4 things Sean McDermott must do in next two weeks to fix Bills

After back-to-back losses in embarrassing fashion, Bills coach Sean McDermott needs to make some changes over the next two weeks.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott on the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills losing back-to-back games shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Every season of Sean McDermott's time in Buffalo had consecutive losses at some point in the season. Including some massive embarrassments, worse than what we're seeing right now. In 2017, the Bills lost three straight by a combined score of 135-55. In 2018, it was four in a row, including two by 37-5 and 41-9.

It continued even when the Bills became perennial playoff contenders and division champions. In each of the previous five seasons, the Bills rebounded, won their division, advanced to the playoffs, and were considered legitimate contenders for the Super Bowl. Will this season be the same? Hopefully, but here are four things that McDermott can do over the bye week that could change things, putting the Bills on a different trajectory.

Rapp out, Hancock in

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is pressured by Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams (42) and safety Taylor Rapp (9) during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Whether you believe Cole Bishop will be fine or not, few can question the complete failure that safety Taylor Rapp has been in 2025. We don't know if Hancock is the answer, but it can't be any worse.

It's time to move on from Rapp and give the rookie a shot. You could make an argument here for a trade or free agent signing to replace him, but a trade can be better spent at another position.

McDermott must take over defense

Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator, Bobby Babich yells to the team during warmups trying to get them pumped up before their home game against the New Orleans Saints. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

We're about a year and a half into the Bobby Babich experiment, and it's not working. The Bills' defense has only regressed since Babich took over in 2024. Yes, there is the debate of whether or not Babich has his full arsenal with so many injuries and the suspensions, but even still, the Bills can't stop the run and give up far too many third-down conversions.

It's time for McDermott to take back the defense and call the plays again.

2023 DEF (Play-caller McDermott)
2nd turnovers
3rd TDs allowed
4th points allowed
9th yards allowed
15th rush yds allowed
4th in sacks

2025 DEF (Play-caller Babich):
23rd turnovers
12th TDs allowed
17th points allowed
19th yards allowed
31st rush yds allowed
10th in sacks pic.twitter.com/yfDvcEYNNK

— Pierre Kingpin (@Pierre_Kingpin) October 15, 2025

Trade for Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) runs into the end zone for a touchdown past Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

A lot has been made about the lack of separation among the Bills' wide receivers. Some of this isn't on the players as much as it's on offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Watch other teams, and wide receivers get open because their offensive coordinators know how to scheme their guys open. That said, trading for Saints receiver Chris Olave would help.

Olave has the speed to pressure defenses downfield. The scheme might be lackluster, but you can make up for it in talent. The Bills probably wouldn't part ways with Brady mid-season, but if adding someone of Olave's caliber would help Josh Allen and this offense.

More Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) takes on Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts (31) during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

James Cook has 121 combined carries and targets through six weeks of the season. 90 of those opportunities were on scoring drives. That's more than 74% of his touches.

The moral of the story is that the Bills' offensive coordinator Joe Brady needs to make Cook the focal point of this offense. Cook has 537 yards this season, averaging five yards a carry. He's caught 12 of 14 targets in the passing game and has five total touchdowns. If Brady schemes around Cook and Dalton Kincaid, Josh Allen's life will get much easier, and this offense will take off.

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• 4 takeaways from Bills' lackluster performance in embarrassing loss to Falcons

• Bills' play-caller already tabbed potential Titans' replacement for Bill Callahan

• Initial afterthought shaping up to be Buffalo Bills' best free-agent signing

• Bills must strike before trade deadline, take advantage of AFC shake-up

• Bills officially install players' favorite upgrade in new Highmark Stadium