Being a sports fan is all about reminders. Certain things that bring us back to the most memorable moments. Unforgettable fractions of time that can bring you back to 1990 like it was yesterday. They aren’t always the greatest of memories either. The Giants made sure of that. However there were plenty more that year that to this day that make me ask, “How did that game come down to a field goal in the first place?” A 13-3 powerhouse going against a ball control backup quarterback and you get totally out coached? Of course back then we wouldn’t dare ask that question. We also didn’t really know what we were up against. Sure people remember that Parcells was calling the shots for the Giants, but Belichick was there too. He became enemy number one around here long before he got to New England. Don’t forget that Coughlin was a part of that staff along with Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis. Both teams were loaded on the field but the G-Men had one of the most impressive coaching staffs ever put together. They executed an impressive game plan that kept our offense off the field and did what I thought was impossible.  

We still should have won. People still blame Norwood for what happened down in Tampa 25 years ago this January. Truth is he was solid all year and should have walked off that field a hero. He failed to come through but things could have been a little easier had they ran one more play.  Questioning play calling is something I never did back then, but now that I’m older and at times wiser I will always wonder why we didn’t try to get a little closer. Who knows. Jimbo might have noticed a sure thing and we put six up. They had to have some type of play to the sideline that gives them the 7 or 8 yards they need. It was a moment that stands still in history for so many of us that I will all ways wonder what if? At the time there was no doubt they were going to win so I thought it was going straight through. After the timeout they showed the Bills sideline all standing or kneeling holding hands as Scotty lined it up. My brother and I stood up and did the same anticipating a sure thing. My father was there thinking to himself that this is finally it. Anyone from the area over 35 years old can tell you exactly where they were for that kick. Then he missed. Heartbreak is hard to swallow especially after a season like that. Especially after a roster like that. Two week prior, I watched this team dominate the AFC Championship knowing we were going to win the Super Bowl. Then he missed. I stood in my living room in complete shock as tears rolled down my face knowing that I would never forget it. I couldn’t even look at the television but when I did I saw that lasting image that will always bring me back to that dreadful day. Everson Walls who wore #28 for the Giants was shown celebrating as wide right was born as the entire experience was burned into my brain. Those colors. That helmet. That game. That lose. Those memories are triggered every time I see the Giants on the field and I will forever despise them for it.  

Sunday marks the first of four matchups against the division that owned us for 4 straight years. Each time the Bills take the field against that division this year they need to win the ballgame. The one thing the 1990 team did was beat the teams that they were suppose to beat….other than the Giants. This weekend should be no different. After watching the G Men take on pitiful Washington last Thursday it was clear that we have the better team. New York shouldn’t be able to run the ball at all and Eli should be on his back all afternoon. The Bills can’t have that classic letdown after a big win down in South Beach either. Leaders need to step up this week and keep this thing going into Tennessee. The Giants certainly have some fire power at the skilled positions but it is going to be very difficult to have their way with a team coming home off such a big road win. The Bills can really begin to set themselves up for an opportunity to stay at the top of the standings regardless of who is winning the division. These are the games you need to win. Rex really seemed to wakeup along with everyone else after that disappointing loss back on the 20th. He has an opportunity to gain even more momentum going into the most winnable portion of the season. The Giants may be just what the doctor ordered for this young Bills team to prepare themselves for a very important October. They proved that they can bounce back from a tough loss and win on the road. Now come home and beat a team that we can all hate together just for old times sake.