Back in the preseason, Buffalo Bills' head coach Sean McDermott made it abundantly clear following a loss that the team hadn't lived up to the standard . We've heard the sentiment of "the standard" being echoed by Bills players and coaches alike, both as a rallying cry, a source of accountability, and a reason why Buffalo continuously has guys on the depth chart ready to step in at moment's notice.
Sunday night was no different. Following a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in primetime, McDermott sent a very strong, and crystal clear, message to the team that will undoubtedly carry with them throughout preparations for next week's matchup against a tough Houston Texans team.
For Buffalo, losing in such dramatic fashion has been a rarity. It's been three years since the Bills lost by more than a touchdown, the longest such streak in league history.
"Not necessarily," McDermott said when asked if his approach changes coming off such a big loss. "I think it's important early in the year that that we're consistent in our approach, that I'm consistent for the guys in that locker room and the staff. That said, there's that's going to take me – it's an hour plane ride home. I wish it was a five hour plane ride because I'd have enough time to find all the things that that we need to work on. So, it just wasn't up to our standard tonight. And I say that in the way of, we have to do things bette. Fundamentally, execution wise, and it's not just one position. We as a collective, as a team, have to fundamentally do a better job."
McDermott also was asked specifically about how the linebackers fared against Baltimore's screen game and short attack.
"I mean overall, I don't want to single out a certain position, but overall, as a defense, when you're talking about draws, screens, those types of things, we've got to do a better job of feeling the game and the indicators and the keys. I didn't think we did a good enough job overall as a defense in that regard."
Sunday night's performance was a rough one. The offense couldn't get much going, outside of quarterback Josh Allen rolling outside the pocket and throwing up some bombs down the field. A trick play went horrendously wrong in the second half, resulting in a fumble that gave the ball back to the Ravens. It looked more disjointed and choppy than it has throughout the season so far. On defense, the Bills got punched in the mouth on the first play from scrimmage from the Ravens, with Derrick Henry taking his first touch for an 87-yard touchdown. The defense consistently looked out of place, late, confused by the misdirection in front of them, and failed to get off blocks to fill their run fits.
If there's one silver lining, it's that a rough performance like this one is better early in the season when you can learn and grow from it than late in the season when the playoffs are on the line.
McDermott takes great pride in the organization that he represents. Back in the preseason, he said "there's a standard and expectation, when you put on the colors of the Buffalo Bills, to come out and play a lot better than we did." His message tonight echoed that sentiment. Buffalo will have to be honest with themselves in analyzing Sunday night's game against Baltimore to improve and put a much more competitive foot forward next week against the Houston Texans.
Related: Bills' quarterback Josh Allen has blunt reaction to controversial trick play
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp .
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