/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73754350/2187362538.0.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,800&ssl=1 "3 things we learned from the Giants’ 27-20 loss to the Cowboys")
Jim Kelly 15-Yard Touchdown
Former Bills quarterback great and HOFer Jim Kelly waves to the crowd as he leaves the field during the second-to-last day of the Buffalo Bills training camp at St John Fisher University in Rochester Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022.
Sd 081022 Bills Camp 38 Spts
In 1994 the Bills were coming off the team’s most successful run in the franchise’s history, having gone to four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993.
During a Thanksgiving day game the following season, quarterback Jim Kelly went on a run of his own.
The four-time defending AFC Champs squared off against the Detroit Lions in one of a number of Thanksgiving matchups between the two clubs. The Bills would fall 35-21 in the contest, and Kelly would go 29-of-35 passes for 273 yards, with three total touchdowns, and two interceptions.
But the biggest play of the day came when Kelly looked more like current QB Josh Allen, taking off for a 15-yard run and diving into the endzone for a touchdown.
Josh Allen Overpowers Cowboys
Nov 23, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; A turkey wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys history with Buffalo is well documented and dubious on account of beating the Bills in back-to-back Super Bowl matchups, but the two teams also have squared off on Thanksgiving a number of times in the past as well.
Among the hurdles and Superman plays Josh Allen has become known for, one that stands out from early on in his career was a rushing play during the two teams’ Thanksgiving contest in 2019 that the Bills would win 25-16.
The game was competitive and full of playmaking and highlights, and Allen would not be denied on the road to victory.
He lost the ball beneath the pile on a bad snap at the line on a 4th-and-1 in the second quarter (ruled a backward pass), only to reach down and take the ball back from out beneath Cowboys defenders, charging forward and getting the first down.
Devin Singletary Trick Play Touchdown
Nov 28, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary (26) scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
While we’re on the topic of Thanksgiving 2019, there are plenty of plays to choose from, but another one that invoked memorable excitement was when then-offensive coordinator Brian Daboll dialed up a trick play for then-Bills running back Devin Singletary.
Right after Allen’s power through the pile, receiver Andre Roberts would take a handoff from the QB before handing it off again to receiver John Brown, who would then throw a 28-yard touchdown toss to Singletary.
Jim Kelly 27-yard Touchdown Pass
Sep 19, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Former Buffalo Bills head coach Marv Levy (center) is flanked by his former players Bruce Smith (left) and Jim Kelly before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
With the Bills set to face the Lions coming out of the bye week, it’s worth noting the history between the two clubs. They’ve faced each other several times on Thanksgiving in the past with the Lions winning, then Allen and company won a competitive matchup between the teams in 2022.
The first incarnation of the Bills logo and uniforms, when the team was founded, was actually even based on the Lions, as Ralph Wilson had been a minority owner of the Detroit franchise before his ownership in Buffalo.
Another memorable moment on Thanksgiving came in the 1994 matchup, in which Jim Kelly threw a 27-yard dart into the hands of tight end Pete Metzelaars.
A Wholesome Thanksgiving Day Moment
Nov 25, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) and quarterback Josh Allen (17) and tight end Dawson Knox (88) enjoy a turkey leg at the end of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The tandem of Allen and receiver Stefon Diggs produced many memorable moments on the field, and one of the most wholesome, and their friendship also produced a special one for the Bills and fans while preparing for what would be a 28-25 win against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day 2022.
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