On Wednesday afternoon, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane took to the podium for separate press conferences at One Bills Drive to address their team’s predicament following the recent trade deadline. Both acknowledged the disappointment of not securing additional talent, especially given the numerous injuries plaguing the roster. However, both maintained strong confidence in the current squad’s potential to achieve the long-sought goal of winning a Super Bowl.
The optimism was tested after the Bills suffered a discouraging 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday, raising concerns about their standing as true Super Bowl contenders. While the NFL is known for unpredictable outcomes, the Bills now have two disappointing losses on their record. Their earlier defeat to the Atlanta Falcons, who have since faltered to a 3-6 record, adds to the concern, highlighting the need for improvement.
“We didn’t play well enough today and didn’t play a complementary game,” McDermott said, crediting the Dolphins while expressing the need for his team to learn from the experience. “We came out slow, and we had four or five three-and-outs in the first half. We need to improve.”
Evaluating the Bills’ performance reveals significant struggles across various facets of the game.
In the passing game, Josh Allen’s statistics — completing 28 of 40 passes for 306 yards with two touchdowns — mask his critical mistakes, including an interception in the end zone that cost the team points and a fumble that further hampered their chances. The supporting wide receivers, such as Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir, failed to produce significantly, adding to their offensive woes.
The run offense similarly faltered, with James Cook unable to exploit one of the NFL’s weakest run defenses. He lost a fumble and ended the game with just 53 yards, as the team’s offensive line struggled to create opportunities. Allen managed to escape pressure with some notable runs, but his late-game fumble sealed the Bills’ fate.
Defensively, the Bills faced significant challenges, particularly against the run. Dolphins running back De’Von Achane dominated with 174 yards, showcasing the Bills’ ongoing issues with missed tackles. The defensive line’s inability to contain power runs was a critical factor, summarizing a tough day for the unit.
Special teams had its highlights, including a promising kickoff return by Ray Davis hindered by a holding penalty. However, inconsistent execution continued to plague the unit, contributing to an uneven overall performance.
Coaching decisions are also under scrutiny following this loss, as player preparedness and execution issues were evident. While criticism has been aimed at offensive coordinator Joe Brady, it’s essential to recognize that the players must also take accountability for their performance.
Despite the setbacks, McDermott and Beane remain hopeful, insisting that the existing roster is capable of achieving success. With the end of the trade deadline, the coaching staff and players now face the immediate task of addressing their weaknesses on the field as they strive for improvement in the coming weeks.
With the right adjustments and renewed focus, there is potential for the Bills to recover and still strive for a deep playoff run. Each game provides a new opportunity to build on lessons learned and grow as a team.