McDermott Backs Bills to Fix Defensive Communication Issues

The Buffalo Bills face questions about their struggling pass defense, but former head coach Sean McDermott believes the team can resolve its communication problems under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, McDermott expressed confidence in Buffalo's defensive personnel despite the unit's early-season difficulties.

According to the team's performance figures cited in the source, Buffalo entered its Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams ranked 30th in the NFL in passing yards allowed. The secondary's vulnerability to big plays has frustrated fans, raising concerns about the defense's ability to contain opposing passing attacks.

The problems were particularly evident in Week 4 against the New England Patriots. Quarterback Drake Maye targeted Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston, while Romeo Doubs caught two touchdown passes against the 2025 first-round pick.

McDermott, who coached Buffalo for nine seasons before his departure ahead of the 2026 campaign, remains supportive of the organization. He has continued to praise the franchise and its fan base while expressing confidence that the team has the personnel needed to compete.

Discussing Buffalo's defensive performance, McDermott acknowledged inconsistent execution while highlighting the progress of two players who developed during his tenure.

"Defensively, they've had some good moments, and they've had some moments I'm sure that they want back. And that's natural. I would say that, you know, just I'm super proud of watching Deone Walker and Greg Rousseau in the years that they're off to.

At this point in the season. And I expect both great things to continue for both of those players," McDermott said.

McDermott also identified coordination between the defensive front and the back seven as an area requiring attention. He suggested that players need time to develop familiarity with the new defensive system and improve their communication on the field.

"And, you know, it just takes some time once in a while to get some things connected the way you want it to get connected, the way it needs to get connected, and then the communication between the back seven and the front and the front and the back seven. And that's imperative that they get that, they continue to get that ironed out. I'm sure they will."

Leonhard is in his first season as defensive coordinator, taking charge of a unit previously led by McDermott for nearly a decade. The transition coincided with a coaching change at the top, as Joe Brady took over as head coach ahead of the 2026 season.

Brady replaced McDermott, who ranked second in franchise history in coaching wins. The new coaching staff must address the defensive communication issues while establishing its own approach.

Despite the team's early struggles, McDermott singled out Rousseau and Walker for their performances. Rousseau has emerged as an early candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, while Walker has established himself as a disruptive presence on the defensive line.