Buffalo Bills NFL fans often relish the sight of coaches throwing the red challenge flag during games, especially when disputable calls are at play. However, when it comes to Sean McDermott, the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, the optimism surrounding his challenges has waned. Throughout his seven-year coaching career, McDermott has faced difficulty in getting plays overturned in his favor, prompting disappointment from Buffalo supporters whenever he opts for the red flag.
As of Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season, McDermott’s challenges have resulted in a 0-2 record. The frustration peaked in a game against the Bengals, where McDermott challenged a ruling of an incomplete pass from Josh Allen to Trent Sherfield. Despite his efforts, the play stood, costing the Bills a crucial timeout in a game they ultimately lost 24-18.
Buffalo Bills
This recent trend has contributed to McDermott’s overall challenge record, which stands at 7-22 since taking over as the Bills’ head coach. With a success rate of just 31.8 percent, McDermott ranks among the NFL’s least successful coaches in wielding the red flag.
McDermott’s most challenging season was in 2018 when he unsuccessfully challenged all six calls he contested. Notably, he has never had a season where he won more challenges than he lost. A breakdown of McDermott’s yearly challenge record is as follows:
2023: 0-2
2022: 1-3
2021: 1-2
2020: 2-3
2019: 2-3
2018: 0-6
2017: 1-3
McDermott has not divulged much about his challenge strategy, but the numbers suggest room for improvement. Whether it’s a reliance on sideline observations rather than video replay evidence or a misjudgment of when to take calculated risks, McDermott’s challenges have not yielded favorable outcomes.
The Bills, currently grappling with injuries, need every advantage to contend in the competitive AFC East and wild-card race. McDermott’s ability to refine his approach to challenges could prove pivotal in their quest for success in the 2023 season, potentially providing a much-needed edge in critical moments.
