The Buffalo Bills took a commanding lead in the AFC East on Sunday with a thrilling 30-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium. In a dramatic finale, kicker Tyler Bass kicked a stunning 61-yard field goal, shattering the franchise record for longest kick and sealing the victory with just seconds remaining.
The moment held particular significance for Bass, who has struggled to remain in his starting kicker position in recent weeks. Earlier in the game, he missed an extra point, adding to the pressure as he stepped up his efforts to score that record-breaking field goal.
“I just want to say, guys, I couldn’t have done it without you,” Bass said in a moving speech after receiving the game ball following their victory. “I’ve been through a lot. I relied on you guys, you were always there for me. For me to come out and do this for you guys means a lot.
Sean McDermott congratulates Tyler Bass on his game-winning kick
Before turning the ball over, coach Sean McDermott praised Bass for his resilience in the face of adversity during the game.
“Amazing, right? Mentally tough. I’m so proud of you, man. Aren’t you proud of him? » said McDermott.
“When the game is on the line, you are at your best. And this is an important trait. T. Bass, a great example here. Not so good at first, comes back, hits the winner. 61 yards,” the Bills head coach continued.
The 27-year-old kicker has maintained an impressive success rate of at least 80% on his field goal attempts every year, but 2024 has been a challenge for Bass.
In the playoffs, he converted just 2 of 5 attempts, including missing a crucial 44-yard wide right with 1:43 left that could have tied the game in a divisional home loss to the Kansas Chiefs City on January 21.
Bass succeeds amidst his struggles
Bass has struggled this season, missing three extra points and three field goals on 15 attempts. His final miss allowed the Dolphins to maintain a narrow two-point lead over the Bills, 13-10, in the third quarter. Miami took advantage of this opportunity, responding with a field goal that gave them a 13-12 advantage instead of tying the game due to Bass’ missed kick.
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On their next drive, the Bills responded by scoring a touchdown and making up for the missed extra point with a successful 2-point conversion, taking a 20–13 lead.
Bass was effective in critical moments, going a career-best 9-for-9 in the final minute of the fourth quarter and overtime, including five game-winning field goals in that span. .
Before Bass’ impressive 61-yarder, the longest field goal in Buffalo history belonged to Steve Christie, who set the mark in 1993. Bass’ game-winning kick ranks among only 16 field goals in the The NFL’s history of passing 61 yards, with Justin Tucker holding the record at 66 yards, reached on September 26, 2021.
With the win, the Bills moved to 7-2, and Bass likely secured his spot as the starting kicker for at least one more week.
