The Buffalo Bills have spoiled their fanbase these last couple of seasons as they have dominated the AFC East since 2020, and have made the playoffs every season except for one under their regime with Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott. However, we all know about the playoff drought that the Bills endured from the beginning of the century up until the 2017 season.
However, have you ever thought about the worst season the Bills have had in their history. You could make arguments for a couple, but ultimately, the 1971 season was horrendous for the Bills and has a big argument to be considered the worst in franchise history.
The 1971 season was the worst year for the Bills in franchise history
The Bills finished in 5th place in the AFC East at 1-13 where they were last in point-for per game (13) and points-allowed per game (28). Led by head coach Harvey Johnson, the Bills were horrible. Plain and simple. To put it into perspective, the Bills only scored 184 points and allowed 394 points to be scored on them.
Between quarterbacks Dennis Shaw and James Harris, the Bills had 12 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. Even with having O.J. Simpson on the field (who rushed 742 yards and 5 touchdowns), the Bills could not get anything going on offense.
In 14 games, the Bills were shutout four times and gave up 20+ points in all but one game (Week 3 vs. Vikings where Buffalo lost 19-0). Ten of Buffalo's losses came by double digits. Buffalo’s only win that season was against the New England Patriots, 27-20 where a strong second quarter performance put the Bills just one step ahead of the Patriots.
The 1971 season can easily be forgotten by the Bills and their fanbase as it was a huge embarrassment. Poor performance on the field (especially at the quarterback position) was the ultimate factor as to why the Bills were a joke that season. Luckily, the Bills could really only go up from that season. They did improve each year up until 1976 where they finished 2-12.