The Bills are on the brink of something special. They now face the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. They earned the opportunity after a gritty win against the Ravens. But there’s an interesting undercurrent… And it’s around one of their key acquisitions as the Bills look ahead to their toughest challenge yet. HC Sean McDermott faced the media on 20th January. And his statement seemed to carry weight. Those words might have hinted at something deeper—maybe even critical.

McDermott faced the media on Monday. And he was asked about Amari Cooper‘s involvement (or lack thereof) in the Bills’ offense. And he praised quarterback Josh Allen for his decision-making. “The ball goes to the guy who is open… that’s kind of the natural evolution of where the ball goes,” he said. It was a clear nod to Allen’s performance. But raised questions about Cooper’s ability to consistently create separation.

This comment wasn’t random. Cooper had limited impact in Buffalo’s narrow 27-25 Divisional Round win over Baltimore. He wasn’t heavily targeted despite being active for key snaps. Instead, Mack Hollins and Khalil Shakir saw more snaps. And it left fans wondering if the game plan was shifting away from the veteran.

Cooper was traded from Cleveland to Buffalo mid-season. It brought high expectations. Yet, his integration into the offense has been inconsistent. McDermott’s explanation appeared diplomatic. But the subtext was hard to miss—Cooper needs to be better. Cooper’s regular-season numbers were respectable. He racked up 547 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. But postseason football is different. His absence from critical plays was glaring. Take, for example, Baltimore’s final onside kick.

It’s worth noting that the Bills have flourished in other areas. Allen had just one turnover in his last seven games. Even considering his already formidable reputation, he has been a revelation. Despite not forcing a single punt, the defense forced three turnovers against Baltimore. Yet, they’ll need all hands on deck—including Cooper’s. They’ll need it to finally overcome Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship.

Sean McDermott’s comments set the stage for scrutiny. Can Cooper rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest?

McDermott’s Focus shifts to Kansas City

McDermott also noted that player rotations depend on game-specific situations. “It’s just making sure that we have our players out there that we want out there and need out there for certain situations… and for certain game plan,” he explained. While logical, this rationale doesn’t absolve the coaching staff from questions. Did Buffalo over-rely on Cooper’s natural talent instead of crafting plays that suit his strengths?

Integration takes time. Especially if it’s mid-season. But playoff runs don’t wait. Buffalo’s high-octane offense clicked better in the regular season. The team scored 30+ points in eight consecutive games—a league record. Yet, their offensive output has dipped slightly in recent weeks. Whether this is due to Cooper’s role or broader issues remains debatable.

Cooper’s role becomes critical with the AFC Championship on the line. Buffalo hasn’t beaten Mahomes in the playoffs and Allen is 0-3 against him in the post-season. The Bills need every weapon firing. Sean McDermott emphasized adaptability. But there’s no margin for error now. The Chiefs’ secondary has vulnerabilities, and Cooper’s experience could exploit them. As Allen said, “Do whatever it takes to win; that’s all that matters.”

Cooper has a chance to silence doubters and prove his worth. Can he seize it, or will the ball continue to go elsewhere? The answer lies at Arrowhead.