Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons: Week 17 pregame thoughts

Sean McDermott’s aggressiveness will serve the Bills well in the postseason

Sean McDermott has straddled the line between aggressive and extremely conservative in his decision-making this season. For most of the season, McDermott punted the ball on 4th and short, kicked field goals in the red zone, or lined the offense up on fourth downs with no intent to go for it but to try to make the defense jump offside.

Last week was a clinic for McDermott. He consistently trusted the math regarding fourth downs and two point conversions. His decisions allowed for the Bills to remain on the field offensively, and resulted in the team scoring points more often than not. McDermott was so successful in his in-game decisions, the Bills did not punt the ball.

Had McDermott implemented the same tactics he used last week, Buffalo might not be 0-5 in one-score games and may still have a shot at the number one playoff seed. But finding his stride at this point of the season is better than not finding it at all.

Heading into the postseason, the Bills must continue their aggressive ways in the preparation for the competition they’ll meet during the playoffs.