What Sean McDermott said about Bills punter Matt Haack
The goal for a regular season finale each year is typically one of two things.
First, win, as usual.
Second, avoid hiccups.
The Buffalo Bills did only one of those two things against the New York Jets in their finale on Sunday.
The Bills (11-6) beat the Jets (4-13) by a 27-10 final. There were a few bad spots, none brighter than what happened at punter.
Buffalo had multiple shanked kicks from Matt Haack. He also went on to lose a snap.
All in all, it was a poor game for Haack in a season where he hasn’t been overly impressive. But that begged the question, were Haack’s efforts against the Jets the one that broke the camel’s back?
It doesn’t sound like it. On Tuesday, Bills head coach Sean McDermott reflected on Haack. He supported his punter.
“I think he’s done some really good things for our football team,” McDermott said via video conference. “There were plays we all obviously want back. I’m sure that he wants some of those back. I love the fact that he’s a resilient competitor and I can’t wait to watch him moving forward.”
It might seem like a quick fix to switch Haack out. Just find a guy that can kick the ball better, right?
Not so fast.
While Haack’s main duties are to punt, he also has chemistry built up with other specialists. Longer snapper Reid Ferguson knows exactly how he likes the ball snapped.
Speaking of which, Haack is also the holder for place kicker Tyler Bass.
It’s not just a plug-and-play type of move even if there is someone in house.
Punter Jamie Gillan was signed to Buffalo’s practice squad a few weeks ago and is still there.
Even when asked about Gillan, McDermott beat around the bush. The coach even said ask general manager Brandon Beane why Gillan is there instead.
Haack currently has McDermott’s full backing and that’s probably the team’s best bet. Inspiring hope in him could turn the mental aspect of things around for Haack.
One has to assume it’s at an all-time low.
In terms of those extra intangibles, special teams coordinator Heath Farwell previously touted those exact things with Haack as well. Speaking to the Buffalo News last month, those were some of the first things the coach mentioned.
“(Haack) is coming on nicely, as far as punting. He’s been unbelievable for Bass. He is the best caddie, as I call him, in the league as far as he’s an elite holder. That helps Bass be who he is. He’s a big brother to him. And he’s coaching him up and helping him out. He has a great feel for everything. We just love him in the room. I can’t say enough good things about him,” Farwell said.
After the season ends, this question will likely surface again. But for now, Haack is safe.
And the Bills will need him to play like it in the playoffs.
