It was Thanksgiving week 1988, 25 years ago. After seven non-championship years - including a pair of 2-14 seasons - the Buffalo Bills clinched the Eastern Division crown in the AFC with a 9-6 overtime win over the New York Jets. It was time for a town that has been knocked down and bad-mouthed to jump off the mat and proclaim its victory. "What do they call it -- Pandemonium?" linebacker Darryl Talley asked later. "This was fan-demonium. It was so much fun."
Here, from The Buffalo News archives, are the stories about that game:
Nov. 21, 1988: Norwood's OT goal is first step as Bills get foot in playoff door
Nov. 21, 1988 Bills touch off 'fan-demonium'
Nov. 21, 1988: Vic Carucci: Celebration by fans 'amazing to see'
Nov. 21, 1988: Larry Felser: When Bills say jump, Fred asks how high?
Nov. 21, 1988: Monday billboard
Nov. 21, 1988: Bills pay physical price for clinching AFC East
Nov. 22, 1988: Editorial: Congratulations, Bills. We're all talking proud
Nov. 20, 1988: Game preview: Bills go after the clincher against the Jets
Nov. 19, 1988: Eyes of world are following Bills' success