What Is 2017 Buffalo Bills football team

Overview

The 2017 Buffalo Bills marked a turning point in the franchise's recent history, showing significant improvement after years of struggling to remain competitive. Under first-year head coach Sean McDermott, the team implemented a disciplined, defense-first approach that brought them close to ending a 17-year playoff drought.

The Bills finished the regular season with a 9-7 record, their best since 2004, but narrowly missed the postseason due to tiebreaker rules. Despite strong performances on defense and a balanced offensive attack, Buffalo was edged out by the 10-6 Tennessee Titans for the final AFC Wild Card spot.

• Record: The team posted a 9-7 win-loss record, a marked improvement from the 7-9 mark in 2016 under previous leadership.
• Defensive ranking: Buffalo allowed just 23.5 points per game, the 6th-fewest in the league, showcasing the impact of McDermott’s defensive philosophy.
• Head coach:Sean McDermott took over as head coach in 2017 after serving as defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.
• Quarterback:Tyrod Taylor started all 16 games, throwing for 2,897 yards and 18 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions.
• Notable player: Linebacker Matt Milano emerged as a key contributor, recording 74 tackles and 2 interceptions in his rookie season.

How It Played Out

The 2017 season represented a cultural and strategic shift for the Bills, emphasizing consistency, discipline, and defensive dominance under new leadership. The team showed resilience in close games and nearly secured a playoff berth for the first time since 1999.

• New Coaching Regime: Sean McDermott was hired in January 2017, bringing a structured, process-driven approach that reshaped team culture and on-field performance.
• Defensive Scheme: The Bills transitioned to a 4-3 base defense, a change from previous years, allowing players like Jerry Hughes and Tre'Davious White to thrive.
• Draft Impact: The team’s first-round pick, Tre'Davious White, started all 16 games and recorded 4 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl alternate nod.
• Offensive Strategy: Buffalo relied on a balanced attack, averaging 98.4 rushing yards per game, led by LeSean McCoy’s 514 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Special Teams: Punter Colton Schmidt averaged 43.8 yards per punt, while kicker Stephen Hauschka made 27 of 34 field goals (79.4%).
• Close Games: The Bills played in 9 games decided by 7 points or fewer, winning 5 of them, highlighting their competitive edge under pressure.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Buffalo Bills compared to key AFC teams that season in critical statistical categories:

This table highlights that while Buffalo had a better defensive performance than teams like Baltimore and Cincinnati, they were edged out by Tennessee in both record and tiebreaker criteria. Despite scoring fewer points than some non-playoff teams, Buffalo’s defense kept them competitive in nearly every game.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in the Bills' journey back to relevance, setting the foundation for future success and restoring hope among the fanbase. Though they missed the playoffs, the team’s performance signaled a shift from rebuilding to competitiveness.

• Cultural Shift: Sean McDermott instilled accountability and discipline, reducing penalties and improving team cohesion throughout the season.
• Defensive Foundation: The success of the 2017 defense laid the groundwork for Buffalo’s consistently top-ranked units in subsequent years.
• Draft Success: Selecting Tre'Davious White at #27 proved to be one of the best draft picks of the year, as he became a long-term starter.
• End of Drought Near: The near-miss playoff finish increased pressure on management to improve, leading to the eventual drafting of Josh Allen in 2018.
• Fan Engagement: Attendance and viewership rose in Buffalo, reflecting renewed interest in a team that had long struggled with irrelevance.
• Front Office Confidence: The season validated General Manager Brandon Beane’s rebuilding strategy, giving him more time and trust to continue the overhaul.

The 2017 Buffalo Bills may not have made the playoffs, but their season represented a crucial step forward. It was the beginning of a new era that ultimately led to sustained success in the 2020s.