Tension Mounts Between Sean McDermott and Joe Brady Amid Bills’ Offensive Struggles
The Buffalo Bills are currently navigating a challenging stretch as they approach their Week 7 bye. After suffering back-to-back defeats—first at the hands of the New England Patriots in Week 5 and then on the road against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6—the team’s frustrations are palpable.
Recurring Issues on Offense
In both contests, the Bills exhibited several concerning trends. Uncharacteristic penalties plagued their efforts, and critical defensive stops went missing at crucial moments. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s play-calling has come under scrutiny, with critics suggesting he has attempted to get “too cute” in his approach.
This phrase, articulated by head coach Sean McDermott, likely references a particularly questionable call during the loss to New England—a jet sweep designed for tight end Dawson Knox that ended in a fumble due to a miscommunication with quarterback Josh Allen. Rather than adjusting his strategy, Brady returned to a similar tactic in Week 6, opting for a third-and-one sweep for wide receiver Elijah Moore. The result was another fumble, leading to a fourth-and-five situation that forced the Bills to punt.
Missed Opportunities and Frustrations
What heightens the frustration is the effective performance of running back James Cook, who was finding success on the ground. In hindsight, many observers believe handing the ball to Cook could have been a far better option than relying on Brady’s risky play-calling.
When asked about Brady’s decisions during a press conference, McDermott’s support seemed measured at best. “Joe is a great OC and play-caller, but you go through a game and there are always plays you want back,” McDermott stated. “He knows how I feel about it; we talked about that again this morning. I remain confident in him putting us in good position.”
While McDermott’s remarks didn’t directly signal discord between him and Brady, they lacked the fervent endorsement one might expect from a head coach fully behind his offensive coordinator.
The Future of the Playbook
It’s difficult to attribute the Bills’ recent struggles to any single play or decision, but the insistence on unconventional strategies raises eyebrows. As the team prepares to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, it seems likely that they will steer clear of jet sweeps in hopes of stabilizing their offense.
As the Bills work to address these pressing issues, the relationship between McDermott and Brady will be scrutinized closely. The coming weeks will determine whether the two can align their visions and lead the team back to its winning ways.
