Why Sean McDermott's unsuccessful late-game decision gives Bills reason for optimism

The Buffalo Bills' head coach made the right choice to play for the win against the Philadelphia Eagles, and here are the reasons why.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen waits on the field to see if the officials will call the play an incomplete pass or a fumble during first half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025. It was called a fumble. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Head coach Sean McDermott deserves a fair share of criticism for the Buffalo Bills' inability to reach the Super Bowl during his nine-year tenure.

The Bills have a soon-to-be five-time NFL MVP finalist as their starting quarterback, but they've failed in the playoffs six times in the Josh Allen era.

With that said, McDermott has certainly grown, for the better, as a head coach, and that growth was on full display at the climax of Buffalo's 13-12 loss to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

As the Bills scored a touchdown to pull within 13-12 with 00:04 remaining in regulation, McDermott kept the offense on the field for the game-deciding two-point conversion attempt.

MORE: Spencer Brown calls out Jalen Carter's dirty play after Bills-Eagles postgame brouhaha

There would be no overtime on this evening in Orchard Park. McDermott was putting the ball in reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen's hands with two yards to gain for the win. It was a no-brainer, and had Allen not flubbed the throw to an open Khalil Shakir, the move would have been celebrated.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has the ball slip out of his hand during his attempt to throw it with Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips coming in to tackle him during first half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The decision is 180 degrees from where McDermott was only five years ago.

With the Bills visiting the established Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 AFC Championship Game, McDermott made multiple ultra-conservative decisions that essentially conceded defeat.

While the defense showed no ability to slow down Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, Buffalo twice kicked field goals in 4th-and-short situations from inside the opponent's 10-yard line in the eventual 38-24 loss.

Back to present day, with the Bills hosting the reigning Super Bowl champions, McDermott didn't flinch. He went for the win. It was the right call, especially on this particular day, and here are the reasons why.

Jan 24, 2021; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (2) kicks a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

End the game ASAP

The "Bills had the momentum" crowd is criticizing McDermott for opting to not play for overtime at home.

First, in overtime, momentum can change at the coin toss.

Then, there's the truth that the game was an absolute slug fest played under miserable weather conditions, and the Bills' franchise QB, who had already been sacked five times, was playing injured. Why would McDermott want to unnecessarily extend this war of attrition?

Intelligently, McDermott took the opportunity to end the game by gaining two more yards rather than venture into the unknown of overtime while further exposing Allen's compromised foot.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen with helmet on his shoulder walks off the field after the failed two point conversion attempt during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Confidence booster

The fact that McDermott didn't hesitate when calling for the two-point conversion attempt is, in itself, a vote of confidence for the offense.

Trusting his players to execute in a high-pressure situation, with the game hanging in the balance, likely provides a psychological boost. It's great seasoning to prepare for the crucial moments the team will face in the playoffs.

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tackle Spencer Brown (79) celebrates a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Unreliable kicker

The extra point, which has been pushed back to 33 yards, is no longer a sure thing, especially for practice squad kicker Michael Badgley.

Missing PATs in three different games for the Indianapolis Colts, Badgley played his way out of a job last month. Filling in for the injured Matt Prater, Badgley had failed on extra points in back-to-back appearances.

MORE: Bills could have avoided costly blocked extra point vs. Eagles

Put the ball in Allen's hands two yards from a win or rely on an unreliable practice squad kicker to force overtime? There's really only one choice, and McDermott made the right one.

Credit to the Bills' head coach for evolving, and here's to hoping he keeps that same winning mentality once the playoffs begin, because the risks will pay off more often than not.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Michael Badgley (32) kicks a field goal against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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