads. “The rookie is awesome. Mr. Cook, he’s a stud. A quiet guy but a ferocious competitor, all ball, which everyone appreciates. And I think he’s going to be a great asset for our team and our locker room.” — Mitch Morse

Former Bills Head Trainer Ed Abramoski passed away yesterday. He was 88 years old. Rest in peace.