The Bills had kicker tryouts a few weeks ago and signed Lucas Havrisik to the practice squad as a backup and also as a source of competition in practice. But the Bills cut Havrisik last week, showing their improved confidence in Bass.

“Here's a young man who's been through this and the journey he's been on week in and week out, the questions he's been asked,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said after the win. “I think it's a great example of mental toughness. I think it’s a great example of perseverance and resilience.”

“And for the little kids out there, here’s a player who has been under a lot of scrutiny. And we brought a player here to compete with him in the middle of the season and he didn’t back down.”

It was his first big kick of the season, and Bass' stunning miss in the final minute of last season's divisional round playoff loss to the Chiefs remains a fresh wound. But Bass's work has earned him a reputation as a high-flyer. The winner of Sunday's game scored his eighth straight goal of the regular season on eight attempts in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime of his career.

Bass has also made 16 consecutive field goals with a chance to tie or take the lead in the second half, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who threw three second-half touchdown passes in the win, said he choked up watching his longtime teammate deliver when the Bills needed him most.

“So proud of him. So happy for him,” Allen said. “My little speech after the game touched me emotionally, just the trials and tribulations he's been through this year. That’s what stories are made of.”

“And I love him. I respect him so much. Everyone in this locker room is so happy for him and he’s our guy.”