Buffalo Bills Year-End Reflection: McDermott’s Insights on 2023 Season, Offseason Plans, and Team’s Future
Even after the season is finished, work never ends.
During his annual year-end press conference with the local media on Tuesday, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott extensively discussed the team’s recent defeat, the 2023 regular season, and the upcoming offseason.
Key points from McDermott’s lengthy press conference are summarized below, and the complete video is available for viewing.
McDermott highlighted the Bills’ achievement of winning the AFC East division four times in a row and making the playoffs six out of his seven years in the league. He emphasized the need to restart the process for the team. McDermott also addressed players entering the portal and the team’s free-agent situation.
When questioned about the defensive line’s struggles in significant games, McDermott attributed the issue to the injury situation during the Cincinnati Bengals game last season. He refrained from committing to the idea of hiring a defensive coordinator at this time.
Acknowledging the job done by offensive coordinator Joe Brady during the mid-season transition, McDermott mentioned that quarterback Josh Allen would have input into the decision but ultimately emphasized his responsibility in selecting the team’s next offensive coordinator.
McDermott discussed the special teams’ performance as a mixed bag and commended defensive coordinator Matt Smiley for adjusting the lineup based on weekly player availability, considering injuries.
While expressing satisfaction with the team’s accomplishments under his leadership, McDermott emphasized that falling short of objectives is disappointing but not debilitating. He noted that what went wrong earlier in the year was executed better in the latter half of the season.
As a defensive strategist, McDermott highlighted winning games at the end and minimizing mistakes as keys to overcoming early-season challenges. He spoke about learning from the playoff loss to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round and expressed the team’s goal to surpass the AFC Divisional Round in the future.
Additionally, McDermott addressed the return of edge rusher Von Miller for the upcoming season, cornerback Tre’Davious White’s recovery, and his sentiments towards linebackers coach Bobby Babich, who was sought after by the New York Giants for the role of defensive coordinator.
For a comprehensive understanding of Sean McDermott’s thoughts, the full season-ending news conference can be viewed below.
