McDermott is feeling the pressure

[Ethan in Cleveland]

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

Wondering how others view his post-season PC and recent interview calling critics narrow minded. He also stated its hard to win in the NFL. I recall a prior HC pilloried on this site for saying the exact same words. 

My take on the PC was that he was very defensive. Without even being asked. He launched into a defense of his tenure as coach even dating back to prior seasons. 

And now he calls critics narrow minded for wondering if the Bills will win a SB with him as HC. You have to belive at this point the thought has crossed Beane and Pegula's mind. He's trying to defend at best status quo to perhaps taking a step or two back from 13 seconds. 

Then the most ridiculous statement of all. 

"We're looking for Josh to really be that face of the franchise, like he's been, and continue to evolve." 

I mean WTF. What team has he been coaching? Does he think Hyde and Poyer were the face of the franchise?? Is he trying to lay blame on Allen? Without Allen McDermott might be coaching DBs in Kansas City.  Was Allen on the field when the defense crumbled multiple times against Denver,Philadelphia, and others. KC only stopped themselves in the playoff game. If not for a goal line fumble the Bills are not even close in that game. 

 

It may not seem that I'm open minded but I really try. I've gave McDermott praise many times last year.

 

So what does the board think? 

For those that crucified Jauron how do you take the It’s hard to win in the NFL line?

For those that defend McDermott, what do you all think?

[julian]

In general it’s hard to win in this league, when you have a Josh Allen it’s easier to win than 30 other teams, the truer statement is it’s hard to win a championship in this league when one side of the ball continually fails to show up in the playoffs.

 

But you won’t hear him say that because that side of the ball is his baby.

Edited March 25 by julian

[uninja]

He's probably defensive because he hears the 'do or die' music playing real loud right now. The window on Josh's rookie deal is closed, he's been provided good rosters the last couple of years and has had all the tools he needs to get it done and the team keeps coming up short.

 

Him launching into that unprompted is very likely an effect of this conversation being had with him by the Bills org behind closed doors. 

 

Is he a good coach? Absolutely, he's a tremendous leader of men and a great 'get the culture right' guy.

 

Is he a Super Bowl winning coach? That one is looking increasingly more dubious.

 

[oldmanfan]

Confirmation bias by the OP.

[Blackbeard]

I spoke directly with Steve Tasker at a social gathering during the season.  I asked his opinion of McDermott.  

 

Steve said we are lucky to have him, and that he's a fantastic coach.  He was fairly emphatic that the fans have ZERO clue about coaching or what makes a "bad coach".   I agree.

 

He's defensive because of the criticism, mostly unwarranted, by the fans.  There are things other than coaching going on which dictate winning.  Personnel, injuries, drafting, etc.  

 

In my opinion, the criticism is unwarranted.  There is a TON of hindsight/monday morning QB'ing going on.  

 

Maybe we should go after Ron Rivera?

Edited March 25 by Blackbeard

[Nephilim17]

I hope he helps the team win big this year but he should feel the heat. We have a generational talent at QB and have been to and lost one conference championship game. Not enough. Maybe he'll win it all and turn around the narrative. Not counting on it but I'd love to be wrong.

[freddyjj]

@Ethan in Cleveland I dunno, maybe move out of Cleveland to improve your perspective?

[Shaw66]

10 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

Wondering how others view his post-season PC and recent interview calling critics narrow minded. He also stated its hard to win in the NFL. I recall a prior HC pilloried on this site for saying the exact same words. 

My take on the PC was that he was very defensive. Without even being asked. He launched into a defense of his tenure as coach even dating back to prior seasons. 

And now he calls critics narrow minded for wondering if the Bills will win a SB with him as HC. You have to belive at this point the thought has crossed Beane and Pegula's mind. He's trying to defend at best status quo to perhaps taking a step or two back from 13 seconds. 

Then the most ridiculous statement of all. 

"We're looking for Josh to really be that face of the franchise, like he's been, and continue to evolve." 

I mean WTF. What team has he been coaching? Does he think Hyde and Poyer were the face of the franchise?? Is he trying to lay blame on Allen? Without Allen McDermott might be coaching DBs in Kansas City.  Was Allen on the field when the defense crumbled multiple times against Denver,Philadelphia, and others. KC only stopped themselves in the playoff game. If not for a goal line fumble the Bills are not even close in that game. 

 

It may not seem that I'm open minded but I really try. I've gave McDermott praise many times last year.

 

So what does the board think? 

For those that crucified Jauron how do you take the It’s hard to win in the NFL line?

For those that defend McDermott, what do you all think?

I think you're wrong.  

 

Your evidence that he's feeling the pressure is based on you evaluation of his performance in a press conference.  He's ALWAYS been bad in press conferences.  He's uncomfortable, he doesn't like it, and he isn't good at figuring out how to give useful answers to questions without saying too much.  

 

It's ridiculous, meaning it's fair to subject you to ridicule, for you to compare McDermott to Dick Jauron.  McDermott has built a perennial top-five favorite to win the Super Bowl, and Jauron went 7-9 three years in a row before the team fell apart.  There is NO meaningful comparison.  

 

You're free to not like McDermott, but you're not going to convince anyone who knows football.  The 49ers aren't firing Shanahan and the Bills aren't replacing McDermott.  

[Einstein's Dog]

I think the Josh evolving part is on the mental aspects, in terms of game management. 

 

For instance the KC game.  Josh went for the TD on second down, wrong move.  A T Brady or A Rodgers would have just been doing everything to get another first down and drain the clock.  The objective there should not have been to score the TD but to burn clock and get a first down.

 

McD and the Bills are on a nice run, just need to break through to the next step.  Consistently fielding a very good team is a great way to potentially win the Superbowl.

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

8 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

I think you're wrong.  

 

Your evidence that he's feeling the pressure is based on you evaluation of his performance in a press conference.  He's ALWAYS been bad in press conferences.  He's uncomfortable, he doesn't like it, and he isn't good at figuring out how to give useful answers to questions without saying too much.  

 

It's ridiculous, meaning it's fair to subject you to ridicule, for you to compare McDermott to Dick Jauron.  McDermott has built a perennial top-five favorite to win the Super Bowl, and Jauron went 7-9 three years in a row before the team fell apart.  There is NO meaningful comparison.  

 

You're free to not like McDermott, but you're not going to convince anyone who knows football.  The 49ers aren't firing Shanahan and the Bills aren't replacing McDermott.  

Is this Mrs. McDermotts burner account?

[Ethan in Cleveland]

17 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

Confirmation bias by the OP.

I admitted that. That's why I was asking what others thought

[BattlinBill]

1 minute ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said:

Is this Mrs. McDermotts burner account?

Nope, just sounds like someone that knows football.

[Augie]

5 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

I admitted that. That's why I was asking what others thought

 

I think the first sentence of this thread is indeed well documented.    😋

 

Certainly allowed to all your opinions, but this was not shocking. 

 

 

.

Edited March 25 by Augie

[90sBills]

3 minutes ago, Einstein's Dog said:

I think the Josh evolving part is on the mental aspects, in terms of game management. 

This was how I took it as well. Until Allen takes that final step in his game I don’t think Bills can win a superbowl.

[Logic]

I'm not entirely sure of the intent of the OP.

Is it your intent to indicate that Sean McDermott feels pressure to win a championship in Buffalo? If so, I agree. I'd also say that's a no-brainer. All NFL head coaches -- particularly those who last longer than 3 or 4 seasons without winning a championship -- feel pressure to win a championship. Failure to do so inevitably leads to their dismissal from their job, so of course they feel pressure.

Is it your intent to indicate that the way Sean McDermott has been answering questions this offseason suggests that he feels he's on the hot seat? If so, I'm not sure I agree. Aside from the aforementioned pressure he feels as an NFL head coach, I view the way he's been answering questions this offseason more as a response to the recent spate of coverage of him and the Bills, starting with the Tyler Dunne piece last season and continuing through the "Bills' window is closed", "Bills haven't accomplished anything" talk that seems to gain strength more with these Bills than it does with any other non-title-winning team in the league. I actually LIKE the increase in "punch" to his responses and interviews since the Dunne piece came out. I feel he's stuck up for himself and his team more and been less milquetoast. I like that.

I made it very clear half way through last season that I wanted to see the Bills move on from McDermott. Since that time, the way he has responded as a man and as a coach, the way he's improved at various aspects of his job, the way the team and GM and owner have all rallied around him, and the way the Bills responded on the field after the piece's publication have all combined to make me feel that it doesn't make sense to move on from McDermott at this point in time. I'm still not 100% convinced that he's the man to lead the Bills to the promised land, but the good that he brings outweighs the bad to a significant enough degree that I think he's currently the best man for the job, and certainly deserves another season at the helm.

 

[nosejob]

24 minutes ago, freddyjj said:

@Ethan in Cleveland I dunno, maybe move out of Cleveland to improve your perspective?

Or at least put provide some evidence to the premise of your title..

[The Wiz]

from going 17 years with a mediocre/bad team every single season to winning the division 4 times in a row and making the playoffs 6/7 years.... Yes, I would agree it's narrow minded.

 

Many teams have a good/great team and judging them based on whether they won the superbowl or not is not taking into account anything else that has happened.

Edited March 25 by The Wiz

[TrentEdwardsCheckDownOn4th]

40 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

 

Then the most ridiculous statement of all. 

"We're looking for Josh to really be that face of the franchise, like he's been, and continue to evolve." 

 

Did he really say this ? Josh is the 1st or 2nd best QB in the league every year. This is such an embarrassing quote. Josh pretty much can't do anything more to drag McDermott across the finish line , yet McDermott and his delusion thinks it's the other way around ?

[GunnerBill]

I do think his pressers this offseason have been defensive. But I think it is likely triggered by the hatchet job from Ty Dunne. Which I think he has a right to be pissed by.

[Mike in Horseheads]

how many I hate McD threads do we need?

[ControllerOfPlanetX]

He needs to leave now because…

 

[Punching Bag]

51 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

 

Bias is understated.  I am convinced you have a life size voodoo doll.

[ROCBillsBeliever]

5 hours ago, freddyjj said:

@Ethan in Cleveland I dunno, maybe move out of Cleveland to improve your perspective?

 

Yeah, @Ethan in Cleveland, I hear The Browns have global marketing rights in Nigeria:

 

 

They may just need an insightful poster like you to head up their message boards, over there. Opportunity knocks, OP! Get 'er done.

 

Edited March 26 by ROCBillsBeliever

[Punching Bag]

37 minutes ago, freddyjj said:

@Ethan in Cleveland I dunno, maybe move out of Cleveland to improve your perspective?

 

He moved INTO Cleveland and being in birthplace of Superman did not help him.

[FireChans]

2 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

I honestly don't give a **** anymore.  Terry likes him and is sticking with him regardless of what he does.  

 

And what part of Terry doesn't give a damn about the fan base is missed by fans?  The Sabers flat suck.  Terry didn't listen to what the fans wanted for the stadium and is now sticking it to the fans on PSL'S. 

 

He is just another Billionaire taking advantage of a fanbase.  But hey...the Bills are still in Buffalo right?

Ahh Terry is retaining the head coach who has the team in the divisional round of the playoffs every year as a minimum instead of turning the Bills into the dysfunctional garbage Sabres org with the constant hiring and firing. The humanity! 

[jkeerie]

The press has questioned McD about the Bills not reaching the SB.  One inferred that since Josh has not yet reached the SB, he hasn't been successsful.  McD defended him saying it was a narrow minded view to suggest the SB as the only crriteria for success.  He offered that Josh has been successful and the Bills have been successful.   However, he continued with "they need to take the next step."

 

They played the footage on NFL Live and the question was posed to Sam Acho and Mina KImes whether they agreed with McD.  Interestingly, they did, reasoning that if the only criteria to define success is winning a SB, there are very few successful teams.  They also cited the 17 year drought and the strides the Bills have taken since McD got here and Josh was drafted.  Like this board, they stated that unfortunately the Bills got successful at the same time Mahomes was drafted by KC.  So...there is another step to be taken beyond their current success.  Mina talked about the current roster more favorably than what has been offered by the media since all of the cuts had occurred.  She mentioned their need to get younger, and then cited their loss of talent...which to me was rather contrary since the players they've moved on from are largely the older players.   Still...I was appreciative of the positive comments.

 

[Punching Bag]

10 minutes ago, Mike in Horseheads said:

how many I hate McD threads do we need?

 

According to some posters all of the threads need to become them since they will add it unrelated to threads.

[Don Otreply]

3 hours ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

Wondering how others view his post-season PC and recent interview calling critics narrow minded. He also stated its hard to win in the NFL. I recall a prior HC pilloried on this site for saying the exact same words. 

My take on the PC was that he was very defensive. Without even being asked. He launched into a defense of his tenure as coach even dating back to prior seasons. 

And now he calls critics narrow minded for wondering if the Bills will win a SB with him as HC. You have to belive at this point the thought has crossed Beane and Pegula's mind. He's trying to defend at best status quo to perhaps taking a step or two back from 13 seconds. 

Then the most ridiculous statement of all. 

"We're looking for Josh to really be that face of the franchise, like he's been, and continue to evolve." 

I mean WTF. What team has he been coaching? Does he think Hyde and Poyer were the face of the franchise?? Is he trying to lay blame on Allen? Without Allen McDermott might be coaching DBs in Kansas City.  Was Allen on the field when the defense crumbled multiple times against Denver,Philadelphia, and others. KC only stopped themselves in the playoff game. If not for a goal line fumble the Bills are not even close in that game. 

 

It may not seem that I'm open minded but I really try. I've gave McDermott praise many times last year.

 

So what does the board think? 

For those that crucified Jauron how do you take the It’s hard to win in the NFL line?

For those that defend McDermott, what do you all think?

The huge difference is that Jauron didn’t win sh-t, he barely had winning records, where as McDermott has won The AFCE repeatedly and goes to the playoffs annually, this coming from a fan that feels Sean plateaued /peaked as a HC with the 13 second game, and his “ vaunted” defensive scheme is ineffective against elite level teams. I think the difference between fans like me and you is I always hope for the best, and I have other hobbies…, 

Edited March 26 by Don Otreply

[section122]

Andy Reid interviewed today said its hard to win and then repeated it.  Literally today....

 

 

@Ethan in Cleveland is he feeling the heat too? I feel like every coach says it.  

[Beck Water]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

Wondering how others view his post-season PC and recent interview calling critics narrow minded. He also stated its hard to win in the NFL. I recall a prior HC pilloried on this site for saying the exact same words. 

My take on the PC was that he was very defensive. Without even being asked. He launched into a defense of his tenure as coach even dating back to prior seasons. 

And now he calls critics narrow minded for wondering if the Bills will win a SB with him as HC. You have to belive at this point the thought has crossed Beane and Pegula's mind. He's trying to defend at best status quo to perhaps taking a step or two back from 13 seconds. 

Then the most ridiculous statement of all. 

"We're looking for Josh to really be that face of the franchise, like he's been, and continue to evolve." 

I mean WTF. What team has he been coaching? Does he think Hyde and Poyer were the face of the franchise?? Is he trying to lay blame on Allen? Without Allen McDermott might be coaching DBs in Kansas City.  Was Allen on the field when the defense crumbled multiple times against Denver,Philadelphia, and others. KC only stopped themselves in the playoff game. If not for a goal line fumble the Bills are not even close in that game. 

 

It may not seem that I'm open minded but I really try. I've gave McDermott praise many times last year.

 

So what does the board think? 

For those that crucified Jauron how do you take the It’s hard to win in the NFL line?

For those that defend McDermott, what do you all think?

 

It would be helpful if you would link to the video you're talking about, so that we can all be sure we're watching the same thing.   

 

Can you document the bolded "gave McDermott praise many times last year"?

 

With regard to your comment "He also stated its hard to win in the NFL. I recall a prior HC pilloried on this site for saying the exact same words. ":

Jauron's record as HC of the Bills was .421  as follows : 24 wins and 33 losses, 3 consecutive 7-9 seasons followed by 3-6 at the time he was fired.  No playoff appearances with those records, of course.

 

McDermott's record as HC of the Bills is 0.64 as follows: 73 wins and 41 losses, 9-7, 6-10, 10-6, 13-3, 11-6, 13-3, 11-6

 

Do you think perhaps reaction to any "it's hard to win in this league" comments might be legitimately viewed differently  if McDermott said that 73 wins and the 5 consecutive years in the playoffs?

 

What I think is that you ought to consider taking up a hobby.  Crochet is interesting, I hear**, or Philately.

 

**disclaimer: I do not, myself, know how to crochet, so can not personally verify the interest or lack of interest 
 

Edited March 25 by Beck Water

[RyanC883]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

Wondering how others view his post-season PC and recent interview calling critics narrow minded. He also stated its hard to win in the NFL. I recall a prior HC pilloried on this site for saying the exact same words. 

My take on the PC was that he was very defensive. Without even being asked. He launched into a defense of his tenure as coach even dating back to prior seasons. 

And now he calls critics narrow minded for wondering if the Bills will win a SB with him as HC. You have to belive at this point the thought has crossed Beane and Pegula's mind. He's trying to defend at best status quo to perhaps taking a step or two back from 13 seconds. 

Then the most ridiculous statement of all. 

"We're looking for Josh to really be that face of the franchise, like he's been, and continue to evolve." 

I mean WTF. What team has he been coaching? Does he think Hyde and Poyer were the face of the franchise?? Is he trying to lay blame on Allen? Without Allen McDermott might be coaching DBs in Kansas City.  Was Allen on the field when the defense crumbled multiple times against Denver,Philadelphia, and others. KC only stopped themselves in the playoff game. If not for a goal line fumble the Bills are not even close in that game. 

 

It may not seem that I'm open minded but I really try. I've gave McDermott praise many times last year.

 

So what does the board think? 

For those that crucified Jauron how do you take the It’s hard to win in the NFL line?

For those that defend McDermott, what do you all think?

 

McD is a slightly more personable Jauron with Allen. 

 

Although McD did state they want to take the next step, but he does seem tone def for being seemingly ok with making the divisional round “because it’s hard”.    

[MJS]

He seemed fine to me.

[Talleywhacker]

Agree major bias on part of OP. Comparing McDermott to Jaron is like comparing apples to broccoli.

[RyanC883]

4 minutes ago, section122 said:

Andy Reid interviewed today said its hard to win and then repeated it.  Literally today....

 

 

@Ethan in Cleveland is he feeling the heat too? I feel like every coach says it.  

 

Reid and others have been to and won many SB’s.  McD was basically excusing the inability to sniff one. 

12 minutes ago, jkeerie said:

The press has questioned McD about the Bills not reaching the SB.  One inferred that since Josh has not yet reached the SB, he hasn't been successsful.  McD defended him saying it was a narrow minded view to suggest the SB as the only crriteria for success.  He offered that Josh has been successful and the Bills have been successful.   However, he continued with "they need to take the next step."

 

They played the footage on NFL Live and the question was posed to Sam Acho and Mina KImes whether they agreed with McD.  Interestingly, they did, reasoning that if the only criteria to define success is winning a SB, there are very few successful teams.  They also cited the 17 year drought and the strides the Bills have taken since McD got here and Josh was drafted.  Like this board, they stated that unfortunately the Bills got successful at the same time Mahomes was drafted by KC.  So...there is another step to be taken beyond their current success.  Mina talked about the current roster more favorably than what has been offered by the media since all of the cuts had occurred.  She mentioned their need to get younger, and then cited their loss of talent...which to me was rather contrary since the players they've moved on from are largely the older players.   Still...I was appreciative of the positive comments.

 

 

agree the roster is setup to win. Disagree with the Mahomes issue.  Allen is a better playoff and reg season QB.  The reason we have not won is coaching related—particularly the D. 

[ScotSHO]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

snipppppp

McD seems like a real dude and is always looking for the positive.  What do you want him to do?  Seppuku himself?

[Beck Water]

58 minutes ago, Nephilim17 said:

I hope he helps the team win big this year but he should feel the heat. We have a generational talent at QB and have been to and lost one conference championship game. Not enough. Maybe he'll win it all and turn around the narrative. Not counting on it but I'd love to be wrong.

 

I'm sure he does "feel the heat".  I think every HC "feels the heat", including HC who have just won the Superbowl.

 

Consider Kubiak with Denver. 
2015: not only gets to the Superbowl with The Ghost of Peyton Manning plus Brock Osweiler starting 7 games, he wins!

2016: 9-7. 

2017: Out the door. 

 

As "Son of Bum" quipped, "2 years from the Superbowl to the Unemployment Line" (and he had a #4 ranked defense that year, too).

[Virgil]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

My bias against McDermott is well documented. 

Wondering how others view his post-season PC and recent interview calling critics narrow minded. He also stated its hard to win in the NFL. I recall a prior HC pilloried on this site for saying the exact same words. 

My take on the PC was that he was very defensive. Without even being asked. He launched into a defense of his tenure as coach even dating back to prior seasons. 

And now he calls critics narrow minded for wondering if the Bills will win a SB with him as HC. You have to belive at this point the thought has crossed Beane and Pegula's mind. He's trying to defend at best status quo to perhaps taking a step or two back from 13 seconds. 

Then the most ridiculous statement of all. 

"We're looking for Josh to really be that face of the franchise, like he's been, and continue to evolve." 

I mean WTF. What team has he been coaching? Does he think Hyde and Poyer were the face of the franchise?? Is he trying to lay blame on Allen? Without Allen McDermott might be coaching DBs in Kansas City.  Was Allen on the field when the defense crumbled multiple times against Denver,Philadelphia, and others. KC only stopped themselves in the playoff game. If not for a goal line fumble the Bills are not even close in that game. 

 

It may not seem that I'm open minded but I really try. I've gave McDermott praise many times last year.

 

So what does the board think? 

For those that crucified Jauron how do you take the It’s hard to win in the NFL line?

For those that defend McDermott, what do you all think?

I don’t see in your statement where is shows McD is feeling pressure?  
 

Are you saying he should be feeling the pressure?  If so, you should update your title.

[DJB]

Josh covers up plenty of Mcdermotts downfalls. If Sean had a mediocre QB and not a generational franchise guy he would be losing a lot more than winning and likely would have been fired.

 

McDermott is on his what 4th OC? He screwed up with Dennison and Dorsey, lost Dabol to a promotion. Hes bumbled on field decisions and blamed other coaches for losses. Hes now done the same to the players too. 

 

This is my last year with McDermott. I need a SB appearance to want him back.

[MJS]

33 minutes ago, Punching Bag said:

He moved INTO Cleveland and being in birthplace of Superman did not help him.

I thought Superman was born on Krypton...

[billsfan89]

It’s at a point where one more playoff failure has got to put him on the hot seat. I don’t hate McD like a lot of others on here. But I think there is a saturation point where a locker room needs a new voice to get them over the top so to speak. I love everything McD has done here turning this team from the drought to a serious contender. And I don’t even think he should be fired if he fails in 2024 either but if puts up back to back playoff failures it’s a strong consideration to get someone else in there.