The Buffalo Bills had more than just football to contend with in the lead-up to their Week 18 game against the New England Patriots. Only six days earlier, starting safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field and was left fighting for his life. The week since was the backdrop to countless prayers, an unprecedented canceled game, on-the-fly rules changes and, most importantly, Hamlin recovering enough to talk to his teammates from his hospital bed.
This all left a slightly insignificant, but valid, question left to be answered. How would the Bills react, at home, following one of the most chaotic weeks in NFL history?
When Nick Folk fired Week 18’s opening kickoff downfield, Buffalo looked every bit like a team playing for the teammate who couldn’t be with them Sunday.
The @BuffaloBills return the opening kick. You couldn't write this script.
📺: #NEvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Zuxd3911Wt pic.twitter.com/8SexEVXpTN— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2023
Nyheim Hines took the opening kick 96 yards for a touchdown on the first play since Hamlin’s collapse. His burst was a statement; this Bills squad, without homefield advantage to play for, wasn’t about to take Week 18 for granted. Hines’ touchdown was met by an eardrum-splitting reaction from some of the most loyal fans in football — even if the Buffalo sideline seemed to need a minute to process exactly what happened.
Can't believe it. #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/w71neLPcAe
— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2023
Three plays later, the Bills sacked Mac Jones to force a New England three-and-out, showing their early fire isn’t limited to special teams. Buffalo can clinch the AFC’s second seed with a win in Week 18. Hines and a blazing defense have their hearts set on getting it done. Not just for themselves and the fans who helped donate more than $7 million to Hamlin’s charity, but for the man watching from a hospital bed Sunday afternoon.
