Tecmo Bowl Comparisons to Playcalling for the Buffalo Bills

For football fans who grew up with the 1989 classic Tecmo Bowl, the game’s simplified yet strategic playcalling holds a special nostalgia—one that surprisingly mirrors elements of the Buffalo Bills’ modern offensive approach. The iconic NES game, known for its handful of go-to plays (think the “Tecmo Bowl Run” or deep passes to Jerry Rice), relied on identifying opponent weaknesses, leaning on star talent, and balancing predictability with surprise—principles that still guide NFL playcalling today. For the Bills, a team with a dynamic quarterback in Josh Allen and a clear identity on offense, analysts and fans alike have playfully drawn comparisons between their strategy and the straightforward, effective choices in Tecmo Bowl. Tecmo Bowl Comparisons to Playcalling for the Buffalo Bills is a lighthearted yet insightful look at how retro gaming wisdom aligns with today’s pro football tactics.

At the core of both Tecmo Bowl and the Bills’ playcalling is the emphasis on leaning into star players’ strengths. In Tecmo Bowl, players quickly learned that certain stars were unstoppable—like Bo Jackson’s ability to break every tackle on a running play or Joe Montana’s precision on deep passes. The Bills follow this same logic: their playbook is built to highlight Josh Allen’s dual-threat skills (his ability to scramble for big gains or throw deep to Stefon Diggs) and James Cook’s speed in the run game. “In Tecmo Bowl, you didn’t overcomplicate it—you gave the ball to your best player,” says former NFL quarterback and Tecmo Bowl fan Chris Simms. “The Bills do the same: when they need a big play, they design it around Allen’s arm or legs, just like how you’d call Bo Jackson’s run every time in the game.” This simplicity isn’t a flaw; it’s a strength—both in the game and in the NFL. The Bills don’t waste plays on schemes that don’t fit their stars, just like Tecmo Bowl players don’t call weak plays when a star is available. Tecmo Bowl Comparisons to Playcalling for the Buffalo Bills underscores that great playcalling, whether in a retro game or the NFL, starts with knowing your best weapons.

Another parallel lies in exploiting opponent weaknesses—a cornerstone of both Tecmo Bowl strategy and the Bills’ playcalling. In Tecmo Bowl, players quickly scouted opponents: if a team had a slow secondary, you’d call deep passes; if their run defense was weak, you’d pound the ball with your running back. The Bills use the same scouting-driven approach. For example, against teams with slow linebackers (like the Atlanta Falcons), they call more screen passes to Cook or quick outs to Diggs, forcing linebackers to cover speed they can’t match. Against teams with vulnerable edge rushers, they use Allen’s scrambling ability to extend plays. “In Tecmo Bowl, you learned to pick apart every opponent’s flaw,” says sports writer and retro gaming enthusiast Mike Florio. “The Bills do that too—their playcalling isn’t random; it’s a response to what the other team can’t stop.” This focus on exploitation makes both Tecmo Bowl and the Bills’ offense unpredictable in the right way—opponents know a star will get the ball, but they can’t stop every way the play is designed. Tecmo Bowl Comparisons to Playcalling for the Buffalo Bills shows that even decades later, the basics of attacking weaknesses still drive winning football.

A key similarity also exists in balancing run and pass—something both Tecmo Bowl players and the Buffalo Bills must master to avoid becoming predictable. In Tecmo Bowl, if you only called runs, opponents would stack the box and stop you cold; if you only passed, they’d drop into deep coverage. The same holds true for the Bills. When they’re balanced—like in their Week 10 win over the Chiefs, where they ran 28 times and passed 32 times—their offense is nearly unstoppable. But when they lean too heavily on one phase (like passing 45 times in a Week 16 loss to the Patriots), they become predictable. “In Tecmo Bowl, balance was everything—you had to keep the defense guessing,” says former Bills lineman Eric Wood, who grew up playing the game. “The Buffalo Bills face the same challenge: if they run enough to keep the box honest, Allen has more room to throw; if they pass enough to stretch the field, Cook has more holes to run through.” This balance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about forcing the defense to make choices, a principle that transcends gaming and the NFL. Tecmo Bowl Comparisons to Playcalling for the Buffalo Bills highlights that whether you’re holding a controller or calling plays from the sidelines, balance is non-negotiable.

Another fun parallel is the role of “go-to” plays—those reliable, almost guaranteed gains that both Tecmo Bowl players and the Buffalo Bills turn to in pressure moments. In Tecmo Bowl, that play might be a deep pass to Jerry Rice or a Bo Jackson sweep. For the Bills, it’s often a play-action pass to tight end Dawson Knox or a zone read with Allen and Cook. These plays are practiced endlessly, so everyone on the team knows their role—just like how Tecmo Bowl players memorize the timing of their go-to plays. “In Tecmo Bowl, I had one play I’d call when I needed a first down—a simple off-tackle run,” says Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who has joked about his retro gaming days. “The Buffalo Bills have those plays too—ones we know will work because we’ve practiced them until they’re second nature.” These go-to plays aren’t just about gaining yards; they’re about building confidence. In Tecmo Bowl, they calm your nerves when you’re down; for the Bills, they steady the offense when the game is on the line. Tecmo Bowl Comparisons to Playcalling for the Buffalo Bills shows that trust in a reliable play is a universal part of football, whether digital or real.

Finally, both Tecmo Bowl and the Buffalo Bills’ playcalling share a love for “surprise” plays—those unexpected calls that catch opponents off guard. In Tecmo Bowl, that might be a rare pass play when you’ve only run the ball, or a trick play like a halfback pass. For the Bills, it’s a reverse to Gabe Davis or a fake punt that turns into a first down. These plays don’t happen often, but when they do, they shift momentum—just like in the game. “In Tecmo Bowl, a surprise pass when you’re known for running could win the game,” says Allen, who has talked about playing Tecmo Bowl with teammates. “For the Buffalo Bills, a surprise play can break a defense’s confidence—like when we ran a reverse against the Dolphins last year to set up a touchdown.” These plays also keep opponents guessing long after they happen: in Tecmo Bowl, they’ll wonder if you’ll call the trick play again; in the NFL, they’ll adjust their game plan to stop it, opening up other opportunities. Tecmo Bowl Comparisons to Playcalling for the Buffalo Bills concludes that whether you’re playing on an NES or coaching in the NFL, a little surprise goes a long way. For the Bills, blending Tecmo Bowl’s simplicity and heart with modern NFL strategy is just another way to keep winning—one play at a time.