1981 Buffalo Bills vs. 1988 Buffalo Bills
What's the Difference?
The 1981 Buffalo Bills finished the season with a record of 10-6 and made it to the playoffs, ultimately losing in the divisional round. Led by quarterback Joe Ferguson and running back Joe Cribbs, the team had a strong offense but struggled on defense. In contrast, the 1988 Buffalo Bills had a breakout season, finishing with a record of 12-4 and making it all the way to the AFC Championship game. Led by quarterback Jim Kelly and running back Thurman Thomas, the team had a high-powered offense and a solid defense, making them a formidable force in the league. Overall, the 1988 Bills were a more successful and well-rounded team compared to the 1981 squad.
Comparison
| Attribute | 1981 Buffalo Bills | 1988 Buffalo Bills |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Chuck Knox | Marv Levy |
| Record | 10-6 | 12-4 |
| Playoff Result | Lost in AFC Divisional Round | Lost in AFC Championship Game |
| Leading Rusher | Joe Cribbs (1185 yards) | Thurman Thomas (881 yards) |
| Leading Receiver | Frank Lewis (1036 yards) | Andre Reed (968 yards) |
Further Detail
Offensive Performance
The 1981 Buffalo Bills had a solid offensive performance, led by quarterback Joe Ferguson. Ferguson threw for over 3,500 yards and 24 touchdowns during the season. Running back Joe Cribbs also had a standout year, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. The team's offensive line provided good protection for Ferguson, allowing him to make plays down the field.
On the other hand, the 1988 Buffalo Bills had an even more impressive offensive performance. Quarterback Jim Kelly had a breakout season, throwing for over 2,800 yards and 15 touchdowns in just 12 games. Running back Thurman Thomas emerged as a star, rushing for over 1,200 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. The team's offensive line was dominant, paving the way for Thomas and providing Kelly with ample time to find his receivers.
Defensive Performance
The 1981 Buffalo Bills had a solid defense, led by linebacker Jim Haslett and defensive end Ben Williams. The defense was able to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers. The secondary, anchored by cornerback Mario Clark, was also effective in limiting big plays down the field.
Similarly, the 1988 Buffalo Bills had a strong defensive performance. Linebacker Cornelius Bennett and defensive end Bruce Smith were dominant forces on the defensive line, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. The secondary, led by cornerback Nate Odomes, was able to shut down opposing receivers and limit their production.
Special Teams
The 1981 Buffalo Bills had a reliable special teams unit, with kicker Nick Mike-Mayer providing consistent field goal kicking and punter Rusty Jackson pinning opponents deep in their own territory. The return game, led by Lou Piccone, was also effective in giving the offense good field position.
Similarly, the 1988 Buffalo Bills had a strong special teams unit. Kicker Scott Norwood was reliable in clutch situations, while punter John Kidd was able to flip the field position in favor of the Bills. The return game, led by Ronnie Harmon, was also a threat to opposing teams.
Overall Team Performance
The 1981 Buffalo Bills finished the season with a record of 10-6, making the playoffs as a wild card team. They were able to upset the Miami Dolphins in the first round before falling to the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round. Despite the loss, the team showed promise for the future.
On the other hand, the 1988 Buffalo Bills had a remarkable season, finishing with a record of 12-4 and winning the AFC East division. They made a deep playoff run, reaching the AFC Championship game before falling to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team's success in 1988 set the stage for their dominant run in the early 1990s.
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