Bills only had 9 players on the field for the final punt

[DCofNC]

How is this NOT on McD at this point, how many games of the ST play going horribly wrong can just be “communication errors” and accepted?  Seriously, it’s a joke.  The team was COMPLETELY unprepared for that play, should have been all in on a block, even if they decided to return, the guy HAD to field the ball and he had no clue.   I’ve seen better from peewee teams.

19 hours ago, Roundybout said:

If you find a better candidate than McD out there you let me know. Otherwise I’ll happily stick with him. 

Bellicheck, your welcome.

[LABILLBACKER]

11 hours ago, Yobogoya! said:

While we're on the subject of special teams, is it me or was that onside kick attempt just pathetic-looking?

 

Like, I know it's a super low percentage play but that kick was a duck that had no shot whatsoever. Just low-lobbed it right to the Rams.

 

Between that and the non-punt-block, you have to wonder if we even practice this stuff.

Our entire ST is a joke. Thank God Bass is making a few kicks but this dept. needs to be blown up next year.

[MPL]

Has anyone watched the All 22 and confirmed that we ever had more than 9 players on the field on defense? Sure didn't seem like there were 11 guys out there at any point. 

[without a drought]

By not fielding the punt and not looking too serious about blocking it, they could have left everyone on the bench.

 

 

[TBBills Fan]

Guys we only put 9 out on ST to make it fair because our ST are elite

[JTown]

I’m confused as McDermott said that there were not enough personnel on the field during the post game press conference.  What am I missing?

[DrPJax]

22 hours ago, Roundybout said:

You want McD to be the special teams coordinator too?

No he is supposed to hire and lead teachers and competent coordinators.  Thats his job , and every year someone in his chain of command grossly fails. He’s the CEO on the field , and he is known more for spectacular failures than spectacular wins.    9 men on the fiekd the last play is a complete failure from him to the. Players not paying attention.   It’s not an isolated event.  Yep , I expect him to coordinate that last play and last offensive strategy.  He gets paid several mil to do just that. 

[oldmanfan]

Having only 9 was inexcusable but had no effect on the outcome

[Yobogoya!]

1 hour ago, oldmanfan said:

Having only 9 was inexcusable but had no effect on the outcome

Not for nothing, but that’s the type of attitude that gives a team no chance to do what the Chiefs have done in like 10 of their 12 wins this season. 
 

The Chiefs would have not only fielded 11 players and tried hard for the block — this year, they’d have probably got it, too.

Edited December 10 by Yobogoya!

[oldmanfan]

Just now, Yobogoya! said:

Not for nothing, but that’s the type of attitude that gives a team no chance to do what the Chiefs have done in like 10 of their 11 wins this season. 
 

The Chiefs would have not only fielded 11 players and tried hard for the block — this year, they’d have probably got it, too.

I get your thought about the block

[Livinginthepast]

For all those people saying that the game was over by this stage and 9 players on the field and no attempt at punt return doesnt matter, just remember the Chiefs blocking the last second FG by Denver. Blocking a FG is a 1/100 chance. I'm sure the Bills could beat those odds, well at least try. The same with the punt return. Instead the Bills achieved a 0% chance on the punt block and the return by failing to try on both.

[Scott7975]

Wow again? How does this special teams coach still have a job? They have gaffes left and right.

[GoBills808]

2 hours ago, oldmanfan said:

Having only 9 was inexcusable but had no effect on the outcome

lol when we literally lost on a blocked punt returned for TD

[Solomon Grundy]

On 12/8/2024 at 8:56 PM, Mailman said:

Yes. Smiley is toast. 

How about making a statement now!!

[PoundingDog]

They have to make a change there. Smiley is not good enough. The Bills has given up kickoff returns for TD, blocked punt for TD, in one season already.

[BobbyC81]

On 12/8/2024 at 5:58 PM, DJB said:

Why can’t we ever find a good special teams coach? Every year it’s the same clown show despite investing roster space and cap space on “special teams”

 

What a waste 

Special teams are a 3rd of the game.

[Beck Water]

On 12/8/2024 at 7:54 PM, Roundybout said:

 

 

 

This is a damning indictment of Drew Smiley especially after the blocked punt. 

 

Smiley ought to be one crispy critter.

[BullBuchanan]

On 12/8/2024 at 7:58 PM, DJB said:

Why can’t we ever find a good special teams coach? Every year it’s the same clown show despite investing roster space and cap space on “special teams”

 

What a waste 

The guy has been here 7 years. He's clearly who McD wants.