McDermott and McCoy on the same page
It was said a few weeks ago in an on-air interview by GM Brandon Beane. Head coach Sean McDermott reaffirmed his and the Bills commitment to LeSean McCoy for the 2019 season.
"Overall, I'm really excited about where we're going and LeSean being a part of that," said McDermott. "I know this year wasn't what he had hoped it would be and the biggest thing is I want to see is what we're going to do to get it back to where it needs to be. I think he's committed to that cause as are we."
McCoy when asked about the 2018 season following last Sunday's game admitted it has been one of the toughest years he's experienced in the league. In the next breath he expressed that he likes playing for the Bills organization and would like that to continue.
"I'm a good player. I love it here and we'll see what happens, but I know who I am, so I'm not worried about that," McCoy said.
McDermott also would not get into details about McCoy not starting Sunday due to a disciplinary issue. He credited his feature back for being accountable with respect to his misstep. McDermott later reiterated that he fully believes McCoy's game will return to form next season when improvements are made on offense.
"LeSean is a pro," he said. "He's played at a very high level for a long period of time. I expect him to get back on track."
Ball security even more important this week
Buffalo is second in the league in turnovers with 31 on the season. Only Tampa Bay has more. Knowing the amount of youth and inexperience the Bills have had on the field in the form of rookie and first-year players, decisions with the football have not always been sound.
But it doesn't diminish the level of importance McDermott places on taking care of the ball.
"That's one stat that doesn't go away every year. You turn the ball over you make it hard to win. You turn the ball over, usually it's an uphill battle to win a football game, particularly when you end up on the minus side of the turnover differential," he said. "That's important in terms of winning football games. We talk about it in just about every meeting."
Ball security will be a hot topic this week in Buffalo's meeting rooms as well, as they face a Dolphins team that ranks third in the league in interceptions with 27 on the season.
"Miami this week is very good at taking the ball away," McDermott said. "At the same time I don't want any quarterback on our football team going out there afraid to pull the trigger. You've got to be able to go out there and play free.
"But there's a responsibility that comes with handling the football. Returners, punters, kickers, long snappers, quarterbacks, you must be responsible and a good decision maker and consistent with the football. Sometimes that comes right away. Sometimes that comes with experience."
Injury update
Not practicing on Wednesday are WR Deonte Thompson (toe) and LB Julian Stanford (ankle). Both sustained injuries in last Sunday's game at New England and did not return.
"We'll just see how they do throughout the week as it relates to the game," said coach McDermott of Stanford and Thompson.
CB Ryan Lewis is also not practicing as he remains in the concussion protocol.
Meanwhile, RB Chris Ivory, who has missed each of the last two games with a shoulder injury, has a strong chance to return to the lineup on Sunday according to Buffalo's head coach.
"He will be back today (practicing) and was last week and has been working in there," McDermott said. "He should be in good shape this week."
