Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills begin their hopeful playoff run this Sunday afternoon when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
However,, Western New York is staring down the barrel of a major winter storm that is set to hit the area this weekend. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. EST on Saturday through 7 a.m. EST on Monday, with parts of the region potentially set to see 1-to-3 feet of snow fall.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott is confident even the conditions this Sunday can provide an extreme challenge, his team is prepared to handle whatever the weather throws at them.
"Our staff has been on it from the beginning of the week here, and things can change quickly," said McDermott on Friday during his appearance on the "Extra Point Show" on WGR. "We've all learned that here in Buffalo with the weather, and we've been preparing all week long. I think like anything else, it's one of those things we can't control. There's going to be some going into it, and having to adjust, perhaps, but overall, we'll be well prepared."
With the weather likely to play a significant factor on Sunday, McDermott spoke of his team's practice routines leading up to the game, and how they've been affected by the forecast.
"We've gone outside, and we've stayed inside. It is important to have a good quality practice from an execution standpoint, and get the timing down, in particular, in the passing game and whatnot," McDermott said with Sal Capaccio. "But at the end of the day, you want to do what's best for your team on that particular day, that particular week."
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On the injury front, McDermott confirmed on Friday the Bills will be without wide receiver Gabe Davis and safety Taylor Rapp. Davis is dealing with a knee ailment, while Rapp will not play due to a calf injury.
In addition, cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and linebacker Tyrel Dodson (shoulder) are both considered questionable for the game.
As for their opponent, the Steelers come to town on a hot streak of their own. They have relied on quarterback Mason Rudolph to win three-straight games to close the regular season and make the playoffs. McDermott is well aware they're trying to keep their good vibes going, despite entering the postseason as the 7-seed.
"Well they're undefeated, they're 3-0 with [Rudolph] under center, and they've been very efficient as a football team," McDermott said. "Not turning the ball over, running the ball well, getting big plays with their talented wide receiving corps. They've been playing good complimentary football by taking the football away, and setting their offense up with some short fields. They've made a nice stretch run here the last few games, in particular."
Hear more from McDermott's appearance during the "Extra Point Show" available in the player below:
