Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN/WGR 550) - "The 'Mafia' and Bills fans are here to support them no matter what. We're out here no matter what."
Despite a heartbreaking 42-36 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium, several Buffalo Bills fans showed up just outside the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to show their support for the team as they returned home.
The first group of fans trickled in just after midnight to await the return of the Bills' team flight, and waited in the cold for the plane to stroll onto the tarmac shortly after 2:30 a.m. EST.
"It's sad, but offense, they played great just like they did against the [New England] Patriots. Kept us in the game, but Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs they're no joke," said loyal Bills fan Alex Bishop early Monday morning. "If we want to go to Super Bowl, we're gonna have to go through them in the postseason. We've just got to work on that next year, and we'll be back."
Despite the loss, the Bills managed to fight back on multiple occasions throughout the game, making Sunday's contest one of the most memorable games in recent playoff history.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen did his part to keep the Bills alive and in contention for a win, completing 27-of-37 passing attempts for 329 yards, and connecting with wide receiver Gabriel Davis for four passing touchdowns on the night.
However, in the end, it was Mahomes and the Kansas City offense that took advantage of a burned out defense to earn the victory in overtime.
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"Just the most amazing Bills game I've seen in my entire life. The most tragic loss since the 'Music City Miracle'... I just can't believe it," said diehard Bills fan Paul Ramos on Monday morning. "The Bills offense was amazing this year. Defense was amazing this year, Pro Bowl snubs. Get Gabriel Davis a long-term contract. The team is just an amazing team. I can't wait 'til next year. My heart is just shattered."
Despite Sunday's loss, many of the Bills fans that showed up to the airport terminal were elated with the season Buffalo had in one of the more hopeful seasons for the franchise in recent memory.
"It's great to see the level of support that 'Bills Mafia' is able to come out here," Bishop said. "It's pretty cold out here, it's not exactly warm, and to come out here and sit around for hours just wait for the team to come back. Win or lose, I'm going to be here. This is my team. Didn't go the way I wanted, but hell of a game. Josh Allen balled-out like usual, so I can't complain. Want the Super Bowl, but we'll be back next year. I'm not too worried about it."
One part of Sunday's game that ended up being a buzzkill, or sorts, is how the overtime rules in the NFL never allowed Allen and the Buffalo offense to take to the field and have a chance to come away with a win in Kansas City.
"It sucks that it came down to a coin toss, basically," said "Bills Mafia" member, Max Bowden on Monday. "Most of our players played really well. It was one of the best games of the year, if not one of the best playoff games ever. We played an amazing game."
Many of the fans in attendance believed the league should look to alter its overtime rules in order to give both teams a chance at scoring in the extra time going forward.
As for what the Bills need for the 2022 season to finally get over the hump and back to the Super Bowl, some fans believe the team does not need much to keep contending in the AFC in the coming years.
"I think getting [Tre'Davious White] back next year will help a lot," Bowden said. "I hope in the draft we get some, mainly, linemen, [defensive] linemen, [offensive] lineman. That'd be big."
"I think we could use a little bit better offensive linemen. They're great, but I think just need to add some more depth, get some new playmakers in there," Bishop said. "Defense, same thing, add a little bit more depth to the cornerback position. Dane Jackson did a great job stepping in for [Tre'Davious] White this whole season, but at end of the day, everyone pretty much played good all-year round. ... Other than that, I think we're all set. I think this team just needs to come together and our time will come."