After what felt like an eternity, Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott finally emerged for his postgame news conference, ready to face the storm of criticism that was raining down on him. One observer, J.J. Watt, didn’t hold back, writing, “Baffling game-management decisions by the Bills.”
In the midst of this controversy, The Pick Six column takes the lead this week by delving into the Bills’ first crisis of the season. We’ll examine why the critics of McDermott’s game management may be overreacting, analyze the good and bad revealed in McDermott’s postgame commentary, and suggest that Buffalo should consider making a move for Davante Adams before the trade deadline. The full menu of topics covered includes: Breaking down Sean McDermott, the stark contrast between the Commanders and Browns, Aaron Rodgers’ needed reckoning, Vance Joseph’s defense saving the Broncos, Dan Campbell’s incredible turnaround, and a quick 2-minute drill covering the Falcons, Jags, and more.
The primary point of contention in the Bills’ loss was in their game management as time wound down. Despite taking over possession with just 32 seconds remaining in a tied game, the Bills were unable to come out on top in regulation. It was a painful defeat, but perhaps not as catastrophic as it seemed.
If the Bills had chosen to run the ball three times instead of passing, with Houston calling a timeout after each play, the time taken off the clock would have been around six seconds for each running play. Adding in time for a punt and Houston’s subsequent possession, the Texans would have ended up with the same amount of time on the clock that they ultimately had. However, the Bills would have sacrificed Allen’s chances to make key plays in the process.
Ultimately, the outcome was a bitter pill to swallow for Buffalo. The repercussions of the game’s final moments will surely be subjected to intense scrutiny in the days to come.