Whether injured or inactive, the Bills’ rookie class, as a whole, has yet to make a splash. That is not to say those players are less likely to get more involved in the future. But with the Bills paying a premium to quarterback Josh Allen, as well as significant contracts to other play-makers, it is vital for draftees to make an impact on their rookie contracts.’
Archives for October 18, 2025
Local kicker had big moment during 1987 strike in this memorable game
‘Todd Schlopy grew up in Orchard Park and after a career as a World Cup skier didn’t pan out, he went to the University of Michigan and while earning a degree in film study, he was a kickoff specialist for two seasons playing for legendary Wolverines coach Bo Schembechler in the early 1980s.’
Booed early, cheered late — Bills QB Todd Collins delivered a miracle comeback in 1997
‘Frank Reich brought the Bills back from 35-3 down to a 41-38 overtime victory over the Houston Oilers in the 1992 AFC wild-card playoff round, and it was the even more unlikely Todd Collins who rallied the Bills from a 26-0 deficit on this day in 1997 to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 37-35.’
Three questions Bills must answer during bye week
‘The Buffalo Bills’ pass defense, statistically speaking, has actually been pretty good so far. Buffalo has allowed 167.2 passing yards per game, fourth-best in the NFL. The problem is that the number is large, aided by a run defense that has been carved up for 156.3 yards per game so far, 30th in the league.’
The Bills are getting defensive players back, but how will it look on the field?
‘Defensive end Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi are eligible to return from six-game suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs. And Bills coach Sean McDermott said they are contemplating opening the 21-day window for first-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston to return from injured reserve after suffering an LCL injury July 30.’
Today in Bills stadium history: Oct. 18
‘1987 — Bills 6, Giants 3 (OT) — Orchard Park’s own Todd Schlopy kicked the winning field goal from 27 yards out with 19 seconds remaining in overtime to win what Marv Levy described as the worst football game ever played. A crowd of 15,000 came to Rich Stadium for the final Bills game with replacement players in that week that the ’87 players strike was settled. Some NFL veterans had already crossed the picket line, including Giants superstar Lawrence Taylor, yet the talent assembled in this game combined for nine fumbles, five interceptions, 26 penalties, five missed field goals, and zero touchdowns. Schlopy’s chance to be a local hero came after he’d already missed a 28-yarder in OT. Carl Byrum, a fifth-round pick who played in 41 games for the Bills, rushed for 139 yards, more than a quarter of his career total. Buffalo went 1-2 with scab players in a season it finished with a 7-8 record.’