What's Happening?
The Buffalo Bills suffered a significant defeat against the Chicago Bears, losing 38-0 in their second preseason game. Coach Sean McDermott expressed concern over the team's performance, stating it was 'certainly not up to our standard.' The Bills primarily played their backup players, while the Bears fielded their starters, leading to a disparity in performance. McDermott emphasized the need for improvement across all levels of the team, regardless of whether starters or backups are playing. Safety Cole Bishop and wide receiver Joshua Palmer, both recovering from injuries, participated briefly in the game. McDermott highlighted the importance of learning from the game footage and improving before the regular season begins.
Why It's Important?
The performance of the Buffalo Bills in the preseason is crucial as it sets the tone for the upcoming regular season. As five-time defending AFC East champions, expectations are high for the team. The blowout loss raises concerns about the depth and readiness of the team's second and third-string players, which could impact their ability to compete effectively throughout the season. McDermott's comments underscore the need for the team to address fundamental issues and improve their overall performance. The preseason games are an opportunity to evaluate players and make necessary adjustments before facing stronger competition in the regular season.
What's Next?
The Buffalo Bills will play their preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before starting the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens. Coach McDermott and the team will focus on addressing the issues highlighted in the loss to the Bears, including penalties and fundamental gameplay. The upcoming games will be critical for the Bills to refine their strategies and ensure their players are prepared for the challenges of the regular season. The coaching staff will likely continue to evaluate player performance and make roster decisions based on these evaluations.
