Fans baffled by Bills’ bizarre calls in first half vs. Ravens
Jan 4, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott before the AFC Wild Card NFL Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills left many of the team’s supporters confused Sunday during their Week 4 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md.
On the game’s opening drive, the Bills had 4th-and-1 at their own 39-yard line. Buffalo executed a designed run for quarterback Josh Allen, who rushed for 3 yards to get the first down. The team ended up punting a few plays later when faced with 4th-and-2 at the 50.
One quarter later, the Bills found themselves in the exact same situation. Buffalo again had 4th-and-1 at their own 39. The difference was that the team was already in a 14-3 hole at that point. But instead of being more aggressive due to the two-score deficit, Bills head coach Sean McDermott opted to punt.
Some fans and media members on X expressed frustration toward McDermott for seemingly choosing the cowardly option in a marquee game.
tied 0-0
4th & 1 at their own 39
Bills go for it & easily gain 3 yards to convert
losing 14-3
4th & 1 at their own 39
Bills punt
need to know what McDermott says about this
he's terrible in these situations & costs the Bills all the time with his conservative coaching
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 30, 2024
Sean McDermott set the tone for this entire night with his decision to punt the ball on that first drive.
Lesson learning time on a national stage
— Air Raid | Buffalo (@TheBillsGuys) September 30, 2024
Sean McDermott has an indefensible punt, the Ravens score a TD.
McDermott has another indefensible punt, the Ravens score a TD.
Game over. Bills, your coach didn't give you a chance to compete tonight. Maybe next week.
— Frank Schwab (@YahooSchwab) September 30, 2024
This is the Sean McDermott that makes you furious. Coaching scared. 4th and 1 and 4th and 2 near midfield and both times you take it out of 17s hands. Let him go out there and make a play
— Duane Steinel (@DuaneS39) September 30, 2024
Others felt like McDermott was arbitrarily deciding when to punt or go for it when faced with short-yardage situations.
First series – 4th and 1 on own 39 – Bills GO
First series – 4th and 2 at 50 – Bills PUNT
Down 14-3 – 4th and 1 on own 39 – Bills PUNT
Down 21-3 – 4th and 2 at own 47 – Bills GO
Down 21-3 – 4th and 8 at opp 48 – Bills PUNTAll in 1st half. Does McDermott flip a coin?
— Justin Van Zuiden (@stlcardinals84) September 30, 2024
The Bills punted on four of their five first-half possessions against the Ravens. Two of those punts came with Buffalo at midfield with just 2 yards or fewer to gain. The Bills trailed 21-3 at halftime.
With Allen under center, the Bills have one of the best rushing options at QB. But McDermott opted to stay conservative early against the Ravens, much to the dismay of several Bills fans.