Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen, Ed Oliver Back Coach Sean McDermott 'Got His Back On Everything!'
For all of the controversy that has transpired in a brutal week for the Buffalo Bills and head coach Sean McDermott, it all subsided when the final whistle blew, and they left Arrowhead Stadium with a 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Rather than defending the team's playcalling or decision-making late in games, McDermott found himself defending his character and everything he stood for when his 9/11 comments were brought to light in an article by Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com on Thursday. After the Bills (7-6) sealed their biggest win of the season and kept their playoff hopes alive, defensive tackle Ed Oliver and quarterback Josh Allen each defended their coach.
"This week wasn't easy," Allen said. "It wasn't easy for Coach McDermott. You can question a lot of things about coaching style. You can question a lot of things about my decision-making. You can question a lot of things about this team, but to question his character and who he is as a man, he's one of the better humans on this planet."
Sean McDermott on the sideline.
© Eric Hartline, USA TODAY
Allen completed 23 of 42 passes for 233 yards, one touchdown and an interception. He also ran for 32 yards and a score. Running back James Cook had a big day with 10 carries for 58 yards, five catches for 83 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Oliver also had a big day with three tackles, a half-sack and a pass defended. He was also strong in his defense of McDermott and rebuttal toward those who spoke out against the Bills coach.
"I think that's a bunch of bull****," Oliver said. "That was five years ago - my rookie year. Whoever leaked, I think you're a coward. Everything is supposed to stay in house. I got his back on everything. I know he's a great guy."
With the win, which was Buffalo's third straight in the regular season over Kansas City (8-5) at Arrowhead Stadium, they're one of six teams that's 7-6 in the AFC and its odds of making the playoffs to 38 percent with four games left in the season, according to ESPN. The Bills are tied with the Denver Broncos, and they each trail the Indianapolis Colts (42 percent) and Houston Texans (49 percent).
Given what Buffalo had to overcome this week, a win like the one it had over Kansas City (8-5) could be what the team needed as it continues its playoff push. If they can carry the momentum from the emotional win into their final four games this season, the tumultuous week followed by a huge road win would easily be the turning point for a Bills team looking to make its fourth-straight playoff appearance.
Buffalo will look to continue its momentum this Sunday when the team hosts the red-hot Dallas Cowboys (10-3) at Highmark Stadium at 4:25 p.m. ET.
