Posted on Aug 11
Bills coach Sean McDermott frustrated after preseason loss: "Our standard was not out there today"
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Bills Coach McDermott Frustrated with Preseason Opener Loss
Why it matters: Buffalo's disappointing performance in their preseason opener raises concerns about the team's readiness for the upcoming season.
The Bills struggled on multiple fronts, including the ground game, offensive line, and backup quarterbacks.
- Running backs gained only 36 yards on 19 carries, indicating a lack of production and effectiveness.
- The offensive line allowed eight sacks, while the Bears' line gave up only one sack.
- Backup quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Shane Buechele had shaky performances, failing to provide stability and confidence.
The decision to remove starting quarterback Josh Allen mid-drive drew attention and raised questions about his playing time strategy.
- Allen expressed his desire to finish the drive but understood the reasoning behind the decision.
- This move highlights the cautionary approach the coaching staff takes with their star player during preseason games.
Special teams also faced challenges posed by the wind, impacting returners and punter Sam Martin.
- The adverse weather conditions added an extra layer of difficulty to an already underwhelming performance.
Penalties were another area of concern for the Bills, committing 11 infractions throughout the game.
- The high number of penalties reflects a lack of discipline and execution on the field.
Coach McDermott expressed frustration with the team's overall performance and emphasized the need for improvement.
- He acknowledged the few positives, such as the injury situation and kicker Tyler Bass' successful field goals.
- McDermott emphasized the importance of embracing the challenges ahead and the work required to meet their standards.
What's next: The Bills must address the issues highlighted in their preseason opener, focusing on improving their ground game, offensive line protection, and overall team discipline.
- Adjustments and corrections are necessary to ensure a more competitive and cohesive performance in future preseason matchups.
The bottom line: While preseason games do not have significant implications for the regular season, the Bills' lackluster showing raises concerns about their preparedness and execution.
- It is crucial for the coaching staff to analyze the performance, make necessary adjustments, and instill a sense of urgency and attention to detail in the team as they approach the regular season.