In a look back at notable games played by the Buffalo Bills at their Orchard Park stadium, WIVB News 4 Buffalo reviewed key moments from past decades. The feature focuses on the stadium’s rich history, including more than 400 games over 52 years.
On Sept. 5, 1993, the Bills defeated the New England Patriots 38-14 during quarterback Drew Bledsoe’s first NFL appearance and coach Bill Parcells’ debut for New England. Jim Kelly led Buffalo with multiple touchdown passes to Andre Reed, who finished with 110 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
Earlier highlights from Sept. 4 include a 1983 loss to the Miami Dolphins (12-0) despite outgaining them in yards, and a narrow victory against the Minnesota Vikings in 1988 (13-10). That game marked Thurman Thomas’ National Football League debut, where he rushed for 86 yards and scored a touchdown.
Other significant results include:
– In 1994, the Bills lost to the New York Jets 23-3 in coach Pete Carroll’s first game with New York.
– In their first post-O.J. Simpson regular season game on Sept. 3, 1978, Buffalo fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers (28-17).
– On Sept. 2, Tom Dempsey missed a final play field goal as Miami secured its nineteenth consecutive win against Buffalo in a defensive match that ended Dolphins nine, Bills seven.
– Also noted was the introduction of new red helmets in an opening-day defeat to New England in September of 1984.
– A Sept. 1 highlight featured Thurman Thomas starting his Most Valuable Player campaign in style by exceeding both 100 rushing and receiving yards while leading Buffalo to a shootout win over Miami (35-31) in 1991.
The review covers coaching changes, player debuts—including Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Thurman Thomas—and memorable crowd moments tied to division titles or historic rivalries at the venue.
No direct quotations were included in this historical overview.
