ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Pregame chants of “Let’s Go Buffalo!” were still echoing through an emotionally charged Bills stadium celebrating injured safety Damar Hamlin when suddenly another roar erupted as Nyheim Hines returned the 96’s kickoff. yardage for a touchdown.
About three hours later, and after Hines returned another kickoff 101 yards for a score in a 35-23 victory over the New England Patriots, fans were on their feet chanting “Hamlin! Hamlin! Hamlin!” and Bills players holding up three fingers in honor of the injured safety’s No. 3 jersey.
Whatever questions the Bills faced about their ability to play six days after being stunned and saddened to watch Hamlin have to be resuscitated on the field in Cincinnati were answered before the game was 14 seconds old.
“I can’t remember a play that touched me like that, I don’t think in my life. He’s probably No. 1,” quarterback Josh Allen said. “It’s just spiritual. … You can’t draw this or write it any better.
“OMFG!!!!!!” Hamlin posted on his Twitter account from his hospital bed at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he spent the week gradually recovering.
“HYNES FREE,” he tweeted again after Hines’ second score. Coach Sean McDermott said the team contacted Hamlin by phone and had him count down the team’s final huddle in the locker room.
Acquired from Buffalo in a trade with Indianapolis two months ago, Hines became the 11th player in the NFL to return two kickoffs for scores in a game, and the first since Seattle’s Leon Washington in 2010.
“We as a community feel like we need this win,” Hines said before recalling the message Hamlin’s father, Mario, sent the team Wednesday urging them to play. “He said that’s what Damar wants, he’d like us to go ahead and win against New England.”
While Hines sparked the win, much of the Bills’ focus remained on the 24-year-old Hamlin, who addressed the team via video conference Friday, telling them, “I love you guys.”
Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, who at times this season doubted he’d ever recover from a knee injury suffered in November 2021, had trouble containing his emotions after picking up his first interception of the season.
Apologizing for using profanity in mentioning how difficult last week was, White noted how Hamlin sent a message to his teammates on defense apologizing for what he put them through emotionally.
“He’s checking us out?” White said. “I just want to hug him (damn it).”
Bills wide receiver John Brown, who scored on a 42-yard touchdown, honored assistant coach Denny Kellington by handing him the ball. It was Kellington who was credited with his quick response on the field in performing CPR to get Hamlin’s heart beating again.
In the past year filled with adversity that has befallen Buffalo, from a deadly snowstorm at Christmas to a fatal mass shooting at a supermarket in May, the Bills have shown their resilience by lifting up their community. Overcoming the sudden shock and mental stress of Hamlin’s collapse on the field, the win secured Buffalo (13-3), the AFC’s No. 2 seed.
The Bills will now host their division rival Dolphins in the wild card round next weekend.
The loss, combined with Miami’s win over the New York Jets, eliminated the Patriots (8-9) from the playoffs for the second time in three years and just the fourth time in 23 seasons during Bill Belichick’s coaching tenure.
And leave it to receiver Steven Diggs, who made an effort to visit Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center right after the Cincinnati game was suspended, to seal the victory with a 49-yard touchdown catch from Josh Allen to put Buffalo ahead by 35 -23 with 8:51 left.
The sellout crowd — many of them wearing Hamlin jerseys and No. 3 jerseys and holding up red hearts in honor of the player — erupted as one as Allen left the field with his arms raised.
On the ensuing kickoff, which went for a touchdown, the Bills’ special teams players rushed into the end zone and waved to the crowd. The fans stood as one and gave a huge roar.
Allen finished 19 of 31 for 254 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
The Patriots needed just a win to clinch a playoff spot, but stumbled to close the season, losing five of their last seven.
“I’m proud of the way our guys competed and prepared. At the end of the day, collectively, players, coaches, we just weren’t good enough today,” said Belichick, whose 19 playoff appearances remain tied with Don Shula for the NFL coaching list.
“We missed some opportunities today and gave up four big plays. Those were the things that made the difference in the game.”
Mack Jones finished 26 of 40 for 243 yards and three touchdowns, including two by Devante Parker, and three interceptions — all in the second half.
Jones’ last two interceptions came on back-to-back shots in the final six minutes.
Facing third-and-19 at the Buffalo 22, Jones’ deep pass over the middle went off the hands of tight end Hunter Henry and was picked off by linebacker Matt Milano.
On New England’s next possession, Jones’ pass went off the hands of Damien Harris and into the hands of defensive end Tremaine Edmonds.
COOLER
Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty intercepted and recovered Devin Singletary’s fumble. The interception was the 35th of McCurty’s 13-year career, moving him one spot behind Ty Lowe and Raymond Claiborne, who are tied for first on the franchise list.
McCurty, 35, made his 205th start for New England in what could be his final game for the franchise.
INJURIES
Patriots DT DaMarcus Mitchell did not return after suffering a concussion.
NEXT
Patriots: The season is over.
Bills: Host Miami Dolphins in AFC wild card game.
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