The most underestimated and overlooked part of the Bills

As the season opener gets closer I have had occasion to think about the Team, our potential and hopes for an improved, perhaps winning, season.  Having been a season ticket holder for well over 20 years prior to my relocation to the south in 2003, something dawned on me that is hardly ever talked about as being instrumental to the success of our team...the 12th man.  I can recall when 8-8 was almost a given because not many teams could handle what the greatest fans in the NFL would dish out on Sunday afternoons.  Combined with poor weather (I recall a game against the Jets where the wind chill was -42 degrees), the passionate and crazed fans of Buffalo wreaked havoc on opposing QB's, Offensive lines and coordinators who would try to adjust and audible without very much luck.  So much were the fans a part of the success the Bills enjoyed in the late 80's through the 90's that players such as Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith would take to the airwaves of 97 Rock, Wgr, Channel 7 or whatever media outlet they were appearing on to implore the fans to be as loud as possible.  Ahhh, those were the days!

It is those memories that prompted this fan post for me to encourage each and every person who will be attending games this seasons to do their part to make playing in our house the most miserable experience ever for opposing offenses.  While I no longer can attend games (until the Jags game in October!), I still scream my damn fool head off as much as possible and will continue to do so.  For younger readers looking at this post who don't remember the old days or who may not have been at the stadium, all I can say is the din from the crowd left a ringing in your ears for 2 days and I was lucky to have a fully functional voice for the following Sunday's game.  It was truly a site to behold and the friendships that came out of the camaraderie last to this day. 

So my friends, get out there, support the team, make it as loud as possible for the (insert team name here) offense(particularly on 3rd down) and look to the South End Zone........... The 12th man is on that wall for a reason.... carry on the tradition!   LET'S GO BUFFALO!