Sean McDermott knows it’s crunch time. With playoff dreams on the line, the Bills’ HC has a clear message for two of the key individuals in his repertoire. He has kept his demands simple for Josh Allen and Joe Brady.

McDermott didn’t mince words after clinching the No. 2 seed. “Being a two-dimensional threat. Two-dimensional offense… That’s important,” McDermott emphasized during his postgame press conference after the loss to the Patriots. “Controlling the line of scrimmage is a big piece of that,” he added. His words underline what the Bills accomplished for the most part in 2024. ‘What is it?’ you may ask.

The answer is, finding the perfect balance between Allen’s arm and their dynamic rushing game. And the Bills made NFL history this season with 30 passing and 30 rushing touchdowns, a testament to their balanced attack. But McDermott’s focus now shifts to making that historic offense deliver moving forward in January.

And Josh Allen leads the charge with his dual-threat capability. His ability to extend plays complemented the offense’s ground game. A ground game orchestrated by Joe Brady. Under Brady, Buffalo’s offense transformed. It has an average of 31.8 points per game (second in the league). And the historic 30-30 mark showcased how Brady’s strategies unleashed the full potential of their roster. While James Cook epitomized that balance.

Cook’s 1,009 rushing yards and record-tying 16 rushing touchdowns added to Buffalo’s dynamic attack. Meanwhile, Allen’s consistency ensured the passing game thrived. And this balanced attack was highlighted by an efficient, turnover-free football. This resulted in Buffalo tying with the Saints (2019) for a record for the fewest turnovers in a season.

The emphasis on balance wasn’t just about stats. It has become the Bills’ identity. “Good balance overall is always good,” McDermott added, emphasizing how it establishes control. McDermott’s challenge is keeping this momentum alive after a tough loss as the playoffs approach.

Playoff pressure and expectations

For McDermott, the playoffs aren’t just about making a run. It’s about winning it all. “The ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl,” he declared. He made the stakes clear for Allen and Brady. With a balanced offense and a 6-1 run to close the season, expectations are sky-high. And the decision to part ways with Ken Dorsey midseason seems to have sparked this resurgence.

Since promoting Joe Brady, the Bills’ offense has been unstoppable. And the team has now finished with a 13-4 record. That change injected energy into Buffalo’s offense, setting them up as legitimate contenders. Managing playoff preparation is now critical. McDermott prioritized rest during their Week 18 loss to the Patriots, resting key starters like Allen and Von Miller.

This approach, combined with incentive milestones for players like Miller and Cook, shows Sean McDermott’s focus on keeping the roster healthy and motivated. However, execution is the final piece. McDermott knows postseason success hinges on consistency and capitalizing on opportunities.

The Bills are primed for a deep run with the NFL’s best offensive metrics and a rested roster. Buffalo’s fans are hopeful this is their year. However, it’s the playoffs that’ll ultimately reveal if McDermott’s plan truly delivers.