McDermott critical of previous regimes

ORCHARDPARK, N.Y. (AP) » Bills coach Sean McDermott has defended Buffalo’s decision to stand pat at the trade deadline by raising memories of what he called “irresponsible decisions” made by past regimes.

ThoughMcDermott didn’t mention any names Wednesday, it’s clear he was referring to former general manager Doug Whaley, who was fired a day after completing the 2017 draft.

Whaleywas best remembered for trading Buffalo’s 2015 first-round pick to move up five spots in the 2014 draft to select receiver Sammy Watkins fourth overall. Watkins had three inconsistent, and injury-shortened seasons in Buffalo before being traded in August 2017.

Whaleywas also knocked for handcuffing the team’s payroll structure by signing under-performing players to hefty contracts.

McDermott’s swipe at the past regime is notable because the usually even-keeled coach has avoided voicing criticism.

Whaley’s tenure briefly overlapped with McDermott being hired in January 2017.

McDermott says the Bills declined to make any additions at the deadline a day earlier because the trade offers were not in the best interest of the team’s shortand long-term vision.

The Bills have various needs despite being off to a 5-2 start in preparing to host Washington on Sunday.

Buffalo’s run defense could use a boost after allowing a season-worst 218 yards rushing in a 31-13 loss to Philadelphia last weekend. The Bills have also had difficulty finding consistency at their No. 3 receiver spot behind offseason free agent additions John Brown and Cole Beasley.

ADRIAN KRAUS Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott gives encouragement from the sideline the first half of an NFL football game Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y.