Opening Sunday, Bills fans will be united behind their team
By Erik Smeal
This seems like it has been the longest and most trying off-season in a long time as a Buffalo Bills fan.
The Bills finally cleaned house from the front office to the coaching staff, and even the majority of the roster. It has been a roller coaster ride with many questions, rumors, and speculations.
The last month or so provided its own ups and downs on its own. It has led to questions on the Bills vision for the 2017 season. Social media has been buzzing with those questions from Bills fans, as they fear 2017 might be another lost year for the franchise.
Fans have been divided on a number of topics from who should start at quarterback, to surprise cuts and trades. Some have been patient and understand the long term vision; others are at their wits end after 17 years of mediocrity.
All that will be put aside on Sunday. Bills fans will not disappoint when it comes to their game day motivation. From the stadium lots to grocery store to home gatherings, fans will be pumped up as they greet complete strangers with “Go Bills!”. September 10th, all the off-season complaints and speculations will be replaced by optimism and excitement.
New Era Field will be packed and loud. Bars from Buffalo to Colorado will be bustling. Residential neighborhoods in the Buffalo area will have parties on just about every block.
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I may be biased, but Bills fans are the most passionate and supportive in all of pro sports. I challenge anyone to find a more supporting fan base of a team that is going through what the Bills have over the last two decades.
While sometimes maybe too emotional, it’s that emotion that keeps Bills fans going. That emotion keeps New Era Field one of the loudest (without sound enhancing stadium construction) stadiums in the NFL.
Many players over the years, from both home and visiting teams, have commented on the energy level at One Bills Drive come Sunday afternoon.
On opening Sunday, Bills fans will put all their questions and frustrations aside and show why they are the best fans in the league. As fans, the best thing to do now is just take it one week at a time. It’s the best way to enjoy a season that will go by in a blink of an eye. Keep those Sunday gatherings and traditions alive.
Enjoy that week of anticipation leading up to the next game. Savor the Mondays after a victory. Use the Mondays after a loss as motivation for next week. Enjoy the transition from warm Sunday afternoons in September to unpredictable conditions in December.
Next: Buffalo Bills: Week 1 injury report
Forget about next year’s draft or free agency. Forget about the salary cap. Opening kickoff is the only thing that matters. That first drive, that first play from scrimmage. Football is a game of opportunity. The slate is clean, and anything is possible.