YouTube Saturday: Bills/Patriots, circa 1989

by Brian Galliford on Jun 13, 2009 1:00 PM EDT in Blog Series

The Buffalo Bills will open their 2009 regular season schedule with a road trip to Massachusetts, where they'll take on the New England Patriots in the first Monday Night Football game of the season.

The Patriots have dominated the Bills in recent seasons. They've won 11 straight contests against teams making up one of the worst stretch runs in team history. QB Tom Brady has certainly helped New England's cause as well.

There was a time, however, where the roles were reversed, and the Bills made beating the Patriots look as easy as showing up. We have video proof for you today: on October 1, 1989, the Bills defeated the Patriots 31-10 behind some of the easiest offensive production I've ever witnessed. Enjoy...

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That was a great game

I remember it clearly. I must say even though it was fun watching us take it to the patriots, I can’t help but remember how much I like Flutie. What a great guy and he competes so hard. Totally respect the man.

by Buffalonian on Jun 13, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, after seeing the replays of that, you wonder why Flutie left the NFL after that year. So I checked the box score – 15/41 passing for 176 yards; 48.4 rating. Rushing was good (7-43) but doesn’t make up for it.
Just two games later, in his last NFL start for 9 years, he was 12-30 with three picks…

by Krenn on Jun 13, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

He was too green for the NFL at that time IMO. Those years in the CFL worked wonders for him, some even call him the best QB the CFL has ever seen, and that list includes guys like Warren Moon, Russ Jackson (who turned down a deal to join the Bills in 1960 in order to stay with the Ottawa Rough Riders) and Joe Theismann.

Personally I think that Flutie spent too much time in the CFl and had he come back to the NFL around 1994 then we’d view him much differently then we do now.

by CanadianBillsFan on Jun 14, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions

watching Kelly clips

reminds of what it feels like to have a great QB. Its been so long, you just have to believe that Trent can keep developing.

Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.

by poz on Jun 13, 2009 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

yup i feel the same way. this clip just brought back memories….

by chaucer on Jun 13, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

How does a defense give up a 40 yard untouched dump off pass

for a touchdown to a TE?

Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009

by norcaliangelsfan on Jun 13, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

WHen nobody is man up on McKellar and there is no zone help....

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Jun 15, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I was at this game. It was so fun kicking the bejesus out of New England and Indy every time. Oh, how times have changed.

It's just a game.

by jj24 on Jun 13, 2009 11:42 PM EDT reply actions

Haha seriously

Those teams stunk for so long….the Jets too.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jun 14, 2009 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions

ahhhhhhh.... the good old days

The time to deliver is now and if you fail to do so you will no doubt witness the consequences first hand.

by Cutter3636 on Jun 14, 2009 12:53 AM EDT reply actions

You are right jj24 times have changed

The time to deliver is now and if you fail to do so you will no doubt witness the consequences first hand.

by Cutter3636 on Jun 14, 2009 12:54 AM EDT reply actions

Sad in a way

To reflect upon how great the Bills were as an organization 20 years ago, and how their current demise of not making the playoffs for 9 straight years is the longest in team history. CAN YOU SAY BILL POLIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by BuffaloWhiner on Jun 14, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

Kelly was so good

His arm strength at about the 2:50 mark is incredible. Just an effortless toss down the field while rolling out.

by bruuuuce_02 on Jun 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I thought the same thing. Couldn’t believe how far that ball traveled given the way he threw it.

I’ve only seen one QB in person with an amazing arm like that (never been to an NFL game). Probably none of you have ever heard of him, he was the starting QB at UVA (University of Virginia) back in 1992 – Matt Blundin. He actually was a 3rd-Stringer on the KC Chiefs in the early-to-mid 90s (I think when Montana was there). I once watched him throw the ball 70 yds (in a casual setting) without even exerting any effort. I couldn’t believe it. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t have enough other talent mixed in to make it at the NFL level.

"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987

by thefourwinds on Jun 15, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

ah the good old days … my years in HS were the 88-91 seasons.

like the creative use of the tune “War” from Rocky IV as the intro …

by sabre74kkn on Jun 14, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions

I love how flutie sprints in his roll out

"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone"
-Marshawn Lynch-

by billsoferie on Jun 15, 2009 12:35 PM EDT reply actions

-I am hoping T.O. can match Reed’s YAC.
-Bruce brought Flutie down twice with one hand!
-How fast was Beebe (Leon Lett…)? He caught up with Thurman on that long TD.

Great stuff.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Jun 15, 2009 5:58 PM EDT reply actions