More defense on Saturday, please, to finish the job, and take the final step

[UKBillFan]

4 minutes ago, Mister Defense said:

 

That Saturday I thought I had responded to everyone who had asked me questions, but reading through this thread again, see I missed yours at the end.  Yours was posted near the end of a great draft for the Bills—celebrating by then.

 

So, answering the now bold 2 questions above:

 

1.  I think being a head coach in the NFL is itself a job where 'the pressure is on' consistently, and at a high level. 

 

There are only 32 of those jobs and they are responsible for ensuring the team, the centerpiece of a multi billion dollar business, is successful.  They have to coordinate dozens of coaches, make sure the game plans for all parts of the team are excellent and all working well together, do press conferences, and every move they and their players make is reported on, scrutinized…  It is a very high pressure kind of job. How well a head coach deals with that pressure determines how successful his team is.

 

I think McDermott has been excellent at handling that pressure, of making sure his team is run as well as possible. An extremely tight ship, where the pressure on it is to keep making it better and better.

 

But if they make it that far next season I think the pressure will be much less than when the Bills played in the 2025 Championship Game. Last year he and Beane (and almost all watching the Bills) knew the defense was undermanned, in a transition state. And then with Rapp out and Benford very iffy even before that big game, it was going to be an uphill climb playing against the winner of the last two Super Bowls and in their own house.

 

That was real pressure for McDermott and Josh Allen entering that game, knowing they were undermanned on defense on that day. I think that is why Josh looked so wild early in the game.  He knew he would need to have a huge game because of the defensive shortcomings.

 

So, smartly the Bills went hog wild on defense in the off season and in the draft. The fastest man in the combine is almost assuredly their new starting corner, with two late round could-be-steals CBs to add more youth and depth, and the many new high quality defensive lineman to infuse size, speed, youth and talent into that group, and a better safety room. 

 

So I think the pressure on Josh and McDermott will be diminished in that game now, as rather than a pair of 2s on defense like last year, they now may be playing with a full house. Imagine sitting in a big card game, so much on the line, and looking at your cards and seeing that new hand-- how much more confident would you be?

 

2.  No, I don’t think that if they lose to the Chiefs in the Championship Game again next year it will be a “massive failure”., no matter how the defense plays. 

 

I think the Bills would have beaten them the last two years in the playoffs if they were not missing key starters.

 

To me a massive failure would be missing the playoffs completely--not getting within a game of the Super Bowl.

 

That being said, I think the Bills do not lose that game this year, but win going away, no matter who they play. As now they will have not only one of the best offenses in the NFL, if not the best, but maybe a top ten defense to boot.

 

 

I get what you're saying, but eventually something has to give if the Bills don't get over the hump - however tough it might be to make that decision.

[Kirby Jackson]

51 minutes ago, Mister Defense said:

 

That Saturday I thought I had responded to everyone who had asked me questions, but reading through this thread again, see I missed yours at the end.  Yours was posted near the end of a great draft for the Bills—celebrating by then.

 

So, answering the now bold 2 questions above:

 

1.  I think being a head coach in the NFL is itself a job where 'the pressure is on' consistently, and at a high level. 

 

There are only 32 of those jobs and they are responsible for ensuring the team, the centerpiece of a multi billion dollar business, is successful.  They have to coordinate dozens of coaches, make sure the game plans for all parts of the team are excellent and all working well together, do press conferences, and every move they and their players make is reported on, scrutinized…  It is a very high pressure kind of job. How well a head coach deals with that pressure determines how successful his team is.

 

I think McDermott has been excellent at handling that pressure, of making sure his team is run as well as possible. An extremely tight ship, where the pressure on it is to keep making it better and better.

 

But if they make it that far next season I think the pressure will be much less than when the Bills played in the 2025 Championship Game. Last year he and Beane (and almost all watching the Bills) knew the defense was undermanned, in a transition state. And then with Rapp out and Benford very iffy even before that big game, it was going to be an uphill climb playing against the winner of the last two Super Bowls and in their own house.

 

That was real pressure for McDermott and Josh Allen entering that game, knowing they were undermanned on defense on that day. I think that is why Josh looked so wild early in the game.  He knew he would need to have a huge game because of the defensive shortcomings.

 

So, smartly the Bills went hog wild on defense in the off season and in the draft. The fastest man in the combine is almost assuredly their new starting corner, with two late round could-be-steals CBs to add more youth and depth, and the many new high quality defensive lineman to infuse size, speed, youth and talent into that group, and a better safety room. 

 

So I think the pressure on Josh and McDermott will be diminished in that game now, as rather than a pair of 2s on defense like last year, they now may be playing with a full house. Imagine sitting in a big card game, so much on the line, and looking at your cards and seeing that new hand-- how much more confident would you be?

 

2.  No, I don’t think that if they lose to the Chiefs in the Championship Game again next year it will be a “massive failure”., no matter how the defense plays. 

 

I think the Bills would have beaten them the last two years in the playoffs if they were not missing key starters.

 

To me a massive failure would be missing the playoffs completely--not getting within a game of the Super Bowl.

 

That being said, I think the Bills do not lose that game this year, but win going away, no matter who they play. As now they will have not only one of the best offenses in the NFL, if not the best, but maybe a top ten defense to boot.

 

Why are we lumping in McDermott and Josh? They are pretty much at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their performances in the biggest moments. Allen has been historically good in the playoffs and McDermott’s defenses have been historically bad.
 

Allen will be here no matter what for the forseeable future. I’ve been screaming to make a change at HC since 13 seconds. I thought last year was McDermott’s best coaching job but the fact remains he hasn’t been any good vs. KC in the playoffs. McDermott is a great guy to take a team in disarray and stabilize them. I have never believed, and have been proven correct so far, that he can take a very good team to the top. At some point, someone else has to be calling the shots. Dwayne Casey was the coach of the year and got fired. The Raptors went on to win the title. Lots of people could win a playoff game or 2 with Josh Allen at QB. To this point McDermott is more Schottenheimer or Marvin Lewis than Belichick or Reid. They cannot continue wasting Josh Allen’s prime if they don’t get it done again. I don’t care that they win 11 or 13 games. They should. Go win a Super Bowl. 

[BillsFan130]

2 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Why are we lumping in McDermott and Josh? They are pretty much at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their performances in the biggest moments. Allen has been historically good in the playoffs and McDermott’s defenses have been historically bad.
 

Allen will be here no matter what for the forseeable future. I’ve been screaming to make a change at HC since 13 seconds. I thought last year was McDermott’s best coaching job but the fact remains he hasn’t been any good vs. KC in the playoffs. McDermott is a great guy to take a team in disarray and stabilize them. I have never believed, and have been proven correct so far, that he can take a very good team to the top. At some point, someone else has to be calling the shots. Dwayne Casey was the coach of the year and got fired. The Raptors went on to win the title. Lots of people could win a playoff game or 2 with Josh Allen at QB. To this point McDermott is more Schottenheimer or Marvin Lewis than Belichick or Reid. They cannot continue wasting Josh Allen’s prime if they don’t get it done again. I don’t care that they win 11 or 13 games. They should. Go win a Super Bowl. 

As someone who lives in the Toronto area, love the Dwayne Casey shout out haha. I will add though- The big reason the raps did win was the trade for Kawhi. As Derozan was rough in the playoffs. (Getting rid of Casey for Nick nurse was def a factor as well to your point)

 I do agree with your overall point here about McDermott . Good coach who can stabilize a team. But Not sure if he's the guy to take you over the hump

[Kirby Jackson]

43 minutes ago, BillsFan130 said:

As someone who lives in the Toronto area, love the Dwayne Casey shout out haha. I will add though- The big reason the raps did win was the trade for Kawhi. As Derozan was rough in the playoffs. (Getting rid of Casey for Nick nurse was def a factor as well to your point)

 I do agree with your overall point here about McDermott . Good coach who can stabilize a team. But Not sure if he's the guy to take you over the hump

For sure, there were multiple factors. It’s such a great example though for where the Bills are now.

 

It’s kind of weird that @Mister Defense disliked the post instead of responding. What in there is controversial? Allen has been historically good in the playoffs and McDermott historically bad vs. KC. That’s not really debatable. If he’s against the notion that McDermott belongs on the hot seat, defend that position. I’m of the belief that dozens of coaches could have accomplished what he has over the last 5 seasons with those exact rosters. 
 

@GunnerBill are you still all in on McDermott? We are often in agreement but we couldn’t feel more differently about him. If, the Bills go 13-4 or 14-3, lose to KC in the AFC Championship, 35-32, will you be okay running it back? I’ve asked this before, “at what point is enough, enough for you?” For me, I don’t believe he’s accomplished much more than others would with prime Josh Allen. Where is your line?

Edited 18 hours ago by Kirby Jackson

[Cray51]

I will say - I went back and watched a few games from last year - our defense was very fortunate and looked visibly slow and weak.  In particular, Rasul Douglas looked BAD and was an issue consistently for our team.  If Hairston can come in and anchor that second corner spot, along with Forrest/Hancock/Bishop/Hamlin taking another step, that alone will greatly help this defense

 

if Hairston locks down CB2 and Jackson/Walker/Carter/Sanders become solid starters on the line?  Watch out.  This team will look visibly better this year 

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

 
 

@GunnerBill are you still all in on McDermott? We are often in agreement but we couldn’t feel more differently about him. If, the Bills go 13-4 or 14-3, lose to KC in the AFC Championship, 35-32, will you be okay running it back? I’ve asked this before, “at what point is enough, enough for you?” For me, I don’t believe he’s accomplished much more than others would with prime Josh Allen. Where is your line?

 

I disagree that he can't win a Championship. I think he can. Does the defense need to play better in playoff losses? Sure. But as others have pointed out almost always when a team loses in the playoffs they gave up more than you'd want. The last two years it hasn't stopped them having a chance to win and I don't think either year McDermott has been close to the reason we lost the game. Not even in the top 5 reasons. Either year. 

 

As for my line... missing the playoffs with a healthy Josh Allen. Losing a home wildcard game to a team we are clearly better than. Or another 13 second style blunder that is directly on coaching. They are my firing offences. 

 

There is a point at which I get the you try something different. But I reject in advance that if the something different ends up with a Championship that proves McDermott was the problem. The game is just way more random than that. 

[Augie]

5 hours ago, UKBillFan said:

 

I get what you're saying, but eventually something has to give if the Bills don't get over the hump - however tough it might be to make that decision.

 

Let’s see if we DO get over the hump first. Then if we do NOT get over the hump, we can analyze why. A lot of people here have the solution already when we don’t even know if we have a problem. 

[Dr. Who]

10 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I disagree that he can't win a Championship. I think he can. Does the defense need to play better in playoff losses? Sure. But as others have pointed out almost always when a team loses in the playoffs they gave up more than you'd want. The last two years it hasn't stopped them having a chance to win and I don't think either year McDermott has been close to the reason we lost the game. Not even in the top 5 reasons. Either year. 

 

As for my line... missing the playoffs with a healthy Josh Allen. Losing a home wildcard game to a team we are clearly better than. Or another 13 second style blunder that is directly on coaching. They are my firing offences. 

 

There is a point at which I get the you try something different. But I reject in advance that if the something different ends up with a Championship that proves McDermott was the problem. The game is just way more random than that. 

The other factor, and I'm sorry to bring up hockey, which I know is a dull subject for you, but Terry Pegula is the absolute worst owner in the NHL. He hires inexperienced GMs, and continues to keep an inadequate fella in the role, at least partly because he feels heard by Kevyn Adams. The Bills were dysfunctional before McD and Beane arrived. They have built a strong and competent culture. I fear what would happen should that be gambled away, though I appreciate the concerns of those who question the ceiling on the regime.

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

The other factor, and I'm sorry to bring up hockey, which I know is a dull subject for you, but Terry Pegula is the absolute worst owner in the NHL. He hires inexperienced GMs, and continues to keep an inadequate fella in the role, at least partly because he feels heard by Kevyn Adams. The Bills were dysfunctional before McD and Beane arrived. They have built a strong and competent culture. I fear what would happen should that be gambled away, though I appreciate the concerns of those who question the ceiling on the regime.

I guess, for me, just because he has been terrible at hiring coaches/gms, doesn’t mean he should settle. I think with Josh Allen, the floor is the AFC East Title. Rich Kotite would win the division every year with this group. For me, the ceiling is a Super Bowl Title and the floor is a home loss in the WC round. It’s been that way for 5 years. They haven’t hit the floor but are also still steps from the ceiling.

[ColoradoBills]

1 hour ago, Augie said:

 

Let’s see if we DO get over the hump first. Then if we do NOT get over the hump, we can analyze why. A lot of people here have the solution already when we don’t even know if we have a problem. 

 

Exactly.  Lots of changes have been made and let's see how they work out this season.

I for one am looking forward to camp.

[Dr. Who]

54 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I guess, for me, just because he has been terrible at hiring coaches/gms, doesn’t mean he should settle. I think with Josh Allen, the floor is the AFC East Title. Rich Kotite would win the division every year with this group. For me, the ceiling is a Super Bowl Title and the floor is a home loss in the WC round. It’s been that way for 5 years. They haven’t hit the floor but are also still steps from the ceiling.

I hear you. I certainly think McDermott should be held accountable if his defense does not perform well in the playoffs. The expenditure on that side of the ball this off-season in both the draft and free agency ought to be enough to work with. I don't trust Pegula to get it right, but at some point, you have to win a Super Bowl with Josh Allen as your quarterback. 

[julian]

3 hours ago, BillsFan130 said:

As someone who lives in the Toronto area, love the Dwayne Casey shout out haha. I will add though- The big reason the raps did win was the trade for Kawhi. As Derozan was rough in the playoffs. (Getting rid of Casey for Nick nurse was def a factor as well to your point)

 I do agree with your overall point here about McDermott . Good coach who can stabilize a team. But Not sure if he's the guy to take you over the hump

You didn’t like Derozen dribbling off his own feet in the playoffs ? lol 

[BillsFan130]

1 hour ago, julian said:

You didn’t like Derozen dribbling off his own feet in the playoffs ? lol 

Those long contested two point attempts.. it's like dude, just attempt a 3 pointer at that point haha

[balln]

1 hour ago, Dr. Who said:

I hear you. I certainly think McDermott should be held accountable if his defense does not perform well in the playoffs. The expenditure on that side of the ball this off-season in both the draft and free agency ought to be enough to work with. I don't trust Pegula to get it right, but at some point, you have to win a Super Bowl with Josh Allen as your quarterback. 

Pegula is not firing McDermott for what many fans would feel be the threshold. McDermott is going to have to have like 3 straight years of missing the playoffs w Josh Allen to get axed by T pegs. Just not happening folks 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

20 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Why are we lumping in McDermott and Josh? They are pretty much at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their performances in the biggest moments. Allen has been historically good in the playoffs and McDermott’s defenses have been historically bad.
 

Allen will be here no matter what for the forseeable future. I’ve been screaming to make a change at HC since 13 seconds. I thought last year was McDermott’s best coaching job but the fact remains he hasn’t been any good vs. KC in the playoffs. McDermott is a great guy to take a team in disarray and stabilize them. I have never believed, and have been proven correct so far, that he can take a very good team to the top. At some point, someone else has to be calling the shots. Dwayne Casey was the coach of the year and got fired. The Raptors went on to win the title. Lots of people could win a playoff game or 2 with Josh Allen at QB. To this point McDermott is more Schottenheimer or Marvin Lewis than Belichick or Reid. They cannot continue wasting Josh Allen’s prime if they don’t get it done again. I don’t care that they win 11 or 13 games. They should. Go win a Super Bowl. 

 

You mention this guy Reid, is he the same guy who in 14 years with the Eagles managed to win only one NFC championship?  Sounds like McD is exactly like Reid!

 

You can argue the difference is Reid has Mahomes in KC and we have Allen so McD should also be able to win it all now, but he had a pretty good QB in Philly and a strong overall team, but couldn't win there either so there's alot more to it than just the QB.  I think the one difference in KC is the Chiefs had a pretty good team before Mahomes arrived so there was talent around him to start.  When Allen came here the cupboard was pretty bare and the Bills tried to quickly put talent around him.  That's good short term, but long term not as good as having the talent  there first.  Add to that you had a brand new first time coach and GM in Buffalo.  Veach was a 1st time GM too, but was with the Chiefs a couple years prior  and helped starting to build the team, plus worked with Reid in Philly. 

Edited 1 hour ago by Ed_Formerly_of_Roch

[Mister Defense]

17 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

For sure, there were multiple factors. It’s such a great example though for where the Bills are now.

 

It’s kind of weird that @Mister Defense disliked the post instead of responding. What in there is controversial? Allen has been historically good in the playoffs and McDermott historically bad vs. KC. That’s not really debatable. If he’s against the notion that McDermott belongs on the hot seat, defend that position. I’m of the belief that dozens of coaches could have accomplished what he has over the last 5 seasons with those exact rosters. 
 

@GunnerBill are you still all in on McDermott? We are often in agreement but we couldn’t feel more differently about him. If, the Bills go 13-4 or 14-3, lose to KC in the AFC Championship, 35-32, will you be okay running it back? I’ve asked this before, “at what point is enough, enough for you?” For me, I don’t believe he’s accomplished much more than others would with prime Josh Allen. Where is your line?

 

Not sure what you are talking about when it comes to the ‘not controversial’ idea, as I merely disagreed with the content of your post so I hit the ‘disagree’ emoji to react to it.  I disagree with your focus, that McDermott should be fired, should have been fired years ago. I disagree with that, so  hit the ‘disagree X’.

 

As far as the ‘lumping’ of McDermott with Allen, I was telling the poster  that this past season the Bills were undermanned on defense all season, known well by the team leaders and fans. And that missing key players, two starters in the secondary, in the biggest game of the year, obviously increased that pressure. The clear lack of horses on defense, so obvious, likely caused significant pressure for both Allen and McDermott, as they were playing the two time defending Super Bowl champions in their own house.

 

My main point was that with the defensive players brought in this off season and the draft will likely diminish that pressure if the Bills make it to that game again this year, no matter who they play. 

 

I hit the disagree button, rather than posting a response, to make it less likely that this becomes another ‘We have to fire McDermott' (or Beane) thread, which so many of these threads now inevitably become.  That is such a negative and supremely narrow minded perspective on this team, and for this forum, that I did not want to add any more to fuel that dumpster fire. It diminishes so many threads, as they are sooo pervasive and often so out of place.

 

 

[Mister Defense]

16 hours ago, Cray51 said:

I will say - I went back and watched a few games from last year - our defense was very fortunate and looked visibly slow and weak.  In particular, Rasul Douglas looked BAD and was an issue consistently for our team.  If Hairston can come in and anchor that second corner spot, along with Forrest/Hancock/Bishop/Hamlin taking another step, that alone will greatly help this defense

 

if Hairston locks down CB2 and Jackson/Walker/Carter/Sanders become solid starters on the line?  Watch out.  This team will look visibly better this year 

 

And if that is true, visibly better, and better against the pass and stopping 3rd down conversions, and their offense is very good, then the Bills will be the team to beat.  That is why I was calling for almost all defense leading up to the draft and in this OP.

 

We know how well McD and the staff can coach up a defense with a dearth of talent, so imagine what they will be able to do with a slew of young, talented, fast, highly skilled players to work with.  May take a few months to see their true potential to shine, but I think we will see the changes you see speak of immediately

 

This alone gets me going: Max Haiston, the fastest man at the combine, and one of the best cornerbacks and athletes in the draft, will replace Rasul Douglas, one of the slowest, least athletic corners in the league.  (RAS scores, pre draft: Douglas, 6.94, Hairston, 9.71)

 

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Mister Defense

[Mikie2times]

21 hours ago, Mister Defense said:

But if they make it that far next season I think the pressure will be much less than when the Bills played in the 2025 Championship Game. Last year he and Beane (and almost all watching the Bills) knew the defense was undermanned, in a transition state. And then with Rapp out and Benford very iffy even before that big game, it was going to be an uphill climb playing against the winner of the last two Super Bowls and in their own house.

 

That was real pressure for McDermott and Josh Allen entering that game, knowing they were undermanned on defense on that day. I think that is why Josh looked so wild early in the game.  He knew he would need to have a huge game because of the defensive shortcomings.

 

I really don't know how much healthier we can expect to be that late in the season. That was the healthiest we have been in years. The idea that Josh Allen entered that game thinking they were "undermanned" and that is why he was wild, is about as wild as anything I have read here. Especially considering the year prior we scored on our first two possessions when we actually DID have severe injuries

 

21 hours ago, Mister Defense said:

 

2.  No, I don’t think that if they lose to the Chiefs in the Championship Game again next year it will be a “massive failure”., no matter how the defense plays. 

 

I think the Bills would have beaten them the last two years in the playoffs if they were not missing key starters.

 

It will only not be a massive failure to the apologists and homers

 

21 hours ago, Mister Defense said:

As now they will have not only one of the best offenses in the NFL, if not the best, but maybe a top ten defense to boot.

 

They were first in total defense in 2021. Literally, #1 in the entire NFL. 5th in total offense that year. Unfortunately we couldn't overcome ourselves. This team HAS played good regular season defense with multiple top 10 finishes. They have never played good playoff defense.

[Kirby Jackson]

11 hours ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

 

You mention this guy Reid, is he the same guy who in 14 years with the Eagles managed to win only one NFC championship?  Sounds like McD is exactly like Reid!

 

You can argue the difference is Reid has Mahomes in KC and we have Allen so McD should also be able to win it all now, but he had a pretty good QB in Philly and a strong overall team, but couldn't win there either so there's alot more to it than just the QB.  I think the one difference in KC is the Chiefs had a pretty good team before Mahomes arrived so there was talent around him to start.  When Allen came here the cupboard was pretty bare and the Bills tried to quickly put talent around him.  That's good short term, but long term not as good as having the talent  there first.  Add to that you had a brand new first time coach and GM in Buffalo.  Veach was a 1st time GM too, but was with the Chiefs a couple years prior  and helped starting to build the team, plus worked with Reid in Philly. 

The irony is Reid was there a long time and never won (with good teams and a top 10 QB). He left and they won twice. In his second stop, he won 3 times. Maybe that’s McDermott? Belichick didn’t win at his first stop either. Let’s just say, last season’s result, repeats itself over and over and over. How many more KC playoff losses 32-29 would you accept? For me, I would have already been done. If this happens 8 more times, good? 5? 1? 0? I guess this is where the divide is for some. The results are good. They aren’t good enough. I wouldn’t continue letting years of Josh Allen’s prime tick off without a title (or change). I think that the Ravens should be in the same boat. The difference is Harbaugh has won one and they haven’t ended each year the same way. 

56 minutes ago, Mister Defense said:

 

Not sure what you are talking about when it comes to the ‘not controversial’ idea, as I merely disagreed with the content of your post so I hit the ‘disagree’ emoji to react to it.  I disagree with your focus, that McDermott should be fired, should have been fired years ago. I disagree with that, so  hit the ‘disagree X’.

 

As far as the ‘lumping’ of McDermott with Allen, I was telling the poster  that this past season the Bills were undermanned on defense all season, known well by the team leaders and fans. And that missing key players, two starters in the secondary, in the biggest game of the year, obviously increased that pressure. The clear lack of horses on defense, so obvious, likely caused significant pressure for both Allen and McDermott, as they were playing the two time defending Super Bowl champions in their own house.

 

My main point was that with the defensive players brought in this off season and the draft will likely diminish that pressure if the Bills make it to that game again this year, no matter who they play. 

 

I hit the disagree button, rather than posting a response, to make it less likely that this becomes another ‘We have to fire McDermott' (or Beane) thread, which so many of these threads now inevitably become.  That is such a negative and supremely narrow minded perspective on this team, and for this forum, that I did not want to add any more to fuel that dumpster fire. It diminishes so many threads, as they are sooo pervasive and often so out of place.

 

 

What about the years that they had the number 1 defense?

 

When should he be accountable? That’s what I am asking. If you don’t think it should be on the table, that’s fine. I’d ask, why? I think that you should win at least a Super Bowl with Josh Allen. The results vs. KC don’t give me much confidence that he can do it.

[Mister Defense]

3 minutes ago, Mikie2times said:

I really don't know how much healthier we can expect to be that late in the season. That was the healthiest we have been in years. The idea that Josh Allen entered that game thinking they were "undermanned" and that is why he was wild, is about as wild as anything I have read here. Especially considering the year prior we scored on our first two possessions when we actually DID have severe injuries

 

It will only not be a massive failure to the apologists and homers

 

They were first in total defense in 2021. Literally, #1 in the entire NFL. 5th in total offense that year. Unfortunately we couldn't overcome ourselves. This team HAS played good regular season defense with multiple top 10 finishes. They have never played good playoff defense.

 

 

1.  I think a team can expect to not be missing their starting (and best) cornerback and player in the secondary AND their starting safety.  Those are huge losses in a any defense, especially one clearly undermanned all year long, and now playing Mahomes and his three time Super Bowl champion team in their own home.  Bizarre that someone would think the head coach and quarterback of a team in that position would not feel more pressure.  Of course, they would. A duh, actually.

 

2.  The Bills getting to the Championship Game again and not winning it would be disappointing, and of course a failure to many concerned.  But it is not a massive failure, would likely only be to bashers and haters of McBeane, who try to turn almost every thread into a 'Fire the bum', thread.  Hard for them to see the forest through the trees, as their vision is so distorted.

 

3.  ...which is a nice segue into my response to your "They have never played good playoff defense."

 

Yes, they lost to the Chief in that playoff game, of course, even with an excellent defense that year. The Chiefs got the better of almost every defense they played that year and scored over 30 points nine times that season, winning the Super Bowl to cap it all off. But like so much of the McBeane bashing, just hyperbole and  throw away nonsense for anyone to say that Bills have never played good playoff defense--unless they only choose to watch Bills' losses. 

 

The Bills have definitely played good, some would say excellent, or even superb, playoff defense under this particular team. Just the weak before this game, they man handled the Patriots--the pats were never in the game.  And then they crushed the Ravens in the playoffs to an even greater degree, holding them to just 3 points.  And ditto for their win against the Steelers after the 2023 season, a 31-17 win.  And last year's beat down of the Broncos, who, after their initial score early in the game, were shutout, 31-7.  The word Never seems to mean something much different to you than to most people, and as defined in most dictionaries, I think. 

 

 

(I probably should have never said, as I did just a few posts ago, that I did not want this to turn into a 'Fire the coach!' (or GM) thread, as any attention keeps them going...)