The 2019 AFC Playoffs proved to be a bitter pill for the Bills to swallow after suffering a painful defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. And though the result of that game certainly left a sour taste to what was in many ways a successful season, head coach Sean McDermott had already found a way to use it to bolster the team's intestinal fortitude going forward.
"It's been a painful couple of days for all of us," he said on the heels of the overtime loss. "My hope is in time that if it's handled the right way that pain will turn into strength, and that strength will turn into growth. And I think that's what really separates the winning organizations. The growth that comes from that is what will continue to move us forward as an organization as a fan base, and as a team, overall."
There were real lessons that McDermott's players will pull from that Wild Card game, whether it's recognizing time and score and applying it to what might be coming on each and every play or having air tight execution in the critical moments of games.
For Buffalo's front office, this year's playoff game served to confirm some suppositions that GM Brandon Beane and McDermott had about their team and what they need to do to change those deficiencies.
"If you make the playoffs, your last game — if you don't win it all, whether you go to the championship game or lose like we did — a lot of times it kind of shows you where you're good and where you need to get better," said Beane. "I thought we saw that [against Houston]. We just didn't score enough points."
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.
Seeing the Texans elite players like DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson make crucial plays at the end of that game might tempt a team like Buffalo to swing for the fences on a singular, dynamic, game-changing player to level up as an offense. But Beane sees their offseason to-do list as a more comprehensive exercise.
"I don't think we're one player away, I never think you are and I definitely don't think we're one player away [now]," he said. "You lose in the first round of the playoffs, that doesn't say to me that the Bills are one player away from being exactly where they want to be."
In the same breath however, Beane indicated that a receiver capable of being a go-to option in critical moments is the kind of talent they're going to be seeking.
While adding more talent on offense won't be an overhaul like it was last offseason, it sounds as though it will be multi-layered, all in an effort to better assist quarterback Josh Allen.
"As we continue to build a roster what we have to do is continue to give him pieces that he trusts, in addition to the ones that he already has," said McDermott of Allen.
The message that Buffalo's head coach drove home more than any in his season wrap-up address is that efforts will be made to keep the vast majority of the roster together.
"We've got a lot of work to do," he said. "We have to number one, start in house. Start internally in terms of our roster and we've got some decisions to make. We need to make sure that we keep as much of this team intact as possible. Each year, each team is different, but you give yourself a better chance the more that you keep a team intact."
But in no way should that be an indication that he and Beane are satisfied with the caliber of the roster. Their team is full of quality players, but the Bills personnel boss knows he and his staff must find viable and fiscally reasonable upgrades wherever they can.
"We're going to look under every rock to find competition and upgrades where we can, but my philosophy hasn't changed," said Beane, "We've got to draft, develop and sign our guys. Hopefully we'll just be able to add some pieces here and there to help us take the next step."
A big part of taking that next step naturally hinges on Allen pushing his personal game forward. But his physical gifts combined with his unrelenting work ethic and competitive nature has his head coach convinced it will happen.
"You know he'll put the work in and you know he'll be better next season," said McDermott. "I think you'll see another step this offseason by Josh going into next season."
That combined with reportedly close to $90 million in cap space and the front office's ability to successfully mine quality talent should provide the Bills with a window of opportunity to achieve big things in 2020.
"It gives you a lot of flexibility, the more cap space you have," said Beane. "Now obviously we want to begin re-signing some of our own guys and putting those funds there, so I don't know what it'll be by the time we get to free agency and then you have to hold money for the draft class. But it gives us a lot of flexibility. It will allow us to do what we need to do to get better."
Arguments could be made to find additional talent at cornerback, defensive end, linebacker, offensive line and receiver. Beane and McDermott will work diligently to come up with their best plan to turn a solid roster into a dominant one.
"We can't sit back, nor will I ever sit back, or Brandon sit back for that matter, and say, 'Hey you know this is where we are, we're good and we just need to take this much more,'" said McDermott. "That's not how this league works. You've seen teams one year they're up, next year they're down. I think there was a stat the other day about how there's only one or two remaining teams this year that were in the final eight last year. That's the truth of our league so that's why we have to approach it with a tremendous amount of urgency."
At the same time they won't compromise how they cultivated their current level of success.
"We're not changing the plan. said Beane. "You still have to do it the right way. If it's going to last and be sustained success, we want to be urgent in our approach. We want to press our guys. We want to turn every switch and button that we can to win as many games as possible and make it much further than we did this year."
