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{{short description|38th season in franchise history; final one with coach Marv Levy}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox NFL season
{{Infobox NFL team season
| team = Buffalo Bills
| team = Buffalo Bills
| year = 1997
| year = 1997
Line 10: Line 11:
| stadium = [[Rich Stadium]]
| stadium = [[Rich Stadium]]
| playoffs = ''Did not qualify''
| playoffs = ''Did not qualify''
| pro_bowlers = G [[Ruben Brown]]<br>DE [[Bruce Smith]]<br>DT [[Ted Washington]]
| shortnavlink = Bills seasons
| shortnavlink = Bills seasons
}}
}}


The '''[[1997 NFL season|1997]] [[Buffalo Bills]] [[List of Buffalo Bills seasons|season]]''' was their 38th in the [[National Football League|league]]. The team failed to improve upon their [[1996 Buffalo Bills season|previous season's output]] of 10–6, instead falling to 6–10.<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1997.htm 1997 Buffalo Bills]</ref> They missed the playoffs for only the second time in ten seasons. 1997 was [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] head coach [[Marv Levy]]'s final year as the team's head coach.
The '''1997 Buffalo Bills season''' was their 38th in the [[National Football League|league]]. The team failed to improve upon their [[1996 Buffalo Bills season|previous season's output]] of 10–6, instead falling to 6–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Buffalo Bills Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1997.htm |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> They missed the playoffs for only the second time in ten seasons. 1997 was [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] head coach [[Marv Levy]]'s final year as the team's head coach, and the first season since 1985 when [[Jim Kelly]] was not on the opening day roster. [[Todd Collins (quarterback)|Todd Collins]] started at quarterback for the Bills in their first season in the post-Kelly era. The Bills also signed Oakland's [[Billy Joe Hobert]] to challenge Collins for the starting job. Third-string quarterback [[Alex Van Pelt]] also saw playing time with three starts in Collins' absence.


Hobert's contract was terminated after Week Seven, in which Hobert was backing up an injured Collins, and after the game revealed to the media that he had not studied the playbook. Hobert was released the next day.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/100923&sportCat=nfl David Fleming, Breaking down the Bills' QB situation] ESPN.com, September 23, 2010, "the infamous Billy Joe Hobert who promptly threw a pick on his first pass leading to a 33–6 blowout loss, after which Billy Joe admitted (awesomely, I might add) that he hadn't actually, you know, opened his playbook that week" | retrieved January 9, 2012</ref>
[[Todd Collins (quarterback)|Todd Collins]] started at quarterback for the Bills in their first season in the post-[[Jim Kelly (quarterback)|Jim Kelly]] era. The Bills also signed Oakland's [[Billy Joe Hobert]] to challenge Collins for the starting job. Third-string quarterback [[Alex Van Pelt]] also saw playing time with three starts in Collins' absence.


One of the most memorable games in Buffalo Bills history occurred in Week Four against [[1997 Indianapolis Colts season|the Indianapolis Colts]]. The Colts roared to a 26–0 lead in the second quarter, before the Bills went on a 37–3 run, ultimately taking the lead 37–29 with 1:15 remaining in the game. The Colts closed to within two, but missed a two-point conversion, giving Buffalo a two-point victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199709210buf.htm|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Indianapolis Colts 35 at Buffalo Bills 37, Sunday, September 21, 1997}}</ref> The game remains the third-greatest regular season comeback in NFL history,<ref group="note">It has been surpassed only by a [[2022 Indianapolis Colts–Minnesota Vikings game|33-point comeback]] by [[2022 Minnesota Vikings season|the 2022 Vikings]] and a 28-point comeback by [[1980 San Francisco 49ers season|the 1980 49ers]]</ref> and the second greatest in team history<ref group="note">Surpassed only by "[[The Comeback (American football)|The Comeback]]" in the [[1992-93 NFL playoffs|1992 playoffs]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW9_DyyzLkw|publisher=YouTube|title=Buffalo Bills NFL Primetime 8}}</ref>
Hobert's contract was terminated after Week Seven, in which Hobert was backing up an injured Collins, and after the game revealed to the media that he had not studied the playbook. Hobert was released the next day.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/100923&sportCat=nfl David Fleming, Breaking down the Bills' QB situation] ESPN.com, September 23, 2010, "the infamous Billy Joe Hobert who promptly threw a pick on his first pass leading to a 33–6 blowout loss, after which Billy Joe admitted (awesomely, I might add) that he hadn't actually, you know, opened his playbook that week" | retrieved January 9, 2012</ref>


== Offseason ==
One of the most memorable games in Buffalo Bills history occurred in Week Four against the [[1997 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]. The Colts roared to a 26–0 lead in the second quarter, before the Bills went on a 37–3 run, ultimately taking the lead 37–29 with 1:15 remaining in the game. The Colts closed to within two, but missed a two-point conversion, giving Buffalo a two-point victory.<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199709210buf.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com: Indianapolis Colts 35 at Buffalo Bills 37, Sunday, September 21, 1997]</ref> The game was the second-greatest regular season comeback in NFL history (second only to a 28-point comeback by the 1980 49ers), and the second greatest in team history (second to "[[The Comeback (American football)|The Comeback]]" in the [[1992-93 NFL playoffs|1992 playoffs]].)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW9_DyyzLkw YouTube: Buffalo Bills NFL Primetime 8]</ref>

==Offseason==
Prior to the 1997 season, long-time [[quarterback]] (and future [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]]) [[Jim Kelly (quarterback)|Jim Kelly]] announced his retirement from professional football. This left the Bills forced to find a different opening day starting quarterback for the first time since [[1985 Buffalo Bills season|1985]]. Third-year quarterback Todd Collins started the season, and the Bills signed former [[Oakland Raiders|Raiders]] quarterback Billy Joe Hobert, whose contract was terminated after a Week Seven loss to [[1997 New England Patriots season|New England]].
Prior to the 1997 season, long-time [[quarterback]] (and future [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]]) [[Jim Kelly (quarterback)|Jim Kelly]] announced his retirement from professional football. This left the Bills forced to find a different opening day starting quarterback for the first time since [[1985 Buffalo Bills season|1985]]. Third-year quarterback Todd Collins started the season, and the Bills signed former [[Oakland Raiders|Raiders]] quarterback Billy Joe Hobert, whose contract was terminated after a Week Seven loss to [[1997 New England Patriots season|New England]].


===NFL Draft===
=== NFL draft ===
{{Main article|1997 NFL Draft}}
{{Main article|1997 NFL draft}}
{|
{|
|-
|-
|style="background-color:#FFCC00; border:1px solid #aaaaaa; width:2em;"|
|style="background-color:#FFCC00; border:1px solid #aaaaaa; width:2em;"|
|= [[Pro Bowl]]er <ref name="Pro Bowler note">Players are identified as a Pro Bowler if they were selected for the Pro-Bowl at any time in their career.</ref>
|= [[Pro Bowl]]er <ref group="note" name="Pro Bowler note">Players are identified as a Pro Bowler if they were selected for the Pro-Bowl at any time in their career.</ref>
|}
|}
One notable player that was not drafted by the Bills, but debuted for the team in 1997, was future [[Pro Bowl]] [[defensive tackle]] [[Pat Williams (American football)|Pat Williams]], who played with the team for eight seasons.
One notable player that was not drafted by the Bills, but debuted for the team in 1997, was future [[Pro Bowl]] [[defensive tackle]] [[Pat Williams (American football)|Pat Williams]], who played with the team for eight seasons.


{| class="wikitable sortable sortable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| 1997 Buffalo Bills Draft
! style="background:#C41E3A;color:#14345B;" width="7%"| Round
! style="background:#C41E3A;color:#14345B;" width="7%"| Pick
! style="background:#C41E3A;color:#14345B;" width="20%"| Player
! style="background:#C41E3A;color:#14345B;" width="15%"| Position
! style="background:#C41E3A;color:#14345B;" width="20%"| School/Club Team
|-
|-
! Round !! Selection !! Player !! Position !! College !! Notes
|1 || 23 || [[Antowain Smith]] || [[Running back]] || [[Houston Cougars football|Houston]]
|-
|-
! 1
|2 || 52 || bgcolor="#FFCC00"|[[Marcellus Wiley]]<ref>Made Pro Bowl with [[2001 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego]] in [[2001 NFL season|2001]]</ref> || [[Defensive end]] || [[Columbia Lions|Columbia]]
! 23
| [[Antowain Smith]]
| [[Running back|RB]]
| [[1996 Houston Cougars football team|Houston]]
|
|-
|-
! 2
|4 || 120 || [[Jamie Nails]] || [[Offensive lineman]] || [[Florida A&M Rattlers football|Florida A&M]]
! 52
| bgcolor="#FFCC00"|[[Marcellus Wiley]]<ref group="note">Made Pro Bowl with [[2001 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego]] in [[2001 NFL season|2001]]</ref>
| [[Defensive end|DE]]
| [[1996 Columbia Lions football team|Columbia]]
|
|-
|-
! 4
|5 || 153 || Sean Woodson || [[Defensive back]] || [[Jackson State Tigers football|Jackson State]]
! 120
| [[Jamie Nails]]
| [[Offensive lineman|OL]]
| [[1998 Florida A&M Rattlers football team|Florida A&M]]
|
|-
|-
! 5
|6 || 185 || [[Marcus Spriggs]] || [[Offensive guard|Guard]] || Houston
! 153
| Sean Woodson
| [[Defensive back|DB]]
| [[1996 Jackson State Tigers football team|Jackson State]]
|
|-
|-
! 6
|7 || 226 || [[Pat Fitzgerald]] || [[Tight end]] || [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]]
! 185
| [[Marcus Spriggs]]
| [[Guard (gridiron football)|G]]
| Houston
|
|-
! 7
! 226
| Pat Fitzgerald
| [[Tight end|TE]]
| [[1996 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas]]
|
|}
|}


==Roster==
== Roster ==
{{NFL season roster
{{NFL season roster
| year = 1997
| year = 1997
Line 59: Line 87:


| quarterbacks =
| quarterbacks =
{{NFLplayer|13|Jim Ballard}}
{{NFLplayer|15|Todd Collins|d=quarterback}}
{{NFLplayer|15|Todd Collins|d=quarterback}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;8|Billy Joe Hobert}}
{{NFLplayer|10|Alex Van Pelt}}
{{NFLplayer|10|Alex Van Pelt}}


| running_backs =
| running_backs =
{{NFLplayer|44|Darick Holmes}}
{{NFLplayer|44|Darick Holmes|KR}}
{{NFLplayer|34|Thurman Thomas}}
{{NFLplayer|25|Rene Ingoglia}}
{{NFLplayer|23|Antowain Smith|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|23|Antowain Smith|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|34|Thurman Thomas}}


| wide_receivers =
| wide_receivers =
{{NFLplayer|88|Quinn Early}}
{{NFLplayer|88|Quinn Early}}
{{NFLplayer|80|Eric Moulds}}
{{NFLplayer|82|Mitchell Galloway|rookie=y|KR/PR}}
{{NFLplayer|83|Andre Reed}}
{{NFLplayer|80|Eric Moulds|KR}}
{{NFLplayer|81|Jerry Reese|d=wide receiver|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|81|Jerry Reese|d=wide receiver|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|89|Steve Tasker}}
{{NFLplayer|89|Steve Tasker|PR}}


| tight_ends =
| tight_ends =
{{NFLplayer|87|Rich Coons}}
{{NFLplayer|86|Tony Cline|d3=Jr.}}
{{NFLplayer|87|Rob Coons}}
{{NFLplayer|84|Lonnie Johnson|d=American football}}
{{NFLplayer|84|Lonnie Johnson|d=American football}}
{{NFLplayer|85|Jay Riemersma|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|85|Jay Riemersma}}


| offensive_linemen =
| offensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|79|Ruben Brown|G}}
{{NFLplayer|79|Ruben Brown|G}}
{{NFLplayer|63|Bill Conaty|C}}
{{NFLplayer|63|Bill Conaty|rookie=y|C}}
{{NFLplayer|70|John Fina|T}}
{{NFLplayer|70|John Fina|T}}
{{NFLplayer|68|Corbin Lacina|G}}
{{NFLplayer|72|Corey Louchiey|T}}
{{NFLplayer|74|Jamie Nails|rookie=y|G}}
{{NFLplayer|74|Jamie Nails|rookie=y|G}}
{{NFLplayer|60|Jerry Ostroski|G}}
{{NFLplayer|60|Jerry Ostroski|T}}
{{NFLplayer|73|Mike Rockwood|T}}
{{NFLplayer|69|Marcus Spriggs|rookie=y|T}}
{{NFLplayer|61|Dusty Zeigler|C}}
{{NFLplayer|61|Dusty Zeigler|C}}


| defensive_linemen =
| defensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|90|Phil Hansen|d=American football|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|90|Phil Hansen|d=American football|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|98|Sean Moran|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|94|Mark Pike|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|94|Mike Pike|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|91|Shawn Price|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|91|Shawn Price|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|78|Bruce Smith|d=defensive end|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|78|Bruce Smith|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|92|Ted Washington|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|92|Ted Washington|NT}}
{{NFLplayer|75|Marcellus Wiley|rookie=y|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|75|Marcellus Wiley|rookie=y|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|93|Pat Williams|d=American football|rookie=y|NT}}


| linebackers =
| linebackers =
{{NFLplayer|96|Dan Brandenburg}}
{{NFLplayer|96|Dan Brandenburg|OLB}}
{{NFLplayer|57|Damien Covington}}
{{NFLplayer|52|John Holecek|ILB}}
{{NFLplayer|52|John Holecek}}
{{NFLplayer|55|Mark Maddox|ILB}}
{{NFLplayer|95|Bryce Paup}}
{{NFLplayer|98|Sean Moran|ILB}}
{{NFLplayer|58|Marlo Perry}}
{{NFLplayer|99|Gabe Northern|OLB}}
{{NFLplayer|59|Sam Rogers}}
{{NFLplayer|95|Bryce Paup|OLB}}
{{NFLplayer|54|Chris Spielman}}
{{NFLplayer|58|Marlo Perry|OLB}}
{{NFLplayer|59|Sam Rogers|d=linebacker|OLB}}


| defensive_backs =
| defensive_back =
{{NFLplayer|22|Jeff Burris|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|22|Jeff Burris|CB/PR}}
{{NFLplayer|27|Ken Irvin|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|27|Ken Irvin|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|20|Henry Jones|d=American football|S}}
{{NFLplayer|31|Raymond Jackson|d=American football|FS}}
{{NFLplayer|20|Henry Jones|d=American football|SS}}
{{NFLplayer|21|Manny Martin|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|24|Kurt Schulz|FS}}
{{NFLplayer|24|Kurt Schulz|FS}}
{{NFLplayer|40|Eric Smedley}}
{{NFLplayer|40|Eric Smedley|SS}}
{{NFLplayer|28|Thomas Smith|d=cornerback|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|28|Thomas Smith|d=cornerback|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|37|Sean Woodson|d=American football|rookie=y|SS}}


| special_teams =
| special_teams =
{{NFLplayer|76|Ethan Albright|LS}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;2|Steve Christie|K}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;2|Steve Christie|K}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;9|Chris Mohr|P}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;9|Chris Mohr|P}}

| reserve_lists ={{NFLplayer|57|Damien Covington|LB|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|48|Pat Fitzgerald|link=no|rookie=y|TE|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|77|Jim Jeffcoat|NT|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|46|Marlon Kerner|CB|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|83|Andre Reed|WR|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|54|Chris Spielman|LB|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|33|Tim Tindale|FB|IR}}

| practice_squad =
{{NFLplayer|97|Doug Brown|d=gridiron football|rookie=y|NT}}
<small>53 active, 7 inactive, 1 practice squad</small>

}}
}}


==Schedule==
== Schedule ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| Week
! Week
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| Date
! Date
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| Opponent
! Opponent
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| Result
! Result
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| Attendance
! Attendance
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| Record
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 1
! 1
| August 31, 1997
| August 31
| [[1997 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]
| [[1997 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]
| L 34–13
| '''L''' 34–13
| <center>79,139</center>
| 79,139
| 0–1
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 2
! 2
| September 7, 1997
| September 7
| at [[1997 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]
| at [[1997 New York Jets season|'''New York Jets''']]
| W 28–22
| '''W''' 28–22
| <center>72,988</center>
| 72,988
| 1–1
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 3
! 3
| September 14, 1997
| September 14
| at [[1997 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]
| at [[1997 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]
| L 22–16
| '''L''' 22–16
| <center>78,169</center>
| 78,169
| 1–2
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 4
! 4
| September 21, 1997
| September 21
| [[1997 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]
| [[1997 Indianapolis Colts season|'''Indianapolis Colts''']]
| W 37–35
| '''W''' 37–35
| <center>55,340</center>
| 55,340
| 2–2
|-
|-
| 5
! 5
| colspan=4 align="center" | ''Bye''
! colspan=5 align="center" | ''Bye''
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 6
! 6
| October 5, 1997
| October 5
| [[1997 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]]
| [[1997 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]]
| W 22–13
| '''W''' 22–13
| <center>78,025</center>
| 78,025
| 3–2
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 7
! 7
| October 12, 1997
| October 12
| at [[1997 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]
| at [[1997 New England Patriots season|'''New England Patriots''']]
| L 33–6
| '''L''' 33–6
| <center>59,802</center>
| 59,802
| 3–3
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 8
! 8
| October 20, 1997
| {{dow tooltip|October 20, 1997}}
| at Indianapolis Colts
| at '''Indianapolis Colts'''
| W 9–6
| '''W''' 9–6
| <center>61,139</center>
| 61,139
| 4–3
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 9
! 9
| October 26, 1997
| October 26
| [[1997 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]
| [[1997 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]
| L 23–20
| '''L''' 23–20
| <center>78,458</center>
| 78,458
| 4–4
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 10
! 10
| November 2, 1997
| November 2
| [[1997 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]]
| [[1997 Miami Dolphins season|'''Miami Dolphins''']]
| W 9–6
| '''W''' 9–6
| <center>78,011</center>
| 78,011
| 5–4
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 11
! 11
| November 9, 1997
| November 9
| New England Patriots
| '''New England Patriots'''
| L 31–10
| '''L''' 31–10
| <center>65,783</center>
| 65,783
| 5–5
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 12
! 12
| November 17, 1997
| {{dow tooltip|November 17, 1997}}
| at Miami Dolphins
| '''at Miami Dolphins'''
| L 30–13
| '''L''' 30–13
| <center>74,155</center>
| 74,155
| 5–6
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 13
! 13
| November 23, 1997
| November 23
| at [[1997 Tennessee Oilers season|Tennessee Oilers]]
| at [[1997 Tennessee Oilers season|Tennessee Oilers]]
| L 31–14
| '''L''' 31–14
| <center>23,571</center>
| 23,571
| 5–7
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 14
! 14
| November 30, 1997
| November 30
| New York Jets
| '''New York Jets'''
| W 20–10
| '''W''' 20–10
| <center>47,776</center>
| 47,776
| 6–7
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 15
! 15
| December 7, 1997
| December 7
| at [[1997 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]
| at [[1997 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]
| L 20–3
| '''L''' 20–3
| <center>39,784</center>
| 39,784
| 6–8
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 16
! 16
| December 14, 1997
| December 14
| [[1997 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]
| [[1997 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]
| L 20–14
| '''L''' 20–14
| <center>41,231</center>
| 41,231
| 6–9
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 17
! 17
| December 20, 1997
| {{dow tooltip|December 20, 1997}}
| at [[1997 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]
| at [[1997 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]
| L 31–21
| '''L''' 31–21
| <center>60,108</center>
| {{center|60,108
| 6–10
|-
| colspan="6" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1997|border=2}}"| '''Note''': Intra-divisional games are in '''bold''' text.
|}
|}


==Game summaries==
== Game summaries ==
=== Week 2 ===

===Week 2===


{{AFB game box start
{{AFB game box start
Line 244: Line 314:
|ElapsedTime=
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=72,988
|Attendance=72,988
|Weather=73°F, wind 9
|Weather={{convert|73|F|C|1}}, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knots|abbr=on}}
|Referee=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=
|TVAnnouncers=Marv Albert, Randy Cross & Len Berman
|TVStation=
|TVStation=NBC
}}
}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= 1|Time= |Team=NYJ |Event= [[John Hall (placekicker)|John Hall]] 27 yard field goal |Score= Jets 3–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= 1|Time= |Team=NYJ |Event= [[John Hall (placekicker)|John Hall]] 27 yard field goal |Score= Jets 3–0}}
Line 260: Line 330:
{{AFB game box end}}
{{AFB game box end}}


<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199709070nyj.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199709070nyj.htm|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Buffalo Bills at New York Jets — September 7th, 1997}}</ref>


{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


==Standings==
=== Week 3 ===

Starting QBs - Buffalo Bills: [[Todd Collins (quarterback)|Todd Collins]] / Kansas City Chiefs: [[Elvis Grbac]]
{{Clear}}
Vegas Line: Kansas City Chiefs -4.5 {{Clear}}
Over/Under: 40.0 (under)
{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start
|Title=Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)
|Visitor=Bills
|V1= 0|V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=6
|Host=Chiefs
|H1=6 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=13
|Date=Sep 14, 1997
|Location=[[Arrowhead Stadium]], [[Kansas City, Missouri]]
|StartTime=1:00 PM
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=78,169
|Weather={{Convert|72|F|C|1}} • {{Convert|6|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=[[Tom White (American football official)]]
|TVAnnouncers=[[Mike Breen]] and [[James Lofton]]
|TVStation=[[NFL on NBC]]
}}
{{AFB game box end}}

<ref name="atchiefs">{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199709140kan.htm|access-date=July 6, 2020|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title= Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs — September 14th, 1997}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=BUF|HomeName=KC|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=8:20
| Team=Chiefs
| DrivePlays=11
| DriveLength=54
| DriveTime=5:03
| Type=FG
| yards=46
| Kicker=[[Pete Stoyanovich]]
| Visitor=0
| Home=3
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=1:08
| Team=Chiefs
| DrivePlays=6
| DriveLength=30
| DriveTime=2:38
| Type=FG
| yards=45
| Kicker=[[Pete Stoyanovich]]
| Visitor=0
| Home=6
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=7:49
| Team=Bills
| DrivePlays=9
| DriveLength=32
| DriveTime=3:30
| Type=FG
| yards=46
| Kicker=[[Steve Christie]]
| Visitor=3
| Home=6
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=1:03
| Team=Chiefs
| DrivePlays=9
| DriveLength=47
| DriveTime=1:07
| Type=FG
| yards=42
| Kicker=[[Pete Stoyanovich]]
| Visitor=3
| Home=9
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=12:15
| Team=Bills
| DrivePlays=2
| DriveLength=86
| DriveTime=0:48
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=[[Andre Reed]]
| QB=[[Todd Collins (quarterback)|Todd Collins]]
| yards=77
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=[[Steve Christie]]
| 2pt type=run/pass
| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete
| Visitor=10
| Home=9
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=14:29
| Team=Bills
| DrivePlays=6
| DriveLength=57
| DriveTime=1:58
| Type=FG
| yards=33
| Kicker=[[Steve Christie]]
| Visitor=13
| Home=9
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=14:13
| Team=Chiefs
| DrivePlays=1
| DriveLength=94
| DriveTime=0:16
| Type=KickTD
| Runner=[[Tamarick Vanover]]
| yards=94
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=[[Pete Stoyanovich]]
| 2pt type=run/pass
| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete
| Visitor=13
| Home=16
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=11:52
| Team=Bills
| DrivePlays=5
| DriveLength=49
| DriveTime=2:21
| Type=FG
| yards=30
| Kicker=[[Steve Christie]]
| Visitor=16
| Home=16
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=9:50
| Team=Chiefs
| DrivePlays=6
| DriveLength=50
| DriveTime=1:24
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=[[Tony Richardson (American football)|Tony Richardson]]
| QB=[[Elvis Grbac]]
| yards=1
| kickresult=no good (blocked)
| Kicker=[[Pete Stoyanovich]]
| 2pt type=run/pass
| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete
| Visitor=16
| Home=22
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=16|Home=22}}

<ref name="atchiefs"/>

{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = center
| Visitor = Buffalo Bulls
| VisitorDisplay = Bills
| Home = Calgary Dinos
| HomeDisplay = Chiefs
| VisPasser = [[Todd Collins (quarterback)|Todd Collins]]
| VisPassStats = 22/43, 297 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
| VisRusher = [[Antowain Smith]]
| VisRushStats = 11 carries, 30 yards
| VisReceiver = [[Andre Reed]]
| VisReceivingStats = 4 receptions, 113 yards, 1 TD
| HomePasser = [[Elvis Grbac]]
| HomePassStats = 20/37, 179 yards, 1 TD
| HomeRusher = [[Greg Hill (running back)|Greg Hill]]
| HomeRushStats = 17 carries, 59 yards
| HomeReceiver = [[Andre Rison]]
| HomeReceivingStats = 5 receptions, 75 yards
}}
<ref name="atchiefs"/>
{{Clear}}
{{AmFootballGameStatistics
| Float = right
| Visitor = Buffalo Bulls
| VisitorDisplay = Bills
| Home = Calgary Dinos
| HomeDisplay = Chiefs
| VisFirsts = 16
| VisPlaysYds = 66-325
| VisRushing = 23-50
| VisPassYds = 275
| VisPassing = 22-43-2
| VisTOP = 31:32
| HomeFirsts = 17
| HomePlaysYds = 62-267
| HomeRushing = 25-107
| HomePassYds = 160
| HomePassing = 20-37-0
| HomeTOP = 28:28
}}
<ref name="atchiefs"/>
{{Clear}}

== Standings ==
{{1997 AFC East standings}}
{{1997 AFC East standings}}


==References==
==Notes==
{{reflist|group="note"}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Latest revision as of 06:07, 11 December 2024

1997 Buffalo Bills season
OwnerRalph Wilson
General managerJohn Butler
Head coachMarv Levy
Home fieldRich Stadium
Results
Record6–10
Division place4th AFC East
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersG Ruben Brown
DE Bruce Smith
DT Ted Washington

The 1997 Buffalo Bills season was their 38th in the league. The team failed to improve upon their previous season's output of 10–6, instead falling to 6–10.[1] They missed the playoffs for only the second time in ten seasons. 1997 was Hall of Fame head coach Marv Levy's final year as the team's head coach, and the first season since 1985 when Jim Kelly was not on the opening day roster. Todd Collins started at quarterback for the Bills in their first season in the post-Kelly era. The Bills also signed Oakland's Billy Joe Hobert to challenge Collins for the starting job. Third-string quarterback Alex Van Pelt also saw playing time with three starts in Collins' absence.

Hobert's contract was terminated after Week Seven, in which Hobert was backing up an injured Collins, and after the game revealed to the media that he had not studied the playbook. Hobert was released the next day.[2]

One of the most memorable games in Buffalo Bills history occurred in Week Four against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts roared to a 26–0 lead in the second quarter, before the Bills went on a 37–3 run, ultimately taking the lead 37–29 with 1:15 remaining in the game. The Colts closed to within two, but missed a two-point conversion, giving Buffalo a two-point victory.[3] The game remains the third-greatest regular season comeback in NFL history,[note 1] and the second greatest in team history[note 2][4]

Offseason

[edit]

Prior to the 1997 season, long-time quarterback (and future Hall of Famer) Jim Kelly announced his retirement from professional football. This left the Bills forced to find a different opening day starting quarterback for the first time since 1985. Third-year quarterback Todd Collins started the season, and the Bills signed former Raiders quarterback Billy Joe Hobert, whose contract was terminated after a Week Seven loss to New England.

NFL draft

[edit]
Main article: 1997 NFL draft
= Pro Bowler [note 3]

One notable player that was not drafted by the Bills, but debuted for the team in 1997, was future Pro Bowl defensive tackle Pat Williams, who played with the team for eight seasons.

1997 Buffalo Bills Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 23 Antowain Smith RB Houston
2 52 Marcellus Wiley[note 4] DE Columbia
4 120 Jamie Nails OL Florida A&M
5 153 Sean Woodson DB Jackson State
6 185 Marcus Spriggs G Houston
7 226 Pat Fitzgerald TE Texas

Roster

[edit]
1997 Buffalo Bills roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

53 active, 7 inactive, 1 practice squad Reserve

  • 48 Pat Fitzgerald TE (IR)


Rookies in italics

Schedule

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Attendance Record
1 August 31 Minnesota Vikings L 34–13 79,139 0–1
2 September 7 at New York Jets W 28–22 72,988 1–1
3 September 14 at Kansas City Chiefs L 22–16 78,169 1–2
4 September 21 Indianapolis Colts W 37–35 55,340 2–2
5 Bye
6 October 5 Detroit Lions W 22–13 78,025 3–2
7 October 12 at New England Patriots L 33–6 59,802 3–3
8 October 20 at Indianapolis Colts W 9–6 61,139 4–3
9 October 26 Denver Broncos L 23–20 78,458 4–4
10 November 2 Miami Dolphins W 9–6 78,011 5–4
11 November 9 New England Patriots L 31–10 65,783 5–5
12 November 17 at Miami Dolphins L 30–13 74,155 5–6
13 November 23 at Tennessee Oilers L 31–14 23,571 5–7
14 November 30 New York Jets W 20–10 47,776 6–7
15 December 7 at Chicago Bears L 20–3 39,784 6–8
16 December 14 Jacksonville Jaguars L 20–14 41,231 6–9
17 December 20 at Green Bay Packers L 31–21 60,108 6–10
Note: Intra-divisional games are in bold text.

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 2

[edit]
1 234Total
• Bills 0 1477 28
Jets 3 1063 22
  • Date: September 7
  • Location: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
  • Game start: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 72,988
  • Game weather: 73 °F (22.8 °C), wind 9 mph (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert, Randy Cross & Len Berman
Scoring summary
1NYJJohn Hall 27 yard field goalJets 3–0
2NYJDedric Ward 19 yard pass from Neil O'Donnell (John Hall kick)Jets 10–0
2BUFThurman Thomas 2 yard run (Steve Christie kick)Jets 10–7
2BUFAndre Reed 10 yard pass from Todd Collins (Steve Christie kick)Bills 14–10
2NYJJohn Hall 19 yard field goalBills 14–13
3BUFQuinn Early 19 yard pass from Todd Collins (Steve Christie kick)Bills 21–13
3NYJAaron Glenn 96 yard kickoff return (run failed)Bills 21–19
4NYJJohn Hall 52 yard field goalJets 22–21
4BUFJay Riemersma 10 yard pass from Todd Collins (Steve Christie kick)Bills 28–22

[5]

Week 3

[edit]

Starting QBs - Buffalo Bills: Todd Collins / Kansas City Chiefs: Elvis Grbac

Vegas Line: Kansas City Chiefs -4.5

Over/Under: 40.0 (under)

Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)
1 234Total
Bills 0 376 16
• Chiefs 6 3013 22

[6]

[6]

Team Category Player Statistics
Bills Passing Todd Collins 22/43, 297 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Antowain Smith 11 carries, 30 yards
Receiving Andre Reed 4 receptions, 113 yards, 1 TD
Chiefs Passing Elvis Grbac 20/37, 179 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Greg Hill 17 carries, 59 yards
Receiving Andre Rison 5 receptions, 75 yards

[6]

Statistics Bills Chiefs
First downs 16 17
Plays–yards 66-325 62-267
Rushes–yards 23-50 25-107
Passing yards 275 160
Passing: comp–att–int 22-43-2 20-37-0
Time of possession 31:32 28:28

[6]

Standings

[edit]
AFC East
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(3) New England Patriots 10 6 0 .625 369 289 W1
(6) Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 339 327 L2
New York Jets 9 7 0 .563 348 287 L1
Buffalo Bills 6 10 0 .375 255 367 L3
Indianapolis Colts 3 13 0 .188 313 401 L1

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ It has been surpassed only by a 33-point comeback by the 2022 Vikings and a 28-point comeback by the 1980 49ers
  2. ^ Surpassed only by "The Comeback" in the 1992 playoffs
  3. ^ Players are identified as a Pro Bowler if they were selected for the Pro-Bowl at any time in their career.
  4. ^ Made Pro Bowl with San Diego in 2001

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1997 Buffalo Bills Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  2. ^ David Fleming, Breaking down the Bills' QB situation ESPN.com, September 23, 2010, "the infamous Billy Joe Hobert who promptly threw a pick on his first pass leading to a 33–6 blowout loss, after which Billy Joe admitted (awesomely, I might add) that he hadn't actually, you know, opened his playbook that week" | retrieved January 9, 2012
  3. ^ "Indianapolis Colts 35 at Buffalo Bills 37, Sunday, September 21, 1997". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  4. ^ "Buffalo Bills NFL Primetime 8". YouTube.
  5. ^ "Buffalo Bills at New York Jets — September 7th, 1997". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  6. ^ a b c d "Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs — September 14th, 1997". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
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