Tied with the 1987-1993 Houston Oilers

[Mikie2times]

I looked up what teams in NFL history have made the playoffs 7 consecutive years without having reached a Super Bowl. The only other team to do this is the 1987-1993 Oilers. Funny, that team, at least statistically is very similar to this one. Elite offense led by a HOF QB, inconsistent defense, anti clutch performances in the post season.  Two coaches over the 7 years period. 

 

Kansas City from 1990-1995 is the only other team to reach 6 seasons. Never really had a QB. Very aged Montana for a few seasons, but they were always behind the Bills. 

 

Two others Green Bay (2011-2016) and LA Rams (1973-1978) also went six straight years without making a Super Bowl. But in the same run either before or after that 6 years stretch this did make it to one. 

 

Next year if this was to happen again we would hold the record for most consecutive playoff appearances in NFL history without reaching a Super Bowl. I have to assume eventually you have to break this run up if this team just can't get over the hump? Not because a coach, roster, or GM are bad but because you have to eventually? Can this happen again next year and we still run it back? It seems crazy to think that is possible but I sort of think it is. 

 

 

[LifeLongBillsFan]

If we run back the same GM and HC with the same ***** defense we will end up in the exact same result 

[SoonerBillsFan]

The Run and shoot from 90-93 was fun to watch for 4 years.  You want to talk everybody eats...look at what their 4 WR were doing.  

 

Its what Kelly ran for the Houston Gamblers.  

Edited January 19 by SoonerBillsFan

[Livinginthepast]

8 hours ago, Mikie2times said:

I looked up what teams in NFL history have made the playoffs 7 consecutive years without having reached a Super Bowl. The only other team to do this is the 1987-1993 Oilers. Funny, that team, at least statistically is very similar to this one. Elite offense led by a HOF QB, inconsistent defense, anti clutch performances in the post season.  Two coaches over the 7 years period. 

 

Kansas City from 1990-1995 is the only other team to reach 6 seasons. Never really had a QB. Very aged Montana for a few seasons, but they were always behind the Bills. 

 

Two others Green Bay (2011-2016) and LA Rams (1973-1978) also went six straight years without making a Super Bowl. But in the same run either before or after that 6 years stretch this did make it to one. 

 

Next year if this was to happen again we would hold the record for most consecutive playoff appearances in NFL history without reaching a Super Bowl. I have to assume eventually you have to break this run up if this team just can't get over the hump? Not because a coach, roster, or GM are bad but because you have to eventually? Can this happen again next year and we still run it back? It seems crazy to think that is possible but I sort of think it is. 

 

 

Just before the Bills 4th SB loss in a row I had a conversation with a San Fran fan at my gym. He was outraged that the Bills had yet again made a SB and predicted that they would lose again. I countered with the "law of averages states" argument about them getting some luck and finally winning one this time. Of course they had to prove me wrong, make errors and choke again.  Learned right there that you have to write your own happy ending in life. Sadly there is no cosmic justice that rewards hard work and gives people what they deserve based on behavior or character.  Sad but true!

[Gregg]

What about those Oilers teams of the 70's led by Earl Campbell. They probably make a Super Bowl with a chance to win it all if it weren't for the Steelers.

[Sweats]

17 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

The Run and shoot from 90-93 was fun to watch for 4 years.  You want to talk everybody eats...look at what their 4 WR were doing.  

 

Its what Kelly ran for the Houston Gamblers.  

 

 

 

Run and Shoot was absolutely fun ball to watch.........it's unfortunate that the rest of the league caught up to it, but those years of ball were insane.

[SoCal Deek]

34 minutes ago, Livinginthepast said:

Just before the Bills 4th SB loss in a row I had a conversation with a San Fran fan at my gym. He was outraged that the Bills had yet again made a SB and predicted that they would lose again. I countered with the "law of averages states" argument about them getting some luck and finally winning one this time. Of course they had to prove me wrong, make errors and choke again.  Learned right there that you have to write your own happy ending in life. Sadly there is no cosmic justice that rewards hard work and gives people what they deserve based on behavior or character.  Sad but true!

The reward for your hard work is that it ‘should’ be building your character. And in terms of “cosmic justice” it’s important to note that Grace is receiving what you didn’t deserve, while Mercy is being spared what you did. 

Edited January 19 by SoCal Deek

[T.E.]

That Oilers team was mentally soft, and they could never overcome that fatal flaw. I hate to say it, but there are parallels.

[Guns N' Rosen]

7 hours ago, Livinginthepast said:

Just before the Bills 4th SB loss in a row I had a conversation with a San Fran fan at my gym. He was outraged that the Bills had yet again made a SB and predicted that they would lose again. I countered with the "law of averages states" argument about them getting some luck and finally winning one this time. Of course they had to prove me wrong, make errors and choke again.  Learned right there that you have to write your own happy ending in life. Sadly there is no cosmic justice that rewards hard work and gives people what they deserve based on behavior or character.  Sad but true!

Self happy endings 

A cornerstone of the avg marriage 😃

[Joe Mama]

7 hours ago, Sweats said:

 

 

 

Run and Shoot was absolutely fun ball to watch.........it's unfortunate that the rest of the league caught up to it, but those years of ball were insane.

Buddy Ryan (although he was an a-hole with twin clowns for sons) figured R&S out.

[skibum]

I miss Warren Moon's spirals. Thing of beauty.

[chongli]

11 hours ago, T.E. said:

That Oilers team was mentally soft, and they could never overcome that fatal flaw. I hate to say it, but there are parallels.

 

And the Oilers/Titans have yet to win a SB, and appeared in just one to date (1999: Rams vs. Titans).

Edited January 20 by chongli

[Nitro]

On 1/18/2026 at 11:58 PM, Mikie2times said:

I looked up what teams in NFL history have made the playoffs 7 consecutive years without having reached a Super Bowl. The only other team to do this is the 1987-1993 Oilers. Funny, that team, at least statistically is very similar to this one. Elite offense led by a HOF QB, inconsistent defense, anti clutch performances in the post season.  Two coaches over the 7 years period. 

 

Kansas City from 1990-1995 is the only other team to reach 6 seasons. Never really had a QB. Very aged Montana for a few seasons, but they were always behind the Bills. 

 

Two others Green Bay (2011-2016) and LA Rams (1973-1978) also went six straight years without making a Super Bowl. But in the same run either before or after that 6 years stretch this did make it to one. 

 

Next year if this was to happen again we would hold the record for most consecutive playoff appearances in NFL history without reaching a Super Bowl. I have to assume eventually you have to break this run up if this team just can't get over the hump? Not because a coach, roster, or GM are bad but because you have to eventually? Can this happen again next year and we still run it back? It seems crazy to think that is possible but I sort of think it is. 

 

 

I worried after the 13 second game that the Bills were becoming the Houston Oilers.   Well, I have been proven correct.  Darn it.  

[transient]

16 hours ago, Sweats said:

Run and Shoot was absolutely fun ball to watch.........it's unfortunate that the rest of the league caught up to it, but those years of ball were insane.

Some of the best highlights ever... 

 

[ExiledInIllinois]

16 hours ago, Livinginthepast said:

Just before the Bills 4th SB loss in a row I had a conversation with a San Fran fan at my gym. He was outraged that the Bills had yet again made a SB and predicted that they would lose again. I countered with the "law of averages states" argument about them getting some luck and finally winning one this time. Of course they had to prove me wrong, make errors and choke again.  Learned right there that you have to write your own happy ending in life. Sadly there is no cosmic justice that rewards hard work and gives people what they deserve based on behavior or character.  Sad but true!

EVERYONE needs help.  AND yes, alot of that benevolence comes from behavior & character...

 

"The phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" means to improve your situation or succeed without any help from others. It suggests that one can overcome difficulties through their own efforts and determination.

 Wiktionary Cambridge University Press

Meaning of "Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps"

The phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" refers to the idea of improving one's situation through one's own efforts, without any external help. It suggests that individuals can achieve success or overcome difficulties solely through their determination and hard work.

 

Origin and Evolution

Originally, the phrase was used sarcastically to describe an impossible task. It dates back to at least 1834, when it was mentioned in a newspaper as a way to mock the idea of someone lifting themselves by their own bootstraps. Over time, its meaning shifted to imply that people should strive for self-sufficiency and resilience.

 

Contemporary Interpretation

Today, the phrase is often used to encourage self-reliance and personal responsibility. However, it has also faced criticism for oversimplifying the challenges many people face. Critics argue that it can imply that those who struggle simply lack effort, ignoring systemic barriers that may hinder success.

 

In summary, while the phrase promotes the value of hard work and self-improvement, it is essential to recognize the complexities of individual circumstances."