In a post-game interview, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott took accountability for a critical game management decision that allowed the Houston Texans to secure a last-minute 59-yard field goal, leading to a 23-20 loss for the Bills on Sunday.
“The end-of-game situation on offense falls on me,” McDermott stated. “We found ourselves in a tough spot … with them holding three timeouts and having a reliable kicker. We needed to manage the clock and keep the chains moving, and I take responsibility for not accomplishing that.”
With the game tied at 20-20, the Bills forced the Texans to punt with only 41 seconds left in the game after a grounding call against quarterback C.J. Stroud. McDermott opted to decline a possible 10-second runoff that could have followed the penalty, though he mentioned that the decision was under consideration.
Starting their drive at the 3-yard line with 32 seconds on the clock, the Bills attempted three consecutive passes from quarterback Josh Allen, all of which fell incomplete. According to ESPN Research, the Bills are the only team in the past 45 years to be tied or leading in the final minute from their own 5-yard line and then throw three straight passes.
“I have great confidence in Josh,” McDermott commented. “Being efficient on offense was the right call, and I failed to guide us appropriately in that moment. It’s a tough learning experience.”
Allen’s first attempt aimed at rookie Keon Coleman was incomplete due to pass interference that was ultimately declined. On the second down, Allen threw deep to Mack Hollins but missed him. The third down saw Allen targeting Curtis Samuel, who slipped and could not catch the ball.
“Overall, I take full responsibility,” McDermott said when questioned about the decision-making on play calls. “We need to improve, and I need to do a better job in those situations.”
Allen, along with offensive linemen Connor McGovern and David Edwards, expressed their support for the aggressive approach in that moment. “Coach trusts us to execute,” Allen said. “We hoped to convert, but hindsight is always clearer.”
Following a 13-yard punt return, the Texans quickly advanced to their own 41-yard line, with a single play gaining 5 yards to set up the game-winning field goal. A missed communication issue caused Bills linebacker Dorian Williams to arrive late on the field for the defensive call, leading to confusion.
“We were attempting to deploy our nickel defense, but Dorian was delayed,” McDermott explained. “We lacked the necessary communication, which contributed to the timing issue.”
On the final play, Texans’ kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn successfully made the 59-yard field goal as time expired.
The Bills’ wide receivers struggled, catching only 4 of 18 targets—all contributing to the team’s lowest reception percentage since 2009. Allen ended the day completing only 9 of 30 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, while they played without top receiver Khalil Shakir due to injury.
Allen acknowledged the need for improvement in his performance, including better ball placement, and noted that the issues with receivers were self-inflicted rather than due to the Texans’ defense. Coleman emphasized that communication problems contributed to their struggles.
Defensive lineman David Edwards defended Allen, stating, “Josh is the core of our offense and our team. We follow his lead, and I point to myself regarding missed opportunities in this game. Blame does not lie solely with Josh.”