BLD Podcast: Down and Up feelings in Detroit
Kyle Orton visits with fans following Buffalo’s 17-14 victory over Detroit. (Photo Credit: Brad Eichkorn)
Waking up Sunday morning in Ann Arbor, Michigan; I was pumped. I eagerly rose out of bed and put on my Bills gear. My wife and I made the commute to Ford Field while listening to WGR’s pre-game coverage, enjoy Nick Mendola’s week-5 Bills rap, and the Bill’s “Shout” on repeat. We were heckled plenty heading into the stadium,and as we made our way to our seats. It didn’t mater. It was game time. Then the first half happened.
I burried my head during Detroit’s only offensive touchdown, along with Kyle Orton’s pick 6. I knew there was a lot more football to play, but it seemed as though the Bills were already out of this game down 14 to 3 at the break. We made our way around Ford field during half time, and received plenty of harassment from the fans sporting Honolulu blue and silver. It was just more salt in the wound. Fortunately things wouldn’t get any worse.
After two missed field goals by now former Lions kicker, Alex Henry, Buffalo managed to make it a 1 possession game. My spirits were picking up. They still had a shot. After the Buffalo managed to tie the game with a Kyle Orton touchdown pass, and two point conversion run by Fred Jackson, we were on our feet. The Lions fans around us began to mutter “same old Lions.” It wasn’t too long after that Lion’s wide receiver, Golden Tate, caught a short pass and took it 55 yards to the Bills 34 yard line. My heart sank again. Did we really come all the way back only to lose?
Fortunately, Alex Henry misses his third field of the game. As ecstatic as I was, I felt this one was headed to over time, right? How about a 20 yard pass to Sammy Watkins, who’s spectacular catch looked even better in the highlights as it did from the nose bleeds. Alright, maybe a quick sideline pass and we’re in field goal range. Well, after the incomplete pass to Scott Chandler, I expected Orton to take a knee and take this one to over time. Again, not so fast. As I watched Dan Carpenter come onto the field, all I could think about was the good field position Detroit would have if he missed. Not a chance. I leaped into the air in jubilation
After Detroit’s failed attempt at the “music city miracle,” I felt on cloud nine. Watching the Bills down by 14, only to score 17 unanswered points was nothing short of amazing. From celebrating with Bills fans throughout Ford field, to watching coaches, players, and front executives enjoy a victory cigar on the way to the bus; this win was extremely gratifying. Sunday in Detroit was a wild ride, and I’m glad I was there through thick and thin. I can only help that the Bills continue to play 4 quarters of football.
Join me Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central for the Buffalowdown.com podcast. I’ll discuss
- The first Bills game with new ownership
- The impact of injuries
- Can Kyle Orton put up another 300 plus yard performance?
- Will the Bills ground game get back on track?