Sean McDermott Defends Bold Personnel Decisions After Bills’ Win Over Saints: 'It’s About Long-Term Success'
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott made waves in Week 4 with a series of unexpected personnel decisions in his team's 31-19 win over the New Orleans Saints. While the Bills celebrated the victory, questions about McDermott’s rotation strategy quickly surfaced. However, McDermott stood by his choices in a post-game interview, emphasizing the importance of experimenting with different players to secure the team’s future success.
In a move that caught many by surprise, McDermott opted to keep returning specialist Brandon Codrington inactive for the game. Instead, he gave wide receiver Khalil Shakir the opportunity to handle punt returns and added Curtis Samuel to the kick-return team. The decision sparked immediate curiosity, especially considering Codrington’s solid return game performance earlier in the season. However, McDermott had a clear reason for his choice.
"SOMETIMES, YOU HAVE TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS FOR THE LONG-TERM SUCCESS OF THIS TEAM. IT'S ABOUT EXPERIMENTING WITH DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS, GETTING THE BEST OUT OF OUR PLAYERS, AND MAKING SURE WE'RE READY FOR WHAT'S AHEAD. IF THAT MEANS ROTATING GUYS IN AND OUT TO SEE WHO'S BEST FIT FOR THE JOB, THEN THAT'S WHAT WE'LL DO,
Shakir had one return for six yards, while Samuel contributed three returns for 82 yards, including a 31-yard long return. While these numbers may not jump off the page, McDermott’s underlying message was clear: the Bills are always looking to enhance their game plan and adjust their roster to maximize its potential.
The strategic rotation didn’t stop there. On the defensive side, McDermott rotated rookie cornerback Dorian Strong into the mix alongside veteran Tre'Davious White. While White’s performance was strong, with a team-high nine tackles, McDermott’s decision was less about White’s shortcomings and more about providing Strong with valuable in-game reps.
“We wanted to get Dorian some playing time and give him that experience. It’s not about Tre’Davious not doing his job, it’s about developing our future,” McDermott said. “In a long season, depth is critical, and getting our rookies experience now is going to pay dividends later.”
While the Bills’ defense held its own against the Saints, McDermott's rotation strategy is indicative of his long-term vision for the team. With the Bills now 3-1 heading into their bye week, McDermott is ensuring that both the present and future are accounted for.
As the season progresses, fans will likely continue to debate McDermott’s decisions. However, the coach’s focus on long-term growth and creating a deeper, more versatile roster could be what sets the Bills apart when the stakes are higher down the road. With the team’s depth continuing to grow, McDermott’s ability to manage and adjust could be the key to a successful playoff push later in the season.
Entire Dublin Stadium Rises to Honor Former Steelers Chairman & U.S. Ambassador Dan Rooney — A Tribute Like No Other
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ historic game in Ireland turned into more than football. Before kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings, the entire Aviva Stadium rose in unison to honor the late Dan Rooney, Pittsburgh’s beloved former chairman and U.S. Ambassador.
Most of the Steelers’ current roster never met Rooney, but the tribute was impossible to miss. Fans in Ireland waved black-and-gold flags alongside Irish tricolors, chanting his name as a video montage played across giant stadium screens.
Mike Tomlin, who often credits Rooney for giving him his head coaching opportunity back in 2007, was visibly moved. “We talked a lot about the late, great Ambassador Rooney last night. I know he’s smiling,”
Tomlin said.
Linebacker Patrick Queen revealed Tomlin became emotional the night before the game. “He got teary-eyed and everything. You could tell how much it meant to him. That’s when we knew this game was about more than football.”
On the field, the Steelers delivered. DeShon Elliott, returning from a sprained MCL, produced a sack and interception. Keeanu Benton added another sack, saying afterward the tribute made him feel connected to a leader he never met.
Veteran corner Darius Slay explained how Tomlin’s words set the tone. “He reminded us what this trip was really about. We weren’t just playing to win — we were here to honor the man who built this bridge.”
The energy in Aviva Stadium matched that mission. Thousands of Irish fans stood shoulder to shoulder with Steelers Nation, uniting in applause that echoed through Dublin. It was more than a game — it was a shared legacy.
For the Steelers, the 24-21 victory over Minnesota will be remembered not only as a win abroad, but as the night Ireland and Pittsburgh together paid tribute to Dan Rooney in a way no one will ever forget.
