Buffalo Bills Season over. Ow.

[Howie Hodge]

Is anyone even watching this game. I know I'm not.


Obviously I'm being facetious and people will watch, but after yesterday I don't even have the energy to root against the Chiefs in the SB.

Absolutely not. Haven't watched in years.

Unless The Bills are in it, the annoying halftime shows and antics make the event cringeworthy. Both occurences make me ill.

No Bills, no can do.

All apologies to fans of pop culture.

 

[joshjull]

I think I agree with SneakyJoe. I’m not sure how I feel about that.

 

[Husko]

I strongly disagree.

They put up 29 points with zero turnovers. I think Joe Brady will reflect and learn from what happened. But, that he built the first offense in NFL history with 30 passing TDs and 30 rushing TDs and was the 2nd best scoring offense while limiting turnovers to a historically low level with the limited talent in the WR room was more than enough for Brady to come back.

The only coach that I really want to see them move on from is Matthew Smiley.

And I don't know if it is coaching, but they need more out of the DL in critical spots, and throughout the season in general.

I would love if there’s a DL version of an Aaron Kromer they could bring in

 

[jc17]

I strongly disagree.

They put up 29 points with zero turnovers. I think Joe Brady will reflect and learn from what happened. But, that he built the first offense in NFL history with 30 passing TDs and 30 rushing TDs and was the 2nd best scoring offense while limiting turnovers to a historically low level with the limited talent in the WR room was more than enough for Brady to come back.

The only coach that I really want to see them move on from is Matthew Smiley.

And I don't know if it is coaching, but they need more out of the DL in critical spots, and throughout the season in general.

I have a hard time crediting Brady for turnovers. I think ball security was emphasized but I don't think he specifically did much to help it.

Huh

Brady called dumb stuff multiple times in big moments this year. It felt like most of our big plays were Josh chucking down field and receivers making contested catches. We ran rarely seemed to have those drives good teams have against us, full of 7 yard passes to guys who have been schemed into space

 

[Husko]

Spags put on a master class versus 2nd year OC Joe Brady but McDermott deserves to be fired and replaced and got ran over by the best offensive mind in NFL history by losing by *checks notes* 3 points.

Also gave his said replacement a chance to win the game with 3 timeouts and 3 minutes. Didn’t even make it past the 50. I’m good thanks.

I wouldn’t fire anyone. But the offense scored more points than any other team has scored against KC this season and the defense gave up more points than any other team has relinquished to KC this season. Yes, Spags put up a master class. But the last drive notwithstanding, the offense answered the call.

 

[jc17]

The bills had arguably the best offense in the NFL this season. Replacing Brady is a wild take. You’ll get your wish next year when he gets a HC job, though.

They've been a top 5 offense with and without Brady.

 

[stealth1]

IMO this was the game they had to let Josh be Josh again. Let him scramble, make throws on the run. Let him play hero ball.

Watchung this team over the last few years, they play defense and offense that will win a lot in the regular season due to playing more average teams than top teams. They have become too conservative now.

 

[sabresfan129103]

A buddy sent this to me. This is gonna haunt my nightmares. Shakir was wide open on that 4th down. The pressure by the d-line definitely affected his decision making on that one.

 

[kirby11]

IMO this was the game they had to let Josh be Josh again. Let him scramble, make throws on the run. Let him play hero ball.

Watchung this team over the last few years, they play defense and offense that will win a lot in the regular season due to playing more average teams than top teams. They have become too conservative now.

KC did a great job of neutralizing his legs. WRs couldn't separate much, as usual.

My biggest gripe with Brady was not having any counters off of their money/bread and butter plays. No plan B for all the short stuff and tush-push being snuffed out. I also hate that they never take shots on 2nd and 3 or less--just run to pick up the first and live in this "let's try and get 5 yards here" offense. Yes, there's value to being methodical, not being reckless, and controlling the ball/time of possession, but there are times when it would be advantageous to aggressively seek out chunk plays and they just don't do it for some reason.

 

[Husko]

A buddy sent this to me. This is gonna haunt my nightmares. Shakir was wide open on that 4th down. The pressure by the d-line definitely affected his decision making on that one.

Ben is out to lunch with this take. Check out the way Mitch Schwartz has taken him to task for it. He’s nuts.

If you want to blame Allen for the last play it’s for sliding the OL the wrong way pre snap.

 

[Dreakon13]

Offense has enough going for it to beat any teams defense, Allen and Cook have just been that good this year. Can pick out bad plays and bad calls but it took some luck and unforced errors against the Ravens to win, and against KC to hang in there. Defense was thin, and thinner with Benford going out. Feels like we were playing with backups in some spots all year. They picked on Elam early and in general we were happy giving up the short, safe plays until it wasn't safe anymore. Need to focus on defense I think.

Also think KC is in their heads, understandably so tbh. That's one hell of a mountain to get over. We need a year where they get knocked out early somehow.

 

[stealth1]

KC did a great job of neutralizing his legs. WRs couldn't separate much, as usual.

My biggest gripe with Brady was not having any counters off of their money/bread and butter plays. No plan B for all the short stuff and tush-push being snuffed out. I also hate that they never take shots on 2nd and 3 or less--just run to pick up the first and live in this "let's try and get 5 yards here" offense. Yes, there's value to being methodical, not being reckless, and controlling the ball/time of possession, but there are times when it would be advantageous to aggressively seek out chunk plays and they just don't do it for some reason.

IMO that's all on the coach. He's always wanted a more conservative possession offense. Brady was willing to work with McDermott for it. IMO that's why Daboll had a falling out with him.

 

[Krieger Bot]

I like Watts and think he would be a good addition, but I think at this point he's more of a day 2 guy than a trade up in the first big splash type.


One thing that surprised me if how many Bills content creator types (Cover 1 folks, etc.) are already talking about WR as one of their top needs, a possible first round pick or high end FA signing, etc. Certainly if Cooper leaves they need to replace him. But uhm, was I imagining us just having the best offense in the nfl? I just can't even fathom looking at this team and what they did this year and even this game and going "yep what they need is one elite WR to push them over the edge!"

As for McDermott, firing him talk is silly. What I do wish is he would embrace the stuff he's good at (leader of me, team organization, etc.) and become more of a Dan Campbell type coach and hand the defenses reigns fully over to an Xs and Os defensive guy. Maybe it's Babbich. Maybe it's a more seasoned Leslie Frasier type. I don't know. But while I like McDermott the head coach, I increasingly don't like McDermott the DC.

I think the expectation is that Cooper walks given his age and likely cost. That opens up a hole at starting boundary WR. I mean, I really don't see them going into next year with just Coleman/Hollins/Samuel there again, considering they've already basically acknowledged that isn't good enough. Nor do I see them ponying up big money for a WR in free agency. That leaves the draft to fill the hole. Most likely in the first or second round.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other holes on this team. Hell, they were probably starting 4 guys at LB/CB/S yesterday that wouldn't start on 20+ teams in the league. They'll most likely need to replace Von. And it would be great if they could start getting guys cooking behind the likes of Dion/Daquan/Taron. But I would still expect WR to be pretty high on their draft day shopping list.

 

[Long Reach]

Buffalo played well enough to win

KC played well enough to win.

There are two big swings in this game were:

- Benford getting injured on the 1st drive
- The 4th and 1 call that went against us.

It just sucks that one team consistently gets all the breaks while everyone else gets jack shit. KC won 3-4 games this year on blind luck which gifted them the bye and home field. Then in AFC championship game, the other teams top corner goes out and on a critical 4th and 1 call it goes their way.

They are a good team but to not acknowledge the volume of breaks/calls go their way is just astounding.

After the Andrews drop I thought some things might actually be bouncing our way, but I guess we can't beat the chiefs, the refs, and dumb f***ing luck.

Very accurate post. Spectator sports really aren’t fun for me anymore the older I get. I would not consider myself a conspiracy theorist but there just seems to be too many external factors at play with respect to the calls present in a Chiefs playoff game. Even if Buffalo is fortunate enough to win a SB one day, so what? There’ll be people on the other side saying the same thing people currently say about the Chiefs. Point being - you can’t have nice things or enjoy things at face value. Pessimistic, maybe.

 

[Corto]

I think I agree with SneakyJoe. I’m not sure how I feel about that.

I mean, you can throw 10m at North Carolina and beg Belichick to take over.
No project, more or less a "made" team, fill in a few holes, keep Brady (or another semi-competent OC) and watch Belichick shut teams down defensively.
Pete Carroll's older than Bill and he just got a job (on a team in no-man's land).

If the team thinks coaching is an issue (and IMO it sort of it is, McDermott's done great, but this seems to be his ceiling) - throw money at the one person you KNOW has a better pedigree than Reid.

 

[Dirty Dog]

A buddy sent this to me. This is gonna haunt my nightmares. Shakir was wide open on that 4th down. The pressure by the d-line definitely affected his decision making on that one.

He was under instant pressure by three guys as they didn’t sense the blitz at all. He also ended up throwing to someone that the ball hit his chest. The goof up by Allen and the offense was not picking up on the blitz at all

Ben is out to lunch with this take. Check out the way Mitch Schwartz has taken him to task for it. He’s nuts.

If you want to blame Allen for the last play it’s for sliding the OL the wrong way pre snap.

Yea that is an analysis of those graphics and not the actual play.

 

[Jim Bob]

They've been a top 5 offense with and without Brady.

If you look at advanced metrics like EPA per play and others, this was the most efficient offense with Josh Allen at the helm. Joe Brady has been a huge reason why.

Brady is up for assistant coach of the year for a reason.

I think there is an argument to be made that this coaching staff was the 2nd best coaching staff in the NFL to the Chiefs coaching staff.

Just like Josh Allen is the 2nd best QB in the NFL to Mahomes.

I do not believe that changing the head coach or the OC makes this team a lot better in 2025.

I have a hard time crediting Brady for turnovers. I think ball security was emphasized but I don't think he specifically did much to help it.

The coaches were a huge reason that they were the best team in the NFL in turnover margin.

It is a huge focus for the coaches and it showed on the field.

 

[Jim Bob]

He was under instant pressure by three guys as they didn’t sense the blitz at all. He also ended up throwing to someone that the ball hit his chest. The goof up by Allen and the offense was not picking up on the blitz at all



Yea that is an analysis of those graphics and not the actual play.

There are always plays where the non-QB view in slow motion leads people to say, "OMG, how did the QB not see that guy wide open!!!!"

Yes, if he had gotten it to Shakir that he was not only getting the 1st down, but he's likely getting a big chunk play.

But, the pressure made it really hard for Josh to get to Shakir.

 

[Husko]

The one big coaching change I would love to see (other than Smiley) is to bring in some seasoned vet DC / fired HC type with very different ideas from McDermott and make him an assistant HC / defensive consultant. We’re not firing Babich. But let’s just get some different ideas in the building.

 

[markpenske]

where do we go from here?
Speed weapon at WR.
We need to rebuild the secondary - I don't see Elam staying, Douglas is most likely gone.
I would not be upset to see Babich gone.

 

[Jim Bob]

I would love if there’s a DL version of an Aaron Kromer they could bring in

I have been saying that for a while this season.

I also wonder what the best succession plan would be for when Kromer retires. When he came back, his original plan was to retire after 2022 or 2023. But, he was having such a good time, he's stuck around longer.

where do we go from here?
Speed weapon at WR.
We need to rebuild the secondary - I don't see Elam staying, Douglas is most likely gone.
I would not be upset to see Babich gone.

I would. Babich is a really good football coach who was imperfect in his first season as the defensive playcaller.

I believe that Babich will be better in year 2 than he was in year 1.

 

[K8fool]

I like Watts and think he would be a good addition, but I think at this point he's more of a day 2 guy than a trade up in the first big splash type.


One thing that surprised me if how many Bills content creator types (Cover 1 folks, etc.) are already talking about WR as one of their top needs, a possible first round pick or high end FA signing, etc. Certainly if Cooper leaves they need to replace him. But uhm, was I imagining us just having the best offense in the nfl? I just can't even fathom looking at this team and what they did this year and even this game and going "yep what they need is one elite WR to push them over the edge!"

As for McDermott, firing him talk is silly. What I do wish is he would embrace the stuff he's good at (leader of me, team organization, etc.) and become more of a Dan Campbell type coach and hand the defenses reigns fully over to an Xs and Os defensive guy. Maybe it's Babbich. Maybe it's a more seasoned Leslie Frasier type. I don't know. But while I like McDermott the head coach, I increasingly don't like McDermott the DC.

if he doesn't take total responsibility for this it'll happen again he's a great D coordinator NOT A killer to.finish games and play chess and counter moves to crush an opponent He's gone if they're smart and Brady better admit what he should have done being aggressive a lead not trying not to lose or hire Babich or whomever 13 and this two losses unforgivable unless he admits fully he didn't WEAK

 

[FIRE DRURY]

where do we go from here?

Draft.

Beane has been nailing it. We're going to get younger. More quality, cost controlled pieces. Draft D-linemen. Milano's replacement. Another CB and/or Safety. Another weapon for Allen. Put more bullets in the chamber and get ready for next year.

I believe that Babich will be better in year 2 than he was in year 1.

Agreed. Brady and Babich will both be better next season.

 

[Jim Bob]

Draft.

Beane has been nailing it. We're going to get younger. More quality, cost controlled pieces. Draft D-linemen. Milano's replacement. Another CB and/or Safety. Another weapon for Allen. Put more bullets in the chamber and get ready for next year.

Milano's not going anywhere. And they already have Dorian Williams and Buffalo Joe was their backups at MLB & WLB.

Safety, CB, & DL are all in need of upgrades on D, though.

It will be interesting to see what they do at WR this offseason.

 

[26CornerBlitz]

Sean McDermott is a good coach BUT...... I don't like the way we play defense. Passive, conservative, limited blitzes. Spags put a master class on last night.

My outside the box thought - Fire McDermott, Smiley, Babich.

Promote Joe Brady to head coach. Hire Lou Anarumo has DC. He has defeated Mahomes in the playoffs.

Keeps Allen having a consistent play caller for the foreseeable future who's done overall a good job. McDermott is known for defense but they cop out each time. First time all year KC hit 30 points.


I agree, Cook should've gotten the ball.

Firing McDermott simply isn't going to happen and Anarumo has already been hired to be the DC of the Colts.

What the Bills need is better personnel at DT, Edge, CB2, and Safety.