I wish I had written this sooner, because my bye week was filled with much-needed rest and relaxation. Then I traveled to Charlotte, came home content even with the travel delays, but then I didn’t feel well most of this week. And now, as I sit here in my feelings because my college team lost yesterday, and knowing it’s Chiefs week, I’m trying to pull my head out from under the rock of despair I’ve been hiding under for the last 96 hours to talk about my 89th consecutive game.
I had just gotten back
from a relaxing four-day cruise. A bye-week must (relaxation) when doing this much traveling. You need time to reset. I know what you’re thinking, “Poor Sara,” and I’d probably be in your shoes too. But contrary to what many people think, I do work fulltime (separate from all of this), I write for Buffalo Rumblings, and if it’s feasible, I also try to fit in attending my alma mater’s home games each week as well. It becomes a lot, and if you’ve never done it, do it for a season. You won’t regret it one bit, I can promise you that, but you’ll definitely feel it.
I was excited for Charlotte because, first, a ton of my friends live there, and second, it’s one of the last remaining stadiums on my list. I have six to go: Allegiant Stadium, Empower Field at Mile High, Lambeau Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, State Farm Stadium, and Levi’s Stadium.
Saturday afternoon in Charlotte, I started at Tavern on the Tracks, but it quickly got so busy that I decided to move on. Don’t ever let anyone tell you Bills fans don’t travel because week in and week out it’s a takeover. I met up with some friends and we walked over to Must Be Nice CLT to meet up with GameDay Hospitality. Later in the afternoon, I met Hulk Hogan, or at least someone dressed as him. We happened to stumble into a bar hosting a costume party, and we definitely stood out like sore thumbs.
Saturday evening was more chill. A friend hosted a backyard party with food, drinks, my Canes game on the outdoor TV, good music, and some not-so-friendly games of Spades (if you know, you know).
Sunday, I spent my first hour at the Fans of Buffalo tailgate to say hi to everyone I usually see at away games. It was spectacular. Well done, FOB. The crowd was massive, the setup was perfect with plenty of tent coverage, great food, and abundance of drinks. I was sad to leave after just an hour, but I knew I had a decent walk to my next tailgate. Having so many friends in Charlotte, I knew I’d be spread thin.
By the time I made it to tailgate number two, I decided to stay put. I was having a blast and, honestly, I was tired. We don’t get many 1 p.m. games anymore, and getting into tailgate mode that early takes effort.
Everyone knows how the game went by now, even if they didn’t see it. The Bills won convincingly, 40-9, yet I think we’re all still wondering where the offense is. Josh Allen threw for only 169 yards, and it was entirely the James Cook show. He had 216 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns (PS: my fantasy team thanks you). Three turnovers by the Bills’ defense sealed the deal.
There were plenty of positives, too. I saw Michael Hoecht bring a new wrinkle to the defense. Cole Bishop and Jordan Hancock are starting to find their footing, and the entire unit looks steadier with Jordan Poyer back on the field. His presence provides stability and mentorship that’s clearly influencing those around him. And rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston wasn’t just a bright spot, he shined. I’m excited to watch his development.
I’m publishing this as I sit waiting to leave for Highmark Stadium and Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The journey continues… Go Bills!
