In a stunning turn of events, Matt Prater's 32-yard field goal sealed a 15-point comeback for the Buffalo Bills against the Baltimore Ravens, marking a historic start to the NFL season. This victory made the Bills the first team in NFL history to overcome a 15-plus point deficit with under four minutes remaining and win in regulation.

Prater, a 19-year veteran kicker, was hoisted onto his teammates' shoulders as they celebrated this improbable win. At 41 years old, Prater has already etched his name into Bills' lore just four days into his tenure with the team.

"The response has been amazing," Prater told ESPN. "Obviously, it was a shorter kick, but I guess they're excited. I'm excited and I'm just happy I could come through. The offense did a good job. They set it up and shorter kicks, [I] should make those."

The Bills were in dire need of a reliable kicker after Tyler Bass was placed on injured reserve due to a left hip/groin injury. Bass had been dealing with pelvic soreness during training camp and although he returned to kick in the team's third preseason game, his injury persisted.

As the team gears up for a Week 2 AFC East clash against the New York Jets, two of the three specialist positions have changed since the start of Week 1 preparations. Prater will continue to play a crucial role until Bass' return.

"The update on Tyler is he's on IR, and that's where he's at," said Bills' coach McDermott. "So, for the foreseeable future, Prater is the guy. And I thought he did some good things. ... Tyler's our guy. Tyler is one of our guys that we've had around here for a number of years, and he's done well. And we're going to help him get through this injury piece. And that's the medical staff's job as well as his job. And we don't forget him, and it's important that we keep him going here and heading in the right direction."

Prater's arrival was met with some initial confusion. Several Bills players initially mistook him for a coach during the special teams meeting. However, as soon as his name was mentioned, everyone recognized the veteran kicker who holds the record for the longest field goal made at 64 yards in 2013.

"The oldest guy in the world, ain't he? Shoot, I'm thankful for him. Keep your old ass with the Bills," said left tackle Dion Dawkins. "... I'm glad that somebody could come in on Thursday and help us big, because every piece matters and he came in, he understood the assignment, he got the job done."

Prater, who didn't want to end his career with a left knee injury that finished his time with the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, expected an opportunity later in the season. However, he seized the chance when it came earlier than anticipated.

Before joining the Bills, Prater was working out in Arizona, including sessions with former Bills punter Matt Haack. His experience and precision were evident as he made all three of his field goal attempts and two point-after attempts in the game against the Ravens.

Week 1 of the NFL season highlighted the critical role of kickers. The Atlanta Falcons missed a game-tying kick with six seconds left, and the Cleveland Browns lost to the Cincinnati Bengals by one point after missing a field goal with 2:25 remaining.

The Bills' victory underscored the importance of having a reliable kicker in clutch moments. Prater's career field goal percentage stands at an impressive 83.7%, and he holds the record for the most kicks made of 50-plus yards (81).

In addition to Prater, the Bills made changes to their specialist positions by releasing punter Brad Robbins and signing Cameron Johnston. The only constant in the specialists' group is long snapper Reid Ferguson, the longest-tenured member of the Bills.

"So, I went from the oldest in the room to the youngest, which I think has been a funny admission," Ferguson said.

Meanwhile, Bass continues to be present with the team, learning from Prater amidst his injury.

"Tyler's awesome," Prater said. "I think he's one of the most talented young kickers in the league, and Buffalo is not the easiest place to kick and for him to come in and have the success that he had right away and he's super talented and I'm here just to help this team the best I can and help him get healthy and do whatever I can to help him be his best."

McDermott emphasized the importance of building confidence within the group by simplifying and establishing order, a strategy that applies across all positions.

"That's the first step in mastery, really, is simplification and order," McDermott said. "So I think that's important for anyone at any position, and especially when you're in a situation where we are with some of the lack of continuity, I would say, with the special teams pieces there."

Prater's integration into the team was swift. He arrived last Thursday morning on a redeye flight, and the specialists had an extended kicking session with him on Friday before the game against the Ravens. Johnston, the new punter, will have more time to adjust and get into the Bills' groove.

"I messaged [Prater] when I signed and I was asking stuff about the building," Johnston said. "I think he was like, 'Hey, I've only been here four or five days as well.'"

Regardless of the time they've had to prepare, the Bills will rely on this group of specialists to continue contributing, though perhaps not in as dramatic a fashion as Prater's game-winning kick.