Sean McDermott outcoached & Stefon Diggs gets last laugh vs. Bills: Is Buffalo in trouble?

Matt Parrino and Ryan Talbot break down Sunday's game between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. Where does the blame fall as Buffalo fails to take advantage of two fourth-quarter Texans turnovers in last-second loss on Houston field goal?
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[@atlasking6110]

McDermott will always be bush league in tight situations. It's who he is and it's what has held this team back for years now. He needs to go.

[@darnelldavis7842]

Exactly 💯

[@Brianp150H]

Yup. 8 year is enough body of work to show that this is his ceiling. He's outcoached at every turn against playoff quality teams.

[@jcb998]

@@Brianp150H He has done a great job and I agree that he has hit his ceiling. There is nothing wrong with admitting he is good but not a Super Bowl Caliber coach. It's time for a change. He has become the modern Marty Schottenheimer

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

For some reason, after six years, we can't equip Allen with a few weapons on offense or a stout reliable defense. Inexplicable. New coach needed now

[@todddambrosio2819]

I’m a big Allen fan but he wasn’t good in this game either far from it.

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

@@todddambrosio2819 Good retort, when he has nobody separating. Take Shakir out of the mix, and nobody can get open or catch a contested ball.

[@TRIPTHEMAN65]

OC issue

[@adamant5550]

@@todddambrosio2819 Allen sucked yesterday and the WR corps is the worst in the league. Both things are true.

[@todddambrosio2819]

@@adamant5550we need Cooper

[@Donnybrook10]

yeah...McD remains terrible in situational football scenarios. He should have been running the ball in that last possession to kill the clock or their time out.

[@tjmckenzie4048]

Bro, stop! Running the ball on their 3 wouldn't have burned any more clock than the 3 passing plays. McDermott blew the game when he called his final 2 timeouts with 1:50 to go on the Texans 1st and 2nd down instead of forcing Houston to use one of theirs. He is a terrible clock management and sideline coach, but I have no problem with them throwing the ball on their final drive because Houston had all 3 timeouts left.

[@annrichards631]

We can never take advantage of opportunities that are given us.

[@MajorBlessingsAlways]

Tough loss. I love the Buffalo Bills and there is nothing you can do about it. I am tired of so many being so negative and making it more complicated that it needs to be. The Bills are first in the division. Go Bills! Take care everyone.

[@joemomma8573]

McDummies clock management at the end of each half allowed the Texans to make 2 field goals... you think he would have learned after it bit him in the arse after the first half...

[@philipschifano5876]

I’m having flashbacks to Ken Dorsey. Started off super hot. First 3 -4 games. Then teams made adjustments. And we could never come back from it.

[@critter852004]

McD is a clown and needs to be gone today but they won’t do that. If this is a retooling year, then do it with all new staff next year. Beane can go with him.

[@SquidCentauri]

I mean. What were they supposed to do? Leave it to a coin flip? Going for the win makes sense. Our WRs just played like junk. Mack Hollins can't be trusted with that much responsibility again for a while. Should put Valdez-Scandling into his spot on the depth chart. Shakir comes back & we go get someone (like an Adams in a dream world, but more realistically an Amari Cooper or someone similar). If we get a first down from one of those drops no one is talking about McDermott and clock management. This loss is on the wide receiver room in my opinion.

[@tjmckenzie4048]

I completely agree with you on throwing the ball from the 3 at the end of the game. Running the ball into the pile wouldn't have burned any more clock. However, I hated that we Calle our last 2 timeouts with 150 to go on Houstons 1st and 2nd down. If Houston was forced to use a timeout on their 2nd last drive then the Bills could've run the ball on their final possession.

[@mileslong13]

Why is no one mentioning Beane. He refused to give Josh protection and a decent WR core. He passes on drafting AJ Brown and DK Metcalf for Cody Ford. He continues to draft defensive players. For some reason he feels he can draft a receiver in the 5th round picks. Beane is overrated. They are wasting Josh best careers. The receivers we have can't get open and no one should be surprised!

[@adamant5550]

Could have traded up for BTJ or drafted Xavier Worthy as a burner, but, no, we took one of the slower rated WR prospects in the draft who can separate because "he's a great run blocker!"

[@jcb998]

Could you imagine Josh with Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins.

[@chem1282]

McDermott has reached a ceiling. It’s not that difficult to understand. In the playoffs he is ALWAYS outcoached. Early signs of it now. What’s worse is that Bean won’t fire him. McDermott would have to resign.

[@Sting283]

He reached his ceiling after the 13 second game

[@GraigPresti]

The media wants there free lunches and golf tournaments.

[@jrdhist]

It’s not beane’s call but Pegula’s. You want change, people need to cancel new stadium tickets. $$$ drives this league and the only thing an owner cares about.

[@adamant5550]

@@Sting283 After? That was his ceiling.

[@JameslM-ep6db]

Before the season the majority of the TV talking heads were picking the dolphins or jets to win the AFC East. They labeled this a rebuilding year for Buffalo. Bills fans I talked to were hoping to be 3-3, or, with luck 4-2 through the first 6 games. Everyone overreacts to the NFL on a weekly basis. So when the bills were impressive against the dolphins, jags and the cards in 2nd half suddenly this team with "to much to overcome" is being picked to go to the Superbowl. Allen deserves to be in MVP conversation because without him Buffalo would be lucky to win 6 games. Look no further than Miami. Preseason , The dolphins were being picked to win division and make playoff run. Once Tua gets hurt it's all out the window (demonstrating his "value") . The good news for Bills mafia is Allen finally seems to be taking the check down . Even if he threw 2 picks today he isn't forcing the ball down field like he did with diggs which is where most of the INTs came from. The bad news is they need someone like diggs who can get separation .

[@dalebechtel8904]

I said it during the draft. They should have drafted 2 receivers in the first 3 rounds. That’s what was disappointing to me.

[@buzzed0nbeer21]

You don’t challenge the play then you call a timeout anyway. Are these decisions that difficult really

[@tjmckenzie4048]

Great point. Especially with 3 minutes left in the game. Why not challenge the Cook catch?

[@Invader135]

When even Matt is pissed, you know things were bad! Couldnt agree more with alot of the points he's made from Coaching defiencies to the inability to put a decent set of weapons arojnd Allen.

[@michaelconnor3560]

Can't get Taron Johnson and Taylor Rapp back fast enough. Cam Lewis and Cole Bishop were rough out there

[@davidmaly5464]

If we ran it 3x at the end Huston used their time-outs and still kicked the fg we'd be on McDermott for being to conservative....

[@tjmckenzie4048]

I completely agree! I have no problem with them throwing the ball there.

[@ricblic901]

After the 2022 season that ended with the 13 second game. Terry Pegula whiffed, plain and simple. His love for McDermott/Beane clouded his judgment. An astute owner would have asked if we really want to lose Daboll, who has a real connection with Allen and had the Bills offense on par with KC's. After all it wasn't the offense that lost that game.

[@jcb998]

I have always wondered how involved the Pagulas are. I think they are happy just being good.

[@VitoAnthonyD.-ow7oo]

True. Pagula's a bum. He couldn't even find a coach for the Sabres. He had to bring Lindy Ruff back.

[@adamant5550]

"Sean McDermott outcoached" is the perfect tagline of the last 8 years of this franchise.

[@suanne7408]

Use Knox more. He was wide open on one play and that probably wasn’t the call. But sometimes Josh should make his own decision and the hell with Brady.

[@jonathanmessenger972]

Fire McDermott he’s trash at game management

[@Flashyboo]

Don’t forget beane he needs to go aswell

[@darnelldavis7842]

Exactly 💯 I'm really sick of McDermott

[@jcb998]

@@darnelldavis7842 So sick of the "We need to be better" response. Here's an idea. Just win games and there are no excuses.

[@deborahholleron7408]

if we had the $31 million cap space we could afford some quality receivers. I blame it all on Diggs!

[@ozkarin07]

😂😂😂😂😂😂🤡

[@tjmckenzie4048]

I hate Diggs too. How big of a douche do u have to be to have a team pay u $31 million just to go away?

[@DennisKapatos]

The cupboards are bare at WR - what a shame. Don't know why we leave the run game so quickly when it's stomping all over the Texans. I hate to say it but I think McDermott is a defensive coordinator not a HC. So many bone headed moments and he's not getting better. I hope I'm wrong because I really like who he is and I want to see him win it for Buffalo 😢

[@craigkopra2128]

I was thinking a few days ago this game was winnable. This team, as a whole, manages to find new ways to embarrass themselves, and give its fanbase cardiac & anger issues.

[@luigicialini1656]

Josh was concussed in Baltimore on that sideline hit, and was showing signs of it in Houston. He then got concussed in Houston, so let's hope he gets his head right for Monday. Josh is a team first guy.

[@GraigPresti]

Let’s be honest, the media and content bros need to start talking about this head coach, and stop covering for him. When Allen leaves in a few years you all will regret this.

[@adamant5550]

They won't

[@craigkopra2128]

The game yesterday was another palm to the face of the McDermott choking another game away and being on the other end of the highlight reel. There were gobs of posts on social media regarding that last possession. McDermott should be rivaling Eric ten Hag in crap being received. Trust the process, everyone eats... no more cheap cliches, McDermott and Beane need to be held more accountable.

[@todddambrosio2819]

Sean can not handle pressure

[@RaymondStannard-p9q]

Mcdermott will ruin this team Ruin josh allen

[@GraigPresti]

Already did

[@ekim0513]

McDermott 's brain locks up under pressure

[@Jack-yx1wb]

How come no one is bringing up he didn’t put his punt teams out there 4th and 15 and let Texans easily pin us on the 3!!!

[@adamant5550]

The lack of utilization of 12 personnel by Joe Brady is frustrating as hell! This is how this roster was constructed and he just doesn't run it.

[@Trippyisop]

McDermott needs to lose his job

[@MH-ih5df]

The last laugh doesn't come until playoff time

[@samthesham4684]

They had Shakir against the Ravens and struggled moving the ball, that's not the issue this game

[@jcb998]

I said in the off-season they would try to push Mack Hollins on us a "good receiver" he is a 5th receiver at best.

[@billylanger4659]

Get Cleveland on the phone asap! Bring Josh Amari!

[@NtourisSgtJackMichoff]

I'm watching alec Anderson (LT) motion to the outside TE spot and dawson knox becomes the blocking TE.... on the outside left part of the o line... he is becoming the LT for all intents and purposes on that play and Anderson the TE.... and idc if its a run or a pass. . Thats whats happening... don't think the opposite defense is buying it

[@GraigPresti]

Anyone who supports McChoke is the problem, just stfu. He’s just brutal. Josh will be 34 and wonder”why”?

[@VitoAnthonyD.-ow7oo]

They don't have an offensive line worthy of playing with Josh Allen. Beane's biggest mistake is failure to get a mean offensive line. Look at the time Mahomes' line gives him on the pass and the holes they open on the run. Bills Oline can't even stay on the field for 3 downs.

[@joshuastamp4039]

That game should never have ever come down to the last minute..way too many missed all throughout the game..One wr has to catch the ball and maybe even make a damn play!!!

[@camisado92]

Honestly think it may be time to get rid of McDermott as coach. I know others have been yelling for it for awhile and I was willing to give him multiple second chances to try to improve. It's clear that his decision making is hurting this team and ruining winning opportunities

[@davidmaly5464]

We're leading the division in a rebuilding year.... The 2 games we lost were against superbowl contenders and we were tied with one of them with 2 seconds left....

[@davidmaly5464]

Not to mention without Von Miller, Matt Milano, Ed Oliver, Taylor Rapp, and Khalil Shakir....

[@tjmckenzie4048]

Taron too

[@Flashyboo]

Buffalo has no talent aside from Allen that’s on the GM and the coach is the opposite of clutch he is a choke artist 🧑‍🎨 both GM and coach should have been gone years ago. Pathetic

[@Brianp150H]

This is particularly true. What players on this team step up?

[@ronaldringler1497]

Why not promote Hamler over Shavers? Veteran WR with speed.

[@DaveK0526]

Diggs got the last laugh because they matched him up against a backup defensive back in Cam Lewis

[@michaelandrew8493]

I though kincaid was ginna be our number one guy? Is he a bust? Looks like it and knox has 3 catches all season why did we pay him cause he can block? Must not be able to block if allen is still running for his life half the game

[@adamant5550]

Bills media were 100% across the board.

[@peterleyva1702]

How is it possible the league allowed Allen back into the game after getting knocked out? The league loves to baby that franchise and give them whatever they wish.

[@jcZo23]

Roster stinks

[@steveoshei1819]

On offense

[@jcZo23]

@@steveoshei1819 everywhere, DL DE S all stink, so does the HC

[@regice5650]

I’ve said this for a couple years. Josh is not clutch. They did this hoping Josh would take another step as a leader and clutch performer and lift his skill players. He did the first 3 games. They came out throwing the ball against Jacksonville Josh got all that hype. MVP talk and they haven’t gone back to what was helping them win ball games we watched this same thing the last couple seasons. You cannot go all Josh he’s not mahomes. Play calling use the running game and short passing game to help Josh. He’s probably 15% on deep balls. He’s the reason why the team goes flat because he hits those it’s a moment changer. Josh must play better if he wants to be a superstar QB and franchise QB

[@TravisCalloway-m6g]

How much of it falls on Allen missing guys or not seeing them

[@tjmckenzie4048]

Not much. Very little separation by the receivers. Too many balls slapped out of receivers hands. The receiving corps looked pathetic yesterday. My only issue with Josh is when it's 3rd and 2 or 3rd and 3 and he throws a 35 yard pass down the sideline. It's such a low percentage play when he could throw it 3 yards or pull it down and run.

[@jahimjauh-hey5653]

Well I guess we will just have to win the Superbowl now to show Diggs whats up. Go Bills!!

[@VitoAnthonyD.-ow7oo]

How about getting a first down first?

[@BossRoller]

McDermott and Brady deserve the lion share of the blame for this game but I'm getting sick of Allen getting so little criticism for his play. He missed on several targets and even some of his completions were poorly placed eliminating any opportunity for YAC. He had a terrible sugar-high Allen moment when he was lucky Al-Shaair didn't get an INT. He consistently fails to make the proper adjustments to protection pre-snap when there is clearly pressure being shown. And as ugly as the ball of the helmet made Coleman look, it's clear that was a run call that Allen didn't properly audible out of as a lineman was downfield blocking.

[@hanyolo120]

Good news schematically things can be adjusted on both sides, bad news is the recivers aren't winning there match-ups especially weird ass Mack Hollins,Curtis Samuel is none existent and Keon keeps dropping passes because he's a rookie. I know Andy Isabella can get open, and Justin shorter deserve a fair shot to show what he can do. Us not having Von or Ed really hurt, and I need Bobby to match personnel in the redzone

[@NtourisSgtJackMichoff]

So we have a team that never gets blown out but a headcoach that is horrible at end of game scenarios.... BUT ... how many of those games are close due to a McDermott lead defense.... careful what u wish for... macdermott gas been in this league for 20 years... he should know how to win by now

[@nicklarocca113]

how many wins do you predict we get this season?

[@VitoAnthonyD.-ow7oo]

8

[@chem1282]

Dawson Knox and Kincaid are busts. Samuel’s and Hollins are busts. Josh is beginning to justify why folks think he’s overrated. I don’t think he is. McDermott doesn’t use the guys that we are supposed to have on the field. Edward’s not being out there at safety. Samuel’s on offense is a shell of himself. We get away from the run game when that’s the only thing going for us. It’s like we just don’t know who we are. What’s worse is that the time is ticking. Josh and his prime years are passing by. Beane has to do something!

[@GraigPresti]

Who ain’t a bust on offense? Shakir is the only one

[@craigthompson168]

Christ. I forgot about Mike Edwards. Has he even played this season? I’ve seen every play and haven’t heard his name once. Is he hurt?

[@TRIPTHEMAN65]

@@chem1282 you might be a Bust too as a fan

[@NtourisSgtJackMichoff]

Actually we do know the Texans would have at least had to burn their TOs

[@malcolm90120]

J.Allen is too strong an offensive threat to have a defensive coach who butchers game management. Bills owners are no better than the panthers owner today 10/8/24

[@adamant5550]

Honestly, I feel so bad for Allen at this point. He was put into one of the worst situations of any elite QB in the last 20-30 years. A defensive-minded head coach and a general manager that seems to have no interest in building around him.

[@cjb3377]

Lol Allen goes 9/30 and the headline is “McDermott is outcoached”.

[@BillsMafiaExperience]

Allen can't separate and catch passes bonehead.

[@BillsMafiaExperience]

Allen can't call plays or do situational coaching either.

[@ozkarin07]

​@@BillsMafiaExperience😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mgentles3]

The OC should be on the field to communicate with the head coach. Josh leaned on Diggs for years. Now he's leaning on Shakir, sooooo maybe it's Josh? The Texans have a deep WR room AND CJ Stroud. With CJ everybody does eat. They lost Nico early, but still got over 300 yards through the air. Maybe the receivers and backs and tight ends don't feast, but they get enough. Y'all have some informed fans. One bitching about Oliver, who wasn't in the game, and another vowing to see us in the superbowl even though we're both in the AFC.

[@davejjr8284]

It's the coach he doesn't have the players

[@griselame]

I've seen better coaching to close out games in the ELF this year, if I'm being honest

[@David-uh8bx]

Nobody eats because nobody can catch the ball. Josh Allen’s elite talent is being wasted by having him surrounded by mostly second rate receivers. Brandon Beane needs to upgrade the pass catching department or the Bills might have another season that falls short of at least getting deep in the playoffs.

[@markbailey4809]

They put weapons around josh allen if it's not the play calling it's the defense they only look dominant against weaker opponents. All there defensive line picks damn near are trash none had a double digit sack season yet also put the blame on the scouting department no dominant player has been drafted since josh allen.

[@adamant5550]

I'll say it: Joe Brady looks worse than Ken Dorsey. At least, Dorsey's offense moved the ball and generated points.

[@dongrosso-d4g]

This is vintage Allen, great for 3games and then regress for a couple or more. Stef was in his head today!

[@Sting283]

Vintage Allen usually plays really well in the beginning mediocre in the middle of the season, and then turns it on near the end

[@chreal9863]

I'll take allen all day over all QB's. He's been pretty damn good. Nobody cares about Stephanie.

[@thebops4180]

Another embarrassing loss. Over and over again! The offense is missing bigtime! Buffalo ain't learning! The EAST is horrible!

[@stang93ful]

This is deeper than just McDermott. How about we talk about the decisions that Beane has made? He’s the one who ultimately brought in all these fkn guys. THIS IS THE TEAM THEY WANTED/CHOSE. 🤷🏼 We need to STOP letting Beane off the hook with some of the terrible decisions and signings he’s made because he’s completely shit the bed in many areas. I’ll admit he’s also done well too in the past but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. It’s all just so fkn frustrating. I’m just SICK AND TIRED of the same old shit.

[@tjmckenzie4048]

Chill bro. They've won 4 straight division titles. They've lost 3 times in the playoffs to the chiefs.

[@michaelandrew8493]

Another year wasting Allens prime. Does anyone really think we win the super bowl with this team?

[@jcb998]

Beane won't do anything like always. he will Let the Chiefs get better and sit on his hands like always. Or he will trade for a guy because he is "good at special teams"

[@aaronbutler9373]

Josh the Fullback choked again

[@miguelnovoa768]

The team is terrible, this season is donso!!!!

[@NtourisSgtJackMichoff]

The Jets game isn't a must win?!?! We will be .500 and they are an inferior team.... if its not a must win.. I don't know what is

[@chipprovost8345]

Even you guys seem frustrated by this loss. To me, thats very telling. You guys cover this team all season long. McD at end of game, its inexcusable. Thats the kind of stuff that gets you fired.

[@GraigPresti]

Then coward when it’s time to press them so the can golf in the summer with McDermott

[@tommcmasters8429]

I arrived at home 17 minutes into this podcast and haven't heard one intelligent thing from your mouths yet. This was a bad first half because Josh was off. Your discussion should have been was Josh off because he was asked to make throws he's not good at (Joe Brady's play calling was bad) or did he just have an off start. The while wide receivers could get separation mantra didn't matter be cause Josh had so many throws that no wide receiver would have been able to catch. And your analysis about the end of game ignores the fact that 90% of the everyone including you and I were hoping those were the calls before they were made. You just say otherwise now because they didn't work this time.

[@GraigPresti]

Collins is a bottom dweller special team player

[@rajman7644]

The Texans/Diggs have nothing to laugh about. They were lucky to escape with a win over a severely beat-up team playing their 2nd road game in a row. And Diggs won't be laughing when the Texans (also) fail to make the SB, much less win it.

[@robertcannon6265]

😂 we have more injuries than the Bills. Stop the madness. Yall lost, good game.

[@ozkarin07]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 good stay crying!

[@mrwowlover8432]

WR 1 didn’t made Josh Allan MVP. The Buffalo Bills are the Best team in the NFL, Josh Allan is playing at MVP level, everyone eats. Digg: You Sure? Miss Me?

[@GraigPresti]

Put the paint chips down please

[@PaulY86-u8t]

Diggs is only "missed" in terms of the fact that he is a good receiver. Who exactly that receiver is is irrelevant..they just need to exist and be on the Bills roster. Right now the Bills only competent receiver is Shakir and he should be a WR 2 at best

[@chreal9863]

Nobody misses Stephanie.

[@ozkarin07]

​@@chreal9863😂😂😂😂😂😂 are you sure ?🤡

[@shawnhyland2999]

Let’s not kild ourselves. This version of the Buffalo Bills is not good enough for the Super Bowl and may not be good enough to get in a playoffs. The talent level on this team is lacking extremely lacking.

[@tjmckenzie4048]

People are calling the Texans a major super bowl contender. The bills lost on the road on the last play of the game with half their defense out yesterday. The offense looked bad, but they aren't that far away.