Buffalo Rumblings
A game-winner from 61 yards will lead to that
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass was named AFC special teams player of the week following a fantastic effort in Week 9. The accolade came as a result of Bass’ career-long (and Bills’ franchise-record) 61-yard kick to provide the difference in a 30-27 win over the Miami Dolphins.
Bass, 27, has struggled mightily over the last year-plus, missing eight field goals in the regular-season (and three more in the playoffs) over that span. Bass has missed three extra-point attempts this season, as well, including a miss in last week’s game.
However, Bass came up clutch when the Bills needed him most, nailing a 61-yard field goal with five seconds left in regulation to give the Bills a three-point margin. That’s all they would need to vanquish the Dolphins in a huge win for the team’s AFC East title hopes.
Bass has twice been name AFC special teams player of the month, winning the honor in October 2021 and November 2022. After he missed a 47-yard kick in last year’s Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bass received multiple death threats. He’s been incredibly open about his struggles, including discussing how Buffalo’s sports psychologist has helped him to remain confident in himself.
Hopefully, last week’s game-changing kick combined with the accolades surrounding it will lead to a big bounce-back for Bass.
