Despite their similarities, the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills are not rivals. The final meeting between the two teams took place on Thanksgiving Day in 2022, and it quickly became a classic. The Lions had not yet embarked on their historic run in the final stretch of the 2022 season, therefore they were not the victors they are today. They demonstrated that they could contend with one of the NFL’s top squads on a national level, so in a way, that game versus the Bills was a coming out party.
Despite the Lions’ 28–25 loss that day, they gained newfound confidence from fighting a Super Bowl contender right up to the very end. The Lions reflect on the experience and recall that terrible taste of defeat now that they have developed into such competitors themselves. Amon-Ra St. Brown is probably the only one who is more inspired by that loss and thrilled to face the Bills again. The wide receiver accurately described the game’s happenings, which included the Lions coming back from deficits but ultimately losing a close game.
“I recall that match. It was back and forth, and I recall that with less than a minute remaining, they went down and scored after we had a huge field goal. It was a back-and-forth battle, but they beat us after a field goal. We were on the verge of winning, but they prevailed. They kicked the field goal after making that long, deep pass over the middle to Stefon Diggs. There was back and forth. Although I’m eager to play them again, that was a nice game. They work well together. It’s going to be enjoyable.
St. Brown is famous for having a long memory, so it makes perfect sense that he could recount the exact way the Lions lost to the Bills in 2022.
Jared Goff observes parallels between the Bills’ defence back then and now.
One may easily underestimate the Bills’ defence after a game in which they gave up 44 points. Despite this, it’s a strong team that has spent the past few seasons playing a lot of football together. Although Goff observes some changes, he is aware of the translating constants.
“They are rather different. Nevertheless, we are aware that they are who they are. They are, in my opinion, very sound and well-coached. It’s evident that many of these men have been involved in that plan for a long time and are skilled at what they do.” Goff is aware of the threat the Bills pose as a top contender and is generally impressed with their mentality on both sides of the ball. “They’re hardy. difficult group. incredibly difficult group. They are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the AFC and a truly amazing bunch. Excellent defence and coaching. It will be good, and it’s good offensively as well.”
The nation will be treated to a spectacle if the match is even half as excellent as the last one these sides played two years ago.