Bove: Thanks for a much needed distraction

ATLANTA, GA [WKBW] — So things didn’t go according to plan in Kansas City. It was a bitter pill to swallow for every Bills fan watching the 2020 season come to an end.

As I write this on a flight back to Buffalo, my face shield is fogging up and my mask is pinching my ears. The middle seats are empty to allow more space between passengers. A lot has changed since my last flight coming back from Houston after the Bills loss to the Texans.

I don’t need to run down how terrible 2020 was for so many people. But it was a great year for the Buffalo Bills.

After years of heartbreak and mediocrity, the Bills made one of the worst years in recent memory a little less terrible. For the first time in 25 years the Bills won the AFC East and have set themselves up for continued success.

Josh Allen showed incredible growth and emerged as an MVP candidate. His game Sunday wasn’t his best, but there’s no longer a doubt, he’s their quarterback and will be the face of this franchise for years to come.

Stefon Diggs is exceptional. Like Allen, his performance Sunday left a lot to be desired, but his production in nearly every other game this season was remarkable. He led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and brought the Bills some swagger.

Not to be outdone, Cole Beasley put together his best season as a pro and is perhaps Allen’s most trusted target on third down. Gabriel Davis showed great promise for a fourth-round pick and will likely have an even bigger role next season.

Both Dion Dawkins and Tre’Davious White were rewarded with contract extensions prior to the season and both players had strong seasons. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde were once again one of the leagues best safety tandems and are still under contract as a pair for at least one more season.

Tremaine Edmunds bounced back after a slow start and will continue to develop. Don’t forget, Edmunds is still just 22-years-old and has three years of experience as a starter. For perspective, Edmunds is just one year older than projected No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence. Edmunds will keep getting better, especially if the Bills decide to keep the man he lines up next to, Matt Milano.

We could keep going on, but you get the point. There are countless reasons to be angry and upset about how the season ended. But there are just as many reasons to be optimistic about the future.

When Western New York needed them the most, the Bills put together their best season in nearly 30 years. Ultimately it wasn’t good enough and that stinks, but don’t let that takeaway from what they accomplished.

Yet none of those accomplishments match what this team did for the fan base. They rejuvenated a region and most importantly, they gave Bills Mafia hope. From September until nearly February they were the perfect distraction. Besides, the Bills trip to the Super Bowl will be that much sweeter when they seal the deal in Orchard Park with a full stadium. Welcome to the off-season, but take a minute to appreciate all the memories from the past five months.