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The Buffalo Bills finally won a nail-biter late in the 4th quarter against Tampa Bay. The players on the original list of 5 players to watch made a difference in the win.
QB Tyrod Taylor
Taylor came out and played his best game of the season. He went 20/33 with 268 yards and a touchdown. He then added 53 yards on the ground and kept the chains moving. Taylor led the game-tying and game-winning drives for the Bills including a long play down the sideline to Deonte Thompson, his favorite target for the day. Many have asked for Taylor to look more like a traditional QB and he delivered. He made throws with anticipation and hung in the pocket until the last second, but he also found time and space with his legs which is what he can provide that others can’t.
OT Cordy Glenn
After missing a few games with injuries, Glenn returned to the starting lineup and his presence was felt immediately. The overall play of the line was the best we have seen since Week 1 when Glenn started and played the full game. The Bills only gave up one sack to the Bucs defense and the run game finally found a bit of daylight. Glenn was an important part of the offense’s success on Sunday.
WR Jordan Matthews
Matthews was virtually a non-factor statistically in this game. He had just 2 catches for 10 yards, while his new teammate, Deonte Thompson, stole the spotlight. Overall, the receiver group looks to be getting better. Matthews came back two weeks earlier than expected from his thumb surgery and that could have played a part in his lack of targets.
CB Tre'Davious White
Other than the one touchdown White gave up on an indefensible throw and catch to Mike Evans to tie the game, White played well. On the last real chance the Bucs had to put the game away, White punched the ball out from receiver Adam Humphries and jumped on it right after, setting the Bills up in field goal range to win the game. White has been extremely critical of himself lately because of just a few bad plays despite the fact that he has exceeded all expectations thus far.
Safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde
Poyer and Hyde secured the back end once again and didn't allow many big plays to happen in the secondary. Neither of them picked the ball off but they came close. Poyer had a clutch pass defense in the endzone and Hyde dropped an easy one on a deep ball. Both of these guys have been playing extremely well and look like the best offseason moves for the Bills.