Josh Allen’s 4-Word Message to Matt Prater Sums Up Bills Comeback Win
When Josh Allen delivered a four-word message to new kicker Matt Prater after Sunday’s improbable comeback win, he could have been speaking on behalf of all Buffalo Bills fans.
Prater joined the team late in the week after the Bills placed kicker Tyler Bass on injured reserve and the 41-year-old delivered one of the biggest kicks in the team’s history. Prater nailed a 32-yard kick as time expired to give the Bills a 41-40 win over the Baltimore Ravens, then got a strong message from the reigning MVP.
Josh Allen Welcomes His New Teammate
Prater played a big role in Sunday’s win, making the game-winning kick and two other field goals including a 43-yarder in the closing seconds of the first half.
After the final kick that put the finishing touches on a 15-point comeback with less than five minutes in the fourth quarter, Allen rushed onto the field as he frantically celebrated with teammates. The Bills quarterback pumped up the crowd, then sought out Prater to deliver a strong message.
“Hey! Hey! Hey!” Allen said as he approached the kicker. “Welcome to Buffalo, baby!”
Prater didn’t want to take too much credit for the win, telling reporter Melissa Stark after the game that it was a total team effort.
“It wasn’t me. It was everybody,” Prater said. “Offense setting it up. Reed and Brad with the snap and hold. They were money all day. For me to come in, I just have to swing my leg.”
Prater said he was especially impressed with how his new teammates didn’t give up when the Ravens grabbed multiple two-score leads, including a 10-point lead early in the first quarter.
“The biggest thing I saw when we got down early, no one blinked,” Prater said.
Allen played a huge role in the win as well. He finished the game completing 33-of-46 passes for 394 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Allen had another two rushing scores and 30 total rushing yards.
Allen had a near-perfect fourth quarter, completing 16-of-21 passes for 251 yards with a passing touchdown.
Matt Prater Made Bills History
Prater made history as soon as he stepped on the field on Sunday night, becoming the oldest player ever to suit up for the franchise — by a significant margin. As Ryan Miller of the Democrat & Chronicle noted, the previous record was held by quarterback Bill Munson, who played at age 38 and 85 days in 1979.
The Bills had worked out several veteran kickers earlier in the week with Bass ailing, settling on Prater. Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Prater had a late arrival in the week.
“He just arrived yesterday so I think he took the red eye to get here,” McDermott said. “We’re going to watch him a little bit today and see what that looks like.”
Prater will be with the team for at least the first month, as Bass will miss four games after being placed on injured reserve. It is not clear when the team’s regular kicker will be able to return.
Kyle Shanahan Addresses George Kittle-Brock Purdy Feud – “Shut Up and Focus on Football”
After an explosive and public spat between San Francisco 49ers stars George Kittle and Brock Purdy, head coach Kyle Shanahan has finally weighed in, urging his players to stop the drama and focus on what really matters: the upcoming season.
The rivalry between tight end George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy reached new heights over the weekend, sparking controversy and raising questions about team dynamics. The tension spilled out into the public eye, with comments and jabs exchanged outside of the usual NFL competition.
But Shanahan, who is known for his calm demeanor and focus on team chemistry, was quick to shut down the growing feud. “Enough with the distractions,” Shanahan said in a recent interview. “We need to stay focused on the season ahead. There’s too much at stake for us to be worrying about anything that’s not related to winning games.”
The coach’s comments came after Kittle and Purdy’s back-and-forth began to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike. What started as playful banter seemed to escalate into something more heated, prompting concerns about locker room dynamics and the potential impact on team morale.
While Kittle and Purdy have brushed off the tension in interviews, Shanahan’s message was clear: the team’s success depends on unity and a shared vision. “I don’t care about whatever’s going on outside of football,” Shanahan continued. “What matters is that we’re on the same page when we step onto the field.”
The 49ers, who are gearing up for another potential playoff run, can ill afford any internal distractions. Shanahan’s call for calm is a reminder that, in a season filled with high expectations, the only thing that truly matters is the team’s performance when the lights shine brightest.
As the season kicks off, the 49ers will be hoping that their star players can channel their energy into the game, leaving any drama behind. But with Shanahan’s strong words, it seems clear that the message has been received: focus on football, not the noise.
