Josh’s comments on HC change…interesting

[Jay_Fixit]

4 hours ago, Winnebago Man said:

What is he supposed to say? 

 

If he is too critical of the firing, that will be taken a certain way; if he supports it too much, it gets taken another.

I mean he can say what he wants. So seems like he did. "Supposed to" isn't a thing. 

 

It's clear he was done losing the last game of every season in large part to the head coach.

[Nihilarian]

3 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

A sample of 3 is not a statistically meaningful sample.

 

Let's increase the same size and look at his performance in playoff games in general.  

 

29 TDs versus 6 INTs

3915 passing yards

101.4 passer rating

767 rushing yards

9 rushing TDs

All, well and good for the playoffs.

 

Am I wrong to want to see 5000+ passing yards and 40+ passing TDs a season from our Superstar QB? Brees 2x, Mahomes 2x, Brady, and Dan Marino all did it. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

4 hours ago, Gregg said:

I was a little surprised that Pegula didn't clean house completely. Beane is the GM and puts the roster together. A roster that so far hasn't been good enough to help Allen get to a Super Bowl much less win one. One thing is for certain and that is the pressure is 100% on Beane going forward. He will probably get a few years with Brady but if in 2 or 3 years the Bills are still searching for that Lombardi then I think Pegula will clean house. If that happens then hopefully Allen can have the same type of success towards the end of his career that Elway had.

 

None of us were in the building to know what really went on.  Terry did witness a fair amount of it and maybe realized more of the issues around control, etc, was on McD's methods.  Terry was certainly there for the drafts so does know who had the biggest voice on who was selected.  That could be  why Beane is still here and even the entire offensive scheme may have been what McD dictated.

 

Obviously  none of us know for certain what exactly happened over time, but Pegula didn't get where he got by being stupid.  Think your "surprise" is telling.

[Mikie2times]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I'm sorry you just don't have time. It's absolutely common place at the end of the year when guys go down that teams call back vets they know and who know the system. Once you are in season your ability to really develop young depth guys in practice at the same time as preparing your team to play is so limited because of the CBA restrictions. 

Not as common place prior to the start of the year

[Southern McButterpants]

3 hours ago, SectionC3 said:

A fair point.  Kincaid drop, Cook fumble, etc.  But I'll push back a bit.  When was the last time the defense won us a playoff game?  The shutout in Pittsburgh?  It seems like every year under McDermott we get into these slogs where style of play hurts us (too slow, in my view, and self-limiting possessions) or we just turn into a sieve at crunch time (13 seconds, Denver, I think fits there as well).  So the offense *definitely* has to be better in tough times.  But the defense could help a bit, too, and I think that's why the change had to be made.  

To be fair, the D got the INT against Jacksonville to seal the win last January (after giving up a quick TD with 4-ish minutes to go).

[KHAN]

Joe Marino shared a stat where the McD playoff defense gave up similar stats to the Patriots 2007 offense . Not good enough.

 

So we can surely point to a few plays Josh should have made. The dude is carrying the whole team on his back. Especially since Diggs left. And even he didn't really show up in the playoffs.

[Southern McButterpants]

2 hours ago, 4BillsintheBurgh said:

At that point, we needed someone who knew what they were doing, that was Sean's call. 

Yes, Admiral Sean's super complicated "run to a spot & stand there" defense...

[Jauronimo]

1 hour ago, BillsFan130 said:

He has delivered though. If Cooks caught the ball and/or the ref rules that a catch, that changes the narrative , no?

If Kincaid catches one of the most insane 4th down throws against KC, that changes the narrative, no?

 

If Diggs catches that 70 yard bomb against KC or Bass hits the FG, that changes the narrative, no?

 

The guy delivers. His teammates don't. Some of you guys act like he's throwing bad interceptions with the game on the line. (Not saying you)

If Cooks catches that ball, what? We are in field goal range?  It was ruled an interception, another turnover, and we lost. A better ball and thats a walk in TD in my opinion.

 

If Kincaid catches that 4th down prayer, we still need to score a TD to win.  Kincaid didn't catch it, we lost.  

 

If Diggs catches that bomb, what? We are in FG range with 8:20 to play? 

 

In summary, three losses.  The only one in his favor is 13 seconds.  He walks off the field after a second last minute length of the field drive with a lead and never sees the ball again in a tough L.  That one goes down in the Mahomes lore.

 

You can tell your grandkids about all the times Josh Allen almost got us in field goal range in playoff losses.  Thats the stuff of legends right there.

Edited July 10 by Jauronimo

[Sierra Foothills]

1 hour ago, Malazan said:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/07/09/josh-allen-hailee-steinfeld-new-dad-bills/90863221007/

 

Thank you for posting the link that this topic is based on.

 

👍

 

[Starr Almighty]

5 hours ago, BillsFan130 said:

Ya Josh 100 percent signed off on the McDermott firing.
 

There was never any chance Pegula and Beane were canning McDermott without Josh's approval.

To me the crying at the press conference says otherwise. From my point of view it looked like he was deeply saddened knowing that not succeding was going to lead to his HC getting fired.

[BillsFan130]

4 minutes ago, Starr Almighty said:

To me the crying at the press conference says otherwise. From my point of view it looked like he was deeply saddened knowing that not succeding was going to lead to his HC getting fired.

Not sure if it had anything to do with Mcdermott though. I just think he was crushed after another devastating playoff defeat

[Starr Almighty]

Just now, BillsFan130 said:

Not sure if it had anything to do with Mcdermott though. I just think he was crushed after another devastating playoff defeat

That is also a possibility. I think I think it that way because he's lost before and never been so emotional. That being said what you said can also be what it was 👍🏻

[Jauronimo]

Just now, Starr Almighty said:

That is also a possibility. I think I think it that way because he's lost before and never been so emotional. That being said what you said can also be what it was 👍🏻

He said in his presser that he thought he let the team down with his turnovers.  No need to read into it.  

[Alphadawg7]

6 hours ago, eball said:

An article I just read quotes Josh as follows:

 

“We’ve obviously got a new head coach, and so to have those memories being made in a new spot,” Allen said. “I think change is needed sometimes, especially when we’ve been close in the past, even going back to 20-ish, 30-ish years ago, just how close the Bills have been to winning a Super Bowl — I think this is kind of a switch that was necessary and I’m very excited.”

 

Wow. This is the first time I’m aware of that Josh has been this definitive (publicly) on the topic.

 

I’m really expecting some exciting and good things this year.

 

 

No offense - but there is literally no other answer he can give here.  He can't say it was a mistake, or not sure its the right move, or "guess we will find out" or something without causing major PR issues.  He has to verbatim give an answer like this.  

 

So while I don't doubt right now he is excited about what is going on, this statement in no way indicates that Josh pushed for this, had any role in it, gave his blessing, etc.  

 

Terry has no filter - he very blatantly stated it was an emotional decision he made after seeing the locker room after the Denver loss.  Some people are going to take this like Josh had some role, or they met with Josh to let him weigh in and he was like lets fire McD.  But that is not something that can be determined off these comments, its literally boiler plate 100% spot on PR speak. 

 

And for the record - I do 100% believe Josh is excited about Brady and the changes, there are a lot of exciting things that have happened since McD got fired from exciting new staff (and he already liked Brady before the hire), new stadium, new weapons and players, etc.  

 

However - these comments are not some revelation people are trying to make it out to be as if it ties into the original decision to fire McD.

6 hours ago, BillsFan130 said:

Ya Josh 100 percent signed off on the McDermott firing.
 

There was never any chance Pegula and Beane were canning McDermott without Josh's approval.

 

Nothing in this story indicates that at all.

[Alphadawg7]

4 hours ago, Buffalo03 said:

I hate this argument. I will give you 2023 when he missed the throw to Shakir. However, he did get bumped by Dawkins which I think affected the throw. And even in this case. Bass missed the field goal to at least tie it. 

 

I love Josh as much as anyone - but he has some blame for sure.  On the Shakir throw, he had room to step into the pocket and make the throw and didn't feel the pressure.  Not totally on him, but one can literally point to moments when guys like Mahomes and Brady feel that pressure and step up.  And when you have never gotten over the hump, these moments get remembered.  Mahomes and Brady missed in moments too, but those are not remembered because they have too many of the clutch glory moments that wash peoples minds of those.  

 

4 hours ago, Buffalo03 said:

 

2024- He was robbed of a first down for one thing on that earlier drive. He had it and the refs blew it. But, besides that, on the last drive he also threw a prayer ball up to Kincaid with a million guys in his face and Kincaid was the one that dropped it

 

He was actually robbed TWICE on the same series of the first by the refs.  2nd down he got the first to Kincaid, they missed the spot by a yard.  McD screws up and doesn't challenge (I was yelling challenge that) and rushes a bastardized sneak we dont get that sets up the next one we also got but refs screwed us.  

BUT - on the final series, Josh has a first down to Samuel knocked down at LOS on 2nd down.  On 4th down he also had a wide open Shakir, in the flat to the left off the snap, a wide open WR over the middle, and then wide open Kincaid deep.  With the pressure, rather than quick strike to Shakir he tries to run backwards to buy time leading to the heave.  Josh also cheated the protection to the wrong side (said so himself) after being confused by the Cheifs play call.  

Refs stole this game - then Josh had some chances to win it and we did not execute on 4 straight plays on the final set of downs.  He isn't absolved fully from this, but he also wasnt the biggest reason either.

 

4 hours ago, Buffalo03 said:

 

2025- He throws up a ball to Cooks, which again, I think the refs blew the call on. Cooks had the ball in both hands with a knee clearly down and the defender making contact with him before ripping the ball out. That's a catch. Allen didn't throw it right to the defender, he did the right thing, that play was more on Cooks for letting the defender rip it out in the first place and the refs again, not calling that a catch like it should have been

 

Your worst argument is 2025 - he was a massive reason we lost.  The turnovers were too much - but the ONE that made all the difference and was literally the difference in the game was the dumbest football fumble in history at the end of the half.  No time, no timeouts to stop the clock, stuck running in the middle of the field with no where to go...whats the move?  Protect the ball and just go down to end half.  Instead he runs around with the ball like a loaf a bread in a way a rookie QB would until he takes unnecessary contact on a play that has no chance to continue and no time left to even call another one.  Half was dead and he kept going and didn't even protect the ball.  We give away 3 free points (after just giving them a TD) and the only reason we went to OT is because of this stupid play.  Had he not done that, that FG to send to OT is to win the game instead.  

 

Making matters worse - he has instructions and knows to NEVER run there...its a quick strike to the sideline to get some yards and stop the clock or just give up and go into the half.  He disobyed the fundamentals of the play and then compounded it further not protecting the ball while taking unneccessary contact.

Then there are the other bad decisions in the game.  He was a big reason we lost...while also still a big reason we still had a chance to win.  But if Allen had not been so careless with the ball we not only win, but probably by 2 scroes.  

 

4 hours ago, Buffalo03 said:

 

To say Josh is 0-3 and it's his fault in those instances is ridiculous. Yes, he had the ball in his hands but he didn't really lose it for is either. If you would rather blame his Turnovers against the Broncos as a reason. Ok, I will give you that. Especially, the one before the 1st half ended. He clearly didn't play his best. But other than the Shakir pass against KC in 2023, I don't see how those final drives are on him

 

Sorry - I get the love for Allen, it pains me to even counter back here.  But he is not at all absolved of blame in all 3 games, and in 2025 he had a very heavy hand in that loss while also being a big reason we still came back later.  

Edited July 10 by Alphadawg7

[Gregg]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/espn-analyst-why-pressure-is-on-bills-coach-joe-brady-in-year-1/ar-AA27EjmE?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=6a5121ec575549da9167be33d97f25ca&ei=40

[BillytheKid]

5 hours ago, BillMafia716ix said:

Everyone wants to sing Josh’s praise but nobody wants to hold him accountable. Last 3 playoff losses he’s had the ball in his hands on the final drive with a chance to win the game. He’s 0-3.

 

Last year was probably our best chance to get to the dance and he goes out there and commits 4 turnovers vs Denver. Fast forward to now…they got him a WR, they fired the coach, they changed the defense. What’s else does he need? He's the best QB in the game. Love Josh but now it’s time to put up or shut up for the whole organization. 

I can see some of your points and won’t push back too much on them.

 

I will say the receiver they brought in, isn’t anything special. Is he better than what has been on the roster the last two years? Yes, but that isn’t saying much. 
 

I don’t think as highly of DJ Moore as a lot of people do. I don’t think he is some major game changer. He isn’t bad by any means. He will help to an extent, most likely anyways, nothing is a given for sure, but I don’t see it as some huge move that will make the offense go from averaging 28 - 30 points per game up to over 35 points per game. If it does then great but I don’t see it really. 
 

Defense is going to have to be the biggest improvement. 
 

 

[jahnyc]

I have been a supporter of BB, but this year there will be even more scrutiny of his roster building efforts.  Really interesting that there are so many free agents still available that were on the team's roster last year roster.  Were the issues on defense because of McD and his scheme (and these now free agents were players he wanted) or was it a failure on the part of BB and his team to identify and acquire talent through the draft and free agency?

 

For the offense, Josh is so good that he elevates the play and perceptions of the o-line and skill players.  Hard to assess overall talent on offense because of this, but BB's efforts to find quality WRs have been frustrating with poor results.  We will see if Moore and a combination of Bell and a recommitted Coleman can be a significant upgrade at WR this year.

 

We need more talent around Josh on both offense and defense.

[Gregg]

Just now, BillytheKid said:

I can see some of your points and won’t push back too much on them.

 

I will say the receiver they brought in, isn’t anything special. Is he better than what has been on the roster the last two years? Yes, but that isn’t saying much. 
 

I don’t think as highly of DJ Moore as a lot of people do. I don’t think he is some major game changer. He isn’t bad by any means. He will help to an extent, most likely anyways, nothing is a given for sure, but I don’t see it as some huge move that will make the offense go from averaging 28 - 30 points per game up to over 35 points per game. If it does then great but I don’t see it really. 
 

Defense is going to have to be the biggest improvement. 
 

 

 

Leonhard is probably the most important man in the organization not named Allen. It will be up to him to build the defense. I am not saying Brady won't be involved since he is the HC, so you know he will, but he comes from the offensive side of the ball. I do expect growing pains as the players learn the schemes/systems that Leonhard wants to run. Hopefully they are clicking as the year goes by and especially come January and hopefully February. 

[GoBills808]

 

4 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Nobody is disputing the defense hasn't been good enough in the post season losses. That is unquestionably true and is a big part in why the change was made. 

 

But you HAVE to be able to win in the clutch at some point in the post season. The last time the O came through in the clutch like that was the 13 second game. It's had chances since and not got it done. And I will say again.... just saying "well the D plays better we never end up in those clutch scenarios" is to my mind a fantasy that is unlikely to come true. 

wrong

 

jacksonville