1. Playoff game showed the areas where the Bills need to improve
The Buffalo Bills are still feeling the effects of their playoff loss to the Houston Texans. As Brandon Beane and the front office get into the first steps of evaluating the 2019 season, the areas they need to improve on became especially apparent last Saturday.
"A lot of times if you make the playoffs your last game is kind of emblematic of how your season went and where you're good and where you have to get better," Beane said. "I thought that you saw we didn't score enough points."
For Beane and the rest of the staff it also showed where the Bills are already good. Defensively, the Bills allowed just 19 points in regulation against Houston. The unit returns nine starters in 2020 after a season in which the defense ranked second in the NFL in points allowed per game (16.2).
Still, Buffalo's goal is to be strong under all three phases.
"We want to be better on special teams. I did think it improved from a year ago but we're not happy with that," Beane said. "Offensively, we did show some improvements statistically and Josh [Allen] did improve and we scored more points. But at the end of the day we didn't score enough."
2. Areas where Beane believes the personnel department can help
Beane takes the faults and struggles of the Bills offense and special teams on his own shoulders. The Bills improved statistically in each phase with second-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and first-year special teams coordinator Heath Farwell.
Beane said he needs to improve to help Buffalo's offense make strides.
"I'm going to look in the mirror," Beane said. "To be honest with you, there's things that I always ask myself like 'what can I do better to get our roster better'."
Looking back on the past three seasons as general manager Beane discussed how in his first year he came in with a different quarterback and offensive coordinator and at that point made a decision to draft a new quarterback in 2018. Still, Buffalo exceeded expectations and made the playoffs.
In his second year, with a rookie quarterback, Beane said he did not do a good job handling the salary cap restrictions and regrets not getting better protection upfront. The Bills also did not plan on having Allen start as soon as he did.
Year three the Bills offense dealt with nine new starters and needed time for it to all gel together. Beane called it a "not ideal" situation.
"Year two in Brian Daboll's system I saw improvement, but Brian would be the first to tell you that there's things he would want to do as well to take a step forward," Beane said.
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.
3. Wide receiver? Defensive end? The Bills are more than just one player away
The Buffalo Bills are not one player away from competing for a Super Bowl said Brandon Beane.
"You lose in the first round of the playoffs, that doesn't say to me that you're one player away from being exactly where you want to be," Beane said.
Bills fans have been clamoring for more help at the wide receiver position and Beane has already put a plan in place to act on it. It's one of the main positions that the team needs to improve on.
"We're not going to go in and just throw a bunch of money and everything at receivers but we're going to try and find one," Beane said. "Obviously the first place we'll look at will be these college all-star games and seeing what's there. Free agency is first on the calendar, so we'll take a look there as well. It's a fair question."
Another area of concern for next season will be the defensive line. The Bills have two veteran edge rushers in Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy, along with two key contributors who will be free agents in Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips.
"We've got a lot to clean up or answer whether it's re-signing our free agents or the guys that are aging," Beane said. "We do want to continue to get young and we added some young guys last year."
Beane specifically brought up the youth on the defensive line like Harrison Phillips, Ed Oliver, and Darryl Johnson as players who will continue to improve.
But, the Bills would "love" to have a dominant edge rusher, Beane said.
"There's not even 32, one for every team, and I promise you we're looking for those guys," Beane said. "Good luck pressuring the quarterback on his backside. We want to be strong and stop the run but at the end of the day there's only so many Von Millers and that type of player."
4. Tre'Davious White and Josh Allen continue to impress
Beane saw noticeable improvement from both Tre'Davious White and Josh Allen this season.
"I'm very proud of Tre'Davious," Beane said. "He's a guy we want here for the long term. He has developed and is still developing and I think he can be better than he was this year. The thing I was real proud of this year was his steady play the whole time and he took the ball away."
Beane did not comment on the possibility of signing White to a long term deal this offseason. But he reiterated that his primary goal in general is to be able to draft, develop, then re-sign those players.
Beane was complimentary of Allen's mindset in 2019 and feels he will improve when he comes back in the spring.
"We had our exit meeting with him and he's the first to know the areas of improvement," Beane said. "He's very aware of what the things he does well are and what he needs to be better at. It you take it back to when he walked out a year ago and when he came back in the spring, all that work carried over into games this year."
"We don't win 10 games without Josh," Beane said.
5. Time to expect everyone's best
After making the playoffs two of the last three years, Beane acknowledges that the Bills will no longer sneak up on opponents. And he told the team that they will need to adjust their mindset in 2020.
"You're going to get everyone's best next season and you have to be prepared for it. There's no sneaking up on anyone or people underestimating the Buffalo Bills," Beane said. "That'll be a different test and we didn't always answer that in Carolina. Sean and I talked about that and will be something that we'll definitely focus on this offseaon."
