Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott took over the play-calling duties for his defense after Leslie Frazier decided to step away from his position as defensive coordinator after last season.
But in the Bills’ preseason finale against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, McDermott didn’t call the defense. He handed over the call sheet to defensive backs coach John Butler and said that he did a great job.
McDermott at first said that “we’ll see” when it comes to whether he’ll call the defense against the New York Jets in the regular season opener. He clarified after his post-game press conference that he will indeed resume calling the defense against the Jets in two weeks.
“I just wanted to see (the team) come out ready to play and see certain things,” McDermott said. “That’s part of the reason why I didn’t call the plays either on the defense. I wanted to be able to have my eyes available and see certain things from our team and for the most part, I saw that early at least and then we got started getting some guys out.”
Back at the NFL Combine, McDermott discussed Frazier’s exit and was asked about whether he’d take over the play calling. He said it was something he’d discuss and evaluate but admitted there was one concern when it comes to potentially spreading himself too thin.
“That’s a big part of the consideration there,” he said. “(Defensive coordinator) is my background. To have this happen on the offensive side, it would not be as big of a consideration, obviously. But again, we’ll take it one day at a time and do what we feel is best for the team.”
The Bills’ starters played some or all of the first quarter as McDermott continued to evaluate a few important position battles. Rookie right guard O’Cyrus Torrence started for the third consecutive game and played well, helping the first-team offense march down the field on the first drive, going 69 yards and 12 plays before a Damien Harris rushing touchdown.
Buffalo won the…
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