Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - As the NFL season begins to wrap up, the Buffalo Bills still find themselves well in position to make the final push into the playoffs.
The Bills narrowly escaped the Los Angeles Chargers with an important win this past Saturday, but are now in firm control their own fate. It all starts this coming weekend with another important divisional matchup in Orchard Park against the floundering New England Patriots.
Not only can they make the playoffs with a win, but if the Dolphins lose to the Ravens in Baltimore, the Bills could still win the AFC East with another win in a Week 18 showdown with Miami in South Florida.
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After a shaky start the 2023 season, the Bills found themselves in a precarious position to start the month of December. However, Buffalo's ability to win important games down the stretch in recent years has, once again, been able to shine this season.
"Every week, the NFL is as challenging as there is in professional sports. Our team comes ready to play, and I give our players a lot of credit for this time of year. They've been at their best," said Bills head coach Sean McDermott during his Friday appearance on the "Extra Point Show" on WGR. "I think in the last couple of weeks, you've seen signs of that with this team, like we have in the past. This will be a big challenge this weekend here in Orchard Park, and at home in December and a meaningful game. These are the games you love playing, and this is what you work so hard for during the season."
The Patriots are no stranger to the Bills, and proved to be a difficult test earlier this season when they beat the Bills, 29-25, in a Week 7 showdown in New England.
Despite the Patriots entering this game with a dismal 4-11 record, McDermott still holds high praise for this group, led by future Hall of Fame head coach Bill Belichick.
"I have a respect for Coach Belichick. How could you not? With what he's accomplished and the rings he's won up there, and the way he coaches in terms of the things he's done defensively, but also how he manages the game," said McDermott with Sal Capaccio and Joe DiBiase. "He does a great job of taking the personnel that he has and developing it, and putting it into positions of strength for their football team. Being in the division doesn't make it a whole lot of fun. His team goes in so well prepared.
"We've had our battles over the years, and this will be another one. Just from a coaching standpoint, he's been able to accomplish a lot."
McDermott also revealed on Friday that defensive tackle DaQuan Jones will be returning to the lineup this week after suffering a pectoral injury back in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, England.
It was thought by many, including McDermott, that Jones was set to miss the remainder of the season. However, McDermott feels his veteran defensive tackle is ready and rearing to go.
"What he's been able to do with the line of scrimmage in the run game, and then when he's able to convert run to pass, and the play action game on those early downs, it's been effective for for him and for us," McDermott said.
Hear more from McDermott's appearance during the "Extra Point Show" available in the player below:
