Sean McDermott offers scathing review of Bills' passing game in Week 8 vs. Panthers
The Buffalo Bills’ passing game is a problem. And Sean McDermott appears well aware of that fact.
McDermott offered a critical review of the Bills’ aerial attack while speaking with reporters on Monday afternoon, hours following the team’s 40-9 win over the Carolina Panthers.
During the Week 8 victory over Carolina, Buffalo rode its running game en route to an explosive effort. But the passing game was lacking, much like it has over the past several weeks.
Quarterback Josh Allen finished the first half just 6 of 13 passing for 66 yards before completing all six of his passes during the second half. It was a strong finish for Allen and his pass-catching corps, but signs of struggle lingered throughout what was a disappointing performance as a whole.
On Monday, McDermott acknowledged that the offense must be better through the air.
“At the end of the day, we have to be able to throw the football,” said the Bills head coach.
McDermott added, “It’s something we have to continue to work on as coaches and figure that piece out.”
The Bills’ struggles in the passing game have largely centered around a dearth of talent at the wide receiver position, where Buffalo has just one adequate target in Khalil Shakir. The talented slot receiver finished Sunday’s win over the Panthers with six receptions for 88 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown. But aside from him, other Bills WRs combined to finish the game with just four receptions for 44 yards.
Second-year target Keon Coleman caught three passes for 30 yards, with one of those coming from backup QB Mitch Trubisky during garbage time. Elijah Moore was the only other Bills’ WR to record a catch.
“We have to be able to throw the football, or else you’re going to be sitting in a one-dimensional style of offense,” said McDermott. “You’ve got to be able to do both (passing and running). And do both effectively in order to play at a high level like we need to.”
Looking ahead, with a matchup against AFC rival the Kansas City Chiefs coming up this Sunday, the Bills’ focus must be on developing their aerial attack in a hurry. Complementary football has long been a calling card for the McDermott-led Bills, and this team must get its act together in the passing game if it hopes to compete with some of the top teams in the league the next several weeks heading into the playoffs.
GIANTS FACING POTENTIAL DISASTER: SEVERAL VETERAN PLAYERS MAY MISS WEEK 3—A MAJOR BLOW TO THEIR SEASON!
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media for the final time on September 19 ahead of the Week 3 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he didn’t exactly guarantee that left tackle Andrew Thomas would make his 2025 debut.
“Much more guarded optimism from Daboll on Andrew Thomas,” The Athletic’s Dan Duggan relayed on Friday. The NYG beat reporter added that “[Daboll] said they could take the decision up until game time,” and that he “wouldn’t rule out a rotation with Marcus Mbow at left tackle.”
And Thomas isn’t the only injury question mark for Big Blue.
“Also, sounds like there’s going to be a lot of legitimate ‘questionables’ when the injury report comes out later,” Duggan noted. Not long after, he posted his observations from Friday’s practice, strongly hinting at which players the Giants could be without.
“Not spotted at practice: WR/KR Gunner Olszewski (back), DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (foot) and LB Darius Muasau (concussion/eye),” Duggan reported. “Muasau will definitely be ruled out. Noted that Olszewski wasn’t moving well yesterday. ‘Backing off’ Nunez-Roches today also not a good sign for him.”
On top of those three, the reporter also stated that “LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) and OLB Chauncey Golston (ankle) were on the side.” He expects both to be “long shots” to play on Sunday night.
Later, Giants team reporter Dan Salomone shared the official gameday status of each injury.
GIANTS WEEK 3 GAME STATUSES
Out:▪️LB Darius Muasau (Concussion/Eye)
Doubtful:▪️LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Calf)▪️DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (Foot)
Questionable:▪️DL Chauncey Golston (Ankle)▪️WR Gunner Olszewski (Back)▪️OT Andrew Thomas (Foot) pic.twitter.com/oXprnWzpi8
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) September 19, 2025
As Duggan predicted, Muasau has been ruled out, while Flannigan-Fowles and Nunez-Roches are both “doubtful.” Finally, Golston, Olszewski and Thomas were listed as “questionable.”
Giants’ Injury List Is Long Ahead of Chiefs Matchup: Possible Solutions
Outside of Thomas, whose availability feels slightly more optimistic, let’s say the five veteran injuries Duggan listed don’t end up suiting up against the Chiefs. Meaning Olszewski, Nunez-Roches, Muasau, Flannigan-Fowles and Golston.
That would set the Giants up to be extremely shorthanded in Week 3, even if they utilize their two practice squad elevations.
Aside from Olszewski, who would likely be spelled on returns by recent waiver claim Xavier Gipson, each of these injuries is to a defensive player — although Flannigan-Fowles is more of a core special teamer.
The Giants are most shorthanded at inside linebacker with Muasau and Flannigan-Fowles potentially sidelined. Keep in mind, Micah McFadden and Chris Board are already on the injured reserve, leaving a collection of newcomers that were just brought in off the street.
Youngster Swayze Bozeman is already signed to the active roster, which means he should be in the mix behind Bobby Okereke. The other practice squad elevation options include experienced veteran Neville Hewitt, recent New York Jets draft pick Zaire Barnes, and undrafted journeyman Curtis Jacobs.
“There are going to be some interesting roster decisions over the next 24 hours,” Duggan told a fan after Friday’s news. “Not sure if any of the injuries rise to the level of IR. But seems like they’re going to need to call up three players from the P-squad and can only elevate two…”
Giants LT Andrew Thomas Confirms Gametime Decision Tag in Week 3
GettyWill the New York Giants get starting left tackle Andrew Thomas back in Week 3?
Most times, a player will give you more of a hint about their availability than a head coach, but Thomas pretty much confirmed what Daboll told reporters on September 19.
Per Duggan again, “Andrew Thomas said he’ll see how he feels tomorrow and Sunday morning before making a final decision on his status for Sunday night.”
The reporter interpreted this as more evidence that the Giants could rotate Thomas and Mbow against the Chiefs.
“Thomas had been opposed to a rotation in the past, but his stance softened today,” Duggan noted. Adding: “[In my opinion], he’s either ready to play or he’s not.”
