Although strong NFL teams often lose key players each year, the Buffalo Bills have done a better job than the Los
Angeles Rams in maintaining roster strength. Both teams have benefited from
successful leadership under coaches Sean McDermott and Sean McVay.
Part of the Bills’ (10-2) success comes from acquiring key players the Rams (6-6) couldn’t retain. Von Miller, along with
former Rams draft picks Taylor Rapp and David Edwards, now play crucial roles for Buffalo and are expected to feature
when the Bills visit SoFi Stadium on Sunday. These three players were part of the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning team
three years ago and are now contributing to Buffalo’s strong performance.
Since McDermott and McVay became head coaches on the same day in January 2017—alongside San Francisco’s Kyle
Shanahan—both teams have been consistent contenders. While McVay boasts the only Super Bowl victory
among them, McDermott has achieved more wins (88), division titles, and playoff appearances than either McVay (83 wins) or Shanahan (77 wins).
The Rams’ all-in approach to winning the 2022 Super Bowl cost them roster depth, though they are rebuilding with two strong draft classes.
Meanwhile, the Bills have sustained six consecutive winning seasons by bringing in reliable veterans like Rapp and Edwards to replace departing players.
Sean McVay praised the Bills’ organizational approach: “It’s a tremendous credit to their ability to identify the right guys and develop them. It’s great to see how well David Edwards and Taylor Rapp are doing. They’re foundational pieces that elevate those around them, reflecting the coaching and the commitment of their players.
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