Bills Coach Sean McDermott on Loss to Bears: ‘A Ton to Work On’

To say that Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott was displeased with his team’s effort in their 33-6 loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday may be an understatement.

The Bills dropped their first preseason contest of 2024 to the Bears — as untimely penalties and difficulty controlling the line of scrimmage served as their demise. As one may imagine, McDermott appears focused on getting his team back on track.

“There is "a ton to work on," McDermott told reporters in his postgame remarks to the media. "Our standard was not out there today," he said. "That's not how we play, so there is a lot we need to do to get ready to go here."

Having played sparingly in the first quarter, Bills’ starting quarterback Josh Allen finished the game completing two passes for 22 yards. However, reserves Shane Buechele and Mitchell Trubisky struggled for much of the contest. Buffalo’s running game — expected to reach new heights under offensive coordinator Joe Brady — managed to gain only 36 yards on 19 carries. The Bills’ offensive line did not fare much better, having yielded eight sacks.

Needless to say, McDermott is planning on guiding his team to a turn-around in time for their second preseason tilt next Saturday.

“We didn't control the line of scrimmage from the jump, all the way down to one of the last series we had on offense, trying to get a first down on third-and-1 ... and can't get a yard," McDermott said. "That's where the challenge comes in. We've got to embrace that challenge. We've got a lot of work to do."

The Bills will return to the practice fields this week to prepare for their journey to Aricsure Stadium to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Aug. 17.