I know we're not ready to process the fact that the Buffalo Bills' season is over, as many of us are still trying to come to grips with our emotions following the latest disappointment. Many are frustrated, bitter, confused, and possibly just fed up with their favorite football team after falling short of expectations yet again.
It's understandable to have mixed feelings about how to feel about this team's effort. Should we point fingers, criticize opponents or refs, or even question coaching decisions after such a bad loss?
The truth is, there are many reasons to be upset with how the Bills finished their season, in a 27-10 loss in the Divisional Round. Not to take anything away from the Cincinnati Bengals, as they proved yet again that they're an elite team, reaching the AFC Conference Championship two years in a row. But a 17-point loss just wasn't what anyone was anticipating, not for this Rumbling Herd.
Especially considering Buffalo's worst loss all season came by just three points. We can't help but wonder how differently the outcome could have been had Buffalo had a chance to play their originally-scheduled Week 17 matchup against Cincinnati, giving the team a good feel for what to expect come playoff time, but that's simply another excuse. Cincinnati dealt with similar conditions.
We could go on and on about a tough ending to another rollercoaster season, but that would be doing an injustice to all the bright spots we got to experience throughout the year. Instead, let's look back at the season that was. One that saw the Bills have their second 13-win season in four years. ...