1. How Josh Allen grew in year two and thoughts on his future
Second-year quarterback Josh Allen finished the season passing many milestones as a Buffalo Bill. Allen recorded nine rushing touchdowns which was a franchise best for a quarterback in a single season, it was also the most out of any NFL quarterback in the regular season. Allen also had a +17.1 passer rating increase from 2018 to 2019 which is the highest out of all quarterbacks to start 10 or more games in the last two seasons. Head coach Sean McDermott thinks Allen made a lot of progress in year two but knows there are still things to improve on.
"He's made a tremendous amount of progress," McDermott said. "Let's start there, let's recognize the work that this young man has put in and the growth that he has shown. Is there still work to do? Yes. He'd be the first to tell you that, that is, in fact that the case. The game did not end the way we wanted it to end. The reason is because we didn't play well enough in the second half in particular, we scored field goals and we needed touchdowns."
As the team hits the offseason, many players will focus on improving their technique. When it comes to Allen, McDermott wants to see him get some rest after a long season and focus on things he struggled with, one being the deep ball.
"I thought he did a good job this year of staying healthy, which is a number one—availability," McDermott explained. "Then working with Jordan [Palmer] in this case and making sure that he's working on techniques. Obviously the deep ball has been a conversation, and so he's very aware of that, his feet. There's plenty for Josh to work on. I'll just start there and Josh is very aware of that and that's the greatest part about Josh is he's aware of it and he's self-critical. He'll take that and combine that with his tremendous work ethic and I think he'll have a great offseason."
Allen referenced many times this season his tendency to resort to playing "hero ball" when a game comes down to the wire. The quarterback showed growth in not resorting to putting it all on his shoulders as much as he did in his rookie season, but McDermott wants him to continue to trust the pieces he has on offense. Part of that solution is also continuing to give Allen more weapons he can use.
"I think it all comes back to just for Josh is trying to do too much, that has been something we've talked about," McDermott said. "That's been something he has to continue to handle as he moves forward and as he continues to grow in his career. I'm confident that he'll do that. I think that's the next step for Josh, is that awareness maturity. However you want to phrase it, it's the understanding that I don't have to do it all myself. I'm mature, I'm a tremendous generator and playmaker, but I've got pieces around me as we continue, in all honesty, to build a roster. That's what we have to do is to continue to give him pieces that he trusts. In addition to the ones that he already had."
In 2019, the Buffalo Bills celebrated their 60th season as a franchise by going 10-6 in the regular season and clinching the AFC's fifth seed. It is the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills have qualified for the playoffs, and was a great way to celebrate the 60th season of the Buffalo Bills and the 100th season of the NFL. Scroll through to view the top photos and moments from the season.
The Bills got to work early in the offseason, signing free agents that included WR John Brown, WR Cole Beasley, C Mitch Morse, CB Kevin Johnson, T Ty Nsekhe, WR/KR Andre Roberts, TE Tyler Kroft, OL Jon Feliciano and RB Frank Gore.
Buffalo Bills free agent signing at ADPRO Sports Training Center, March 14, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
APR 12, 2019, Orchard Park, NY: The ribbon cutting of the new Buffalo Bills training complex. Photo by Craig Melvin/Buffalo Bills
APR 12, 2019, Orchard Park, NY: The ribbon cutting and tour of the new Buffalo Bills training complex. Photo by Craig Melvin/Buffalo Bills
Tremaine Edmunds - Buffalo Bills players arrive at One Bills Drive for voluntary off-season workouts. April 15, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Micah Hyde - Buffalo Bills players arrive at One Bills Drive for voluntary off-season workouts. April 15, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Brandon Beane speaks with Pancho Billa by phone to let him inform the team draft table in Nashville of their selection of Ed Oliver - Inside the Buffalo Bills Draft Room at One Bills Drive for Round One of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver takes the stage after the Buffalo Bills selected him in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Head Coach Sean McDermott addresses fans after taking Ed Oliver ninth overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft .
April 25, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Cody Ford poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Buffalo Bills selected Ford during the second round of the NFL football draft, Friday, April 26, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, at One Bills Drive on April 26, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Cody Ford, Buffalo Bills second round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, with Brandon Beane and Terry & Kim Pegula at One Bills Drive on April 27, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Buffalo Bills announced their Day 3 draft picks from Rochester, NY to honor one of the NFL's original towns and teams - the Rochester Jeffersons.
After selecting Ed Oliver and Cody Ford, the Bills rounded out the draft by selecting RB Devin Singletary, TE Dawson Knox, LB Vosean Joseph, S Jaquan Johnson, DE Darryl Johnson and TE Tommy Sweeney.
Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills, May 15, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Ed Oliver - Buffalo Bills on May 9, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle.
Buffalo Bills take part in Organized Team Activities, May 28, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Rookie Community Day 2019 Buffalo, NY June 19, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 25, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 25, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills honorary captain at the Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Kyle Williams with defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91), Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went 4 -0 in the preseason, defeating the Colts, Panthers, Lions and Vikings. A long touchdown run by RB Christian Wade was a highlight of the preseason.
Buffalo Bills running back Christian Wade (45) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs. Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills went 4 -0 in the preseason, defeating the Colts, Panthers, Lions and Vikings. A long touchdown run by RB Christian Wade was a highlight of the preseason.
Buffalo Bills running back Christian Wade (45) touchdown celebration Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills take part in a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, August 13, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills take part in a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, August 13, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills opened the season against the Jets at Metlife Stadium.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
The Bills opened the season in New Jersey with a comeback win over the Jets, 17 - 16. Josh Allen and John Brown connected on a 38-yard TD pass with 3:00 left to put the Bills ahead.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills opened the season in New Jersey with a comeback win over the Jets, 17 - 16. Josh Allen and John Brown connected on a 38-yard TD pass with 3:00 left to put the Bills ahead.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) touchdown Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
The Bills opened the season in New Jersey with a comeback win over the Jets, 17 - 16. Players celebrated with Owner Terry Pegula in the locker room after the game.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back to MetLife Stadium in Week 2, beating the Giants 28 - 14. Josh Allen, Devin Singletary and Frank Gore had rushing touchdowns, while Isaiah McKenzie added a receiving touchdown. Jordan Poyer and Trent Murphy had interceptions.
Harrison Phillips. Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back to MetLife Stadium in Week 2, beating the Giants 28 - 14. Josh Allen, Devin Singletary and Frank Gore had rushing touchdowns, while Isaiah McKenzie added a receiving touchdown. Jordan Poyer and Trent Murphy had interceptions.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Cody Ford (70) and offensive guard Jon Feliciano (76) Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back to MetLife Stadium in Week 2, beating the Giants 28 - 14. Josh Allen was 19/30 passing for 253 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
The Bills honored the life of super fan "Pancho Billa" prior to the home opener against the Bengals.
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals at New Era Field, September 22, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills opened the season at home with a win to move their record to 3-0. Jordan Poyer had 10 tackles and Tre'Davious White had two interceptions.
Dawson Knox catch and run. Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills opened the season at home with a win to move their record to 3-0. Josh Allen threw for 243 yards and a score.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Legend Marv Levy Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
As part of "Fantennial Weekend" to celebrate NFL 100, the Buffalo Bills celebrate the marriage of Mackenzie Park and Jordan Binggeli, the winning couple from the "Halftime Wedding Experience of a Lifetime" contest, at New Era Field on September 29th 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
Frank Gore. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. Duke Williams and Lee Smith had the touchdowns, while Buffalo's defense had 5 sacks and only gave up 252 yards of offense.
Shaq Lawson and Kurt Coleman. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans, October 6, 2019 at Nissan Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. Duke Williams and Lee Smith had the touchdowns, while Buffalo's defense had 5 sacks and only gave up 252 yards of offense.
Jordan Phillips sack celebration. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans, October 6, 2019 at Nissan Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. Duke Williams and Lee Smith had the touchdowns, while Buffalo's defense had 5 sacks and only gave up 252 yards of offense.
Duke Williams postgame celebration. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans, October 6, 2019 at Nissan Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. It was estimated that there were about 30,000 Bills fans in attendance.
Buffalo Bills Duke Williams (82). Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 . Photo by Craig Melvin
Buffalo Bills Crucial Catch Family Fun Night. October 15, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills moved to 5 -1 in Week 7 after beating the Dolphins 31 - 21 following the bye week. John Brown and Cole Beasley had receiving touchdowns, while Tre'Davious White added another interception.
Josh Allen. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills moved to 5 -1 in Week 7 after beating the Dolphins 31 - 21 following the bye week. John Brown and Cole Beasley had receiving touchdowns, while Tre'Davious White added another interception.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) interception Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills moved to 5 -1 in Week 7 after beating the Dolphins 31 - 21 following the bye week. John Brown and Cole Beasley had receiving touchdowns, while Tre'Davious White added another interception.
Micah Hyde onside kick recovery for a touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen. Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles, October 27, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Cole Beasley touchdown and leap into the fans. Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles, October 27, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Week 9 against Washington saw the Bills get back in the win column after a 24 - 9 win over Washington. This moved the Bills to 6 -2 on the season.
Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary (26) leaps into the endzone after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins, November 3, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde
Week 9 against Washington saw the Bills get back in the win column after a 24 - 9 win over Washington. This moved the Bills to 6 -2 on the season.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) sack of Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins, November 3, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Week 9 against Washington saw the Bills get back in the win column after a 24 - 9 win over Washington. This moved the Bills to 6 -2 on the season.
Touchdown Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley (10) Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins at New Era Field, November 3, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) safety Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, November 10, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) Buffalo Bills vs Cleveland Browns at First Energy Stadium on November 10, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
The Bills went back on the road and beat Miami 37 - 20 in Week 11 to improve to 7-3 on the year. Josh Allen threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, while the defense combine for 7 sacks on the day.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, November 17, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back on the road and beat Miami 37 - 20 in Week 11 to improve to 7-3 on the year. Josh Allen threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, while the defense combine for 7 sacks on the day.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, November 17, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Thanksgiving Blitz, Food Bank of WNY, November 19, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos at New Era Field, November 24, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates with Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, November 24, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) celebrates his sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Brandon Allen (2) with Shaq Lawson. Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, November 24, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) touchdown pass to wide receiver John Brown (15) Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, November 24, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse (60) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley (10) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates. Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, December 8, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ravens plays are swept across the field by the wind as Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) has some fun with them Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens game at New Era Field on December 8, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, December 8, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27)Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Tyler Kroft fourth quarter touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers, December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) interception Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers, December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott with Bills fans Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4. It was believed to be the first time in 92 years that three brothers played in the same game.
Tremaine Edmunds and brothers, Terrell (middle) and Trey (right). Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers, December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Fans greet the Buffalo Bills at the airport following their victory in Pittsburgh. December 16, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ed Oliver and Micah Hyde tackle Tom Brady. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, December 21, 2019 at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (73) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, December 21, 2019 at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Bill Wippert
With the #5 seed in the AFC Playoffs locked up, the Bills tested many different lineup combinations in Week 17 against the Jets.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets, December 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
With the #5 seed in the AFC Playoffs locked up, the Bills tested many different lineup combinations in Week 17 against the Jets. It turned out to be the final home game for Lorenzo Alexander.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets at New Era Field, December 29, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
With the #5 seed in the AFC Playoffs locked up, the Bills tested many different lineup combinations in Week 17 against the Jets. It turned out to be the final home game for Lorenzo Alexander.
Trent Murphy, Corey Liuget, Vincent Taylor, Darryl Johnson. Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets, December 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Duke Williams (82) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 4, 2020. Photo by Craig Melvin
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) touchdown catch. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) sack of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 4, 2020. Photo by Craig Melvin
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19. Lorenzo Alexander announced his retirement following the game.
Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills finished the regular season at 10 - 6 and as the AFC's #5 seed, marking the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the team qualified for the playoffs.
Tre'Davious White was named to his first Pro Bowl, while Tremaine Edmunds, Mitch Morse, Andre Roberts, John Brown, Frank Gore, Jordan Phillips and Jerry Hughes were named alternates.
To the best fans in the NFL, thank you! We will see you during the 2020 season.
2. Turning the pain of the Wild Card loss into growth for 2020
After Saturday's 22-19 overtime loss to the Texans on Wild Card weekend, McDermott pointed to the pain that he and his team still feel. But, it's not just the pain that's important, McDermott wants his team to use the pain as fuel for the future.
"The game certainly did not end, the way we wanted it to end," McDermott said. "It did not go the way we wanted it to go in particular in the second half and because of that it's been a painful couple of days for all of us, and I recognize that. My hope is in time that if it's handled the right way, the pain will turn into strength and that strength will turn into growth."
McDermott wants his team to approach the offseason with a "tremendous" amount of urgency to tackle what each player needs to improve on in order to win more games.
"We've got to score more points and I think everybody knows that I know that," McDermott said. "We have to find answers to do that, that's part of our offseason."
McDermott also pointed to the lack of tackling in key moments as a breakdown in the game.
"You have to be able to have high level of execution of your fundamentals in key moments of the game, and we didn't," McDermott said. "Then, we have to continue as coaches to go back and look at and say why schematically were we putting the players in the position, all of that. That's really just what we have to do is evaluate from top to bottom."
Concentrating on the development that can come from a loss that stings until next season begins is what's most important for McDermott and his team.
"As I told the team and as I told you guys after the game we'll never stop fighting," McDermott explained. "That's been my career to this point and I expect the Buffalo Bills to never stop fighting."
3. What does McDermott plan to do with his staff for next season?
We have seen turnover on the coaching staff after the first two seasons with Sean McDermott as head coach, but after a 10-win season, McDermott wants to keep his staff together heading into next season.
"We're going to continue to evaluate our whole football team and that's a piece of it," McDermott said. "But for right now, I don't plan on any changes at this point."
McDermott believes consistency in players and staff will help his team grow and improve.
"We've got some thoughts on where we need to improve, and certainly continuity is important," McDermott explained. "Not just from coach to player but coach to coach, player to player and so, and the list goes on. The more we're around each other, the more continuity. That's where we talk about as I said, keeping this team as intact as possible."
