With the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Carolina Panthers in the books let’s revisit the five players to watch from Friday’s game.
Darryl Johnson
Once again Johnson impressed coaches and fans alike Friday night against the Panthers, recording one tackle and a sack fumble. Johnson scored a 92.7 grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest on the team. While it was primarily against third teamers, Johnson consistently beat his man in pass-rush situations. Johnson gave the coaches a reason to keep him on this team and is making a solid case to make the final 53.
Isaiah McKenzie
Despite only playing one offensive snap, Mckenzie played well, catching one pass for 37 yards and returning punts in the second half. With an impressive performance from Duke Williams, the competition for the sixth receiver spot just became more interesting. McKenzie has experience, and an impressive camp on his side but if he wants to separate himself from the pack he will have to make the most of the final two weeks of the preseason.
Cody Ford
Ford struggled in the first series of Friday’s game. With Ty Nsekhe out for the game, Ford played primarily at the right tackle spot and was consistently beaten in his time on the field. Ford looks more comfortable playing at the guard position and saw more success there during the game against the Indianapolis Colts. It will be interesting to see where Ford is slotted come the third preseason game—where the starters receive a majority of the play time.
Taron Johnson
Johnson played well Friday, recording a tackle and dropping what could've been an interception. going into his second year, Johnson looks like he's made the most of the offseason and can be what the Bills have been looking for at the nickel spot. It doesn't seem like Johnson is in any danger of losing his spot and could be a pleasant surprise for Buffalo’s defense come Week 1 of the regular season.
Devin Singletary
While his touches went down, Singletary still managed to impress in the Bills’ second preseason game. Singletary had three catches for 25 yards and two carries for six yards. A lot of this has to do with LeSean McCoy seeing his first game action of the year. Singletary has shown in his time on the field that he has natural instincts, vision, and can be a threat in the run as well as in the passing game. Going forward, It will be interesting to see what Singletary can do behind a starting offensive line—should he see more reps with the ones.