How long can Bills remain Super Bowl contenders? - ESPN
ESPN ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- A year ago, the Buffalo Bills were preseason favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
Optimism was high after they filled a major hole by signing pass-rusher Von Miller, finished 2021 with the league's top defense, and watched quarterback Josh Allen go without an interception during a postseason that ended with a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last season, the Bills did win 13 games and a third-straight AFC East title while dealing with a series of physical and mental hurdles along the way: the death of Dawson Knox's brother, Luke; two deadly Buffalo-area snowstorms; major injuries to Micah Hyde (neck) and Miller (right ACL); and safety Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during a Week 17 game that was ultimately canceled. Their postseason ended with their worst performance of the year in a 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
After the disappointing finish -- and four-straight playoff appearances without reaching a Super Bowl -- a new question arose: Was the Bills' title window starting to close?
