In the sunset season for the concrete cathedral so often overflowed with as many as 80,000 passionate patrons, WIVB News 4 Buffalo is taking a daily look back over 400 games played in the Orchard Park stadium’s 52 years.
Nov. 6
2011 — Jets 27, Bills 11 — Wearing all white uniforms at home for the first time in 25 years, the Bills waived the white flag in contending for the AFC East title in the first of seven consecutive losses following a 5-2 start. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two interceptions and Fred Jackson lost a fumble as the Bills didn’t score any points until Rian Lindell’s short field goal more than 40 minutes into the game. Fitzpatrick was 15 of 31 passing for 191 yards with a touchdown to David Nelson, and Jackson rushed for 85 yards. Mark Sanchez had 230 yards passing and a touchdown to Santonio Holmes that put the Jets ahead 20-3 late in the third quarter. LaDainian Tomlinson and John Conner each rushing TDs. Attendance at Ralph Wilson Stadium was 70,133 as the Jets pulled even with the Bills and Patriots atop the division standings at 5-3.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.