‘We’re not where we want to be’ – Bills’ Sean McDermott issues strong postgame reality check after win vs. Bengals
A heck of a response from head coach Sean McDermott after the game.
The Buffalo Bills pulled off the thrilling fourth-quarter comeback against the Cincinnati Bengals in an instant classic. The snow was falling, quarterback Josh Allen was doing Josh Allen things, and it was an amazing game as one of the final contests played inside Highmark Stadium.
Quarterback Joe Burrow made life miserable for the Bills, putting on an elite performance throughout. It genuinely seemed for a moment that Burrow and the offense were going to score on every possession. Buffalo was able to find some key stops, Allen was able to once again prove why he’s the very best on the planet, and Buffalo squeaked out a win in the closing moments of the game.
It wasn’t pretty, and that’s something that head coach Sean McDermott expressed after the game. While the victory was fun, there’s still plenty of work to do for a team that has aspirations of bringing the first-ever Lombardi Trophy to Western New York. He didn’t hold back with his analysis, but was quick to praise the team for their efforts.
“Listen, we’re not where we want to be, but winning games this time of year is huge, and the way that we’re doing it is really good; there’s really good fabric around that,” McDermott said.
Not many games left inside Highmark Stadium
Next season, the Bills will be playing in their brand new stadium across the street. It makes games like this that much more meaningful, knowing that it’s one of the final games played in a stadium that holds so much history. McDermott was asked about what it’s like playing in the final games at Highmark, and his response was one that every fan can resonate with.
“I saw a sign before the game, I was out trying to look at the kickers in the pre, pre warm up, just because of the snow and everything, and there was a sign on the scoreboard that was reading ‘get your seat that’s full of these memories,’ and it made me think about it,” McDermott said. “You think about all the different people that have sat in those seats over the years, some seats I’m sure have stayed in the family for multiple generations, and how special that is, moments they’ve enjoyed together.”
During the 1990s, Buffalo had one of the best teams in the history of the sport, going to four straight Super Bowls with more than a handful of Hall of Fame players. McDermott brought up the past while giving some advice to fans who are itching to get over to the new stadium.
“And then of all the different people who enjoyed watching Jim (Kelly) and all those teams early with those guys and now watching Josh and our teams, so it’s just special to be a part of it, it really is,” McDermott said. “Certainly, I’m sure a lot of people are looking forward to the new stadium, I understand that, but let’s not rush to get over there. I think it’s special to be here and enjoy these last few moments that we all have together here.”
McDermott is 19-3 in December since 2020, winning record 8 out of 9 years
McDermott has been an excellent coach for the Buffalo Bills and has saved his best for the month of December, going 19-3 since 2020. With the win on Sunday, McDermott has now had a winning record in eight out of nine years, something that he was asked about after the game.
“It’s been a blessing to come here years ago with my family, my young family at the time, and to watch them have grown up here and the friends that they’ve made,” McDermott said, “It’s an unbelievable community in the way they treat each other and cheer for their teams.”
Once again, McDermott offered a statement that all of the Bills Mafia can get behind. Buffalo truly is such a special place, and only those who have spent substantial time there or have grown up there can fully understand just how beautiful it is. McDermott gets it, and the fan base loves him for it.
“We’re extremely grateful, and the staff has done a phenomenal job. Then you watch today, and how it unfolded, it couldn’t have been drawn up any better. Snow on the ground, this is what we love, this is Buffalo football. I’m very thankful.”
McDermott offers praise just seconds after win vs. Bengals
McDermott opened his press conference by giving glory to God and giving praise to his team for their valiant efforts in the comeback victory. From Josh Allen to Jordan Phillips, McDermott was quick to heap praise. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win is a win.
“First of all, glory to God. What a great afternoon in Western New York. Amen,” McDermott said. “The fans were unbelievable, just awesome, staying with us through four quarters. The toughness of the football team was on display, on full display. Taking it down to the wire. It’s a heck of a team, well coached team, we have a lot of respect for them. Obviously, an elite quarterback. We knew it was going to be tough.”
Jobs not done, and McDermott understands that there are some areas that need to be cleaned up. Penalties and self-inflicted wounds nearly cost the team the game. Buffalo still has to squeak into the playoffs, and a win over the Bengals helps their case tremendously.
“Thought the coaching staff did a phenomenal job of adjusting throughout the game, and then coming up with some big plays obviously at the end of the game with CB, with Jordan Phillips with the tipped pass, AJ interception, and then Josh’s play overall, certainly the last play of the game or close to the last play of the game, third and whatever it was. Just phenomenal play on his part. Super proud of him, certainly still a lot to learn and things we got to do better, so we’ll get back to work on it this week.”
As the snow settled over Highmark Stadium and the crowd roared into the cold, the Bills walked off the field with much more than just another win. The team walked off with a reminder of why these moments matter the most. The new stadium is coming, the playoff push is here right now, and Buffalo’s margin for error remains razor-thin. If Sunday was any indication, this team isn’t ready to let these memories or this season slip away.
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