I definitely agree with you, that has been the overall pattern.
That said, I don’t think it’s just a McD thing. I think most good teams go through stretches throughout the year where they’re not themselves, it gets hard or they get into a funky stretch where they have to push through.
I believe many times that’s what separates a mediocre/decent team from a good/great team. Can you push through when it gets tough? Can you still win even on days where you were somewhat off or not completely in sync?
The Pats had a few seasons where that’s what their September looked like. Some started to write them off. Then, they’d either get to AFC Championship game or end up winning the Super Bowl.
Like you mentioned, the bills will most likely face that type of stretch again this season. And to your point, if they can play .500 ball during that stretch, they should be fine.
Go Bills!