Could Sean McDermott’s game management cost the Bills a shot at the title? This question looms large for fans and analysts alike, especially after another disappointing loss.
In the latest NFL showdown, the Bills faced a critical moment with just over a minute left in the game. Quarterback Josh Allen was showcasing his skills, making a comeback seem not just possible, but likely. As the team approached the low red zone, FOX’s Tom Brady noted that Buffalo was “in great position,” trailing by nine points with a touchdown within reach and all three timeouts still available.
Brady, renowned for his situational awareness, outlined a clear path to victory: score a touchdown, convert the extra point, kick off, halt the Rams for a quick three-and-out, and then move into field-goal range for a potential win.
However, Brady emphasized a crucial point: the Bills should avoid running the ball on the goal line.
Yet, that was the exact strategy they employed.
With just over a minute remaining, Allen attempted a QB sneak from the 1-yard line but was met with resistance from the Rams’ defense. This forced the Bills to burn a timeout, significantly diminishing their chances of victory.
Brady remarked on the dire situation: “Now you’ve gotta onside kick. We’ve got a 3% chance on an onsides kick. … That changes the entire complexity of the last minute and two seconds of the game.” He expressed his disapproval of the decision, suggesting it may have cost the Bills the game.
Indeed, it did.
Despite Allen’s impressive performance, which included three passing and three rushing touchdowns, the Bills were unable to secure a win.
LeSean McCoy, a former Bills running back and current FOX Sports analyst, remarked, “His back’s gonna be broken. He’s carrying the whole stadium, the owners, the coaches, the trainers. He’s carrying Buffalo. He’s carrying everybody.”
The Bills’ coaching staff also made a critical error in the final moments of the game. During a punt-block attempt, they had only nine players on the field due to a substitution blunder, further complicating their chances.
Returning to the goal-line decision, it was clear that McDermott’s choice was not just a matter of hindsight. The statistics indicated that running the ball was a risky move. Even offensive coordinator Joe Brady acknowledged the misstep, stating that while the QB sneak had been successful throughout the season, the cost of failure in that moment ultimately led to their loss.
Brady accepted responsibility, saying, “I have to do a better job in that situation. And it’s something we’re continuing to evaluate.” However, the head coach must also bear the burden of these decisions. McDermott, not being the playcaller, should have intervened to prevent this mistake.
This is not the first instance of questionable game management under McDermott’s leadership. The Bills often appear to focus on isolated plays rather than the broader context of the game.
A previous example occurred during their Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans. Tied at 20-20 with 32 seconds left, the Bills opted to throw three consecutive passes from their own 3-yard line, wasting valuable time and allowing Houston to position themselves for a game-winning field goal.
ESPN Research noted that the Bills are the only team in the last 45 years to throw three straight passes while tied or leading in the final minute from inside their own 5-yard line.
When asked if he communicated with Brady during that critical sequence, McDermott responded, “I’m not going to get into that. I don’t think that’s relevant right now.” He acknowledged that the responsibility rested on his shoulders, stating, “We just gotta do a better job. I’ve got to do a better job in that situation.”
The Bills concluded that season with a troubling 0-6 record in one-score games.
McDermott’s track record raises concerns, especially when compared to other successful coaches like Andy Reid and Bill Belichick, who have significantly better records in close games.
As the Bills look to the future, they must consider their game management strategies. With Allen’s talent, they cannot afford to squander another postseason opportunity due to poor decisions. The looming presence of Reid and Mahomes, who have excelled in one-score games, serves as a reminder of what is at stake.
McDermott acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “You’re going to have some things come up from time to time that you’re going to want to not come up. But you have to fix them. You’ve got to get them worked out.” This reflection is essential for the Bills as they strive to refine their decision-making process.
The Bills must reevaluate their approach to late-game situations. Instead of merely correcting past mistakes, they need to understand the underlying reasons for their failures. With a Super Bowl-caliber team, McDermott must be prepared to make decisions that reflect that caliber.
The team has not disclosed how they handle late-game circumstances, but it is evident that better communication and coordination are necessary. Marc Lubick, the game management coach, may have a role to play, but his exact involvement remains unclear.
McDermott stated, “Those are not easy situations overall. There’s a lot of communication that has to unfold. … [We’ll] adjust our process a little and hone that in a little bit closer.” This process is vital for the Bills as they aim for success in the future.
Ultimately, the Bills are a team with championship potential. However, McDermott’s inconsistent decision-making could hinder their chances of reaching the title. The focus now must be on creating a robust framework for game management that aligns with their aspirations.
