The Buffalo Bills, undefeated through two preseason games, are heading to the Motor City to take on Matt Patricia, Matthew Stafford, and the Detroit Lions. Kickoff is at 8 pm ET, and with luck, we can see an extended period of play from the starters (but more importantly, avoid serious injuries). Here’s who we’re watching during tonight’s match-up:
QB Josh Allen
Can Buffalo’s young signal caller keep the good vibes going? Through two games, Allen’s stat line reads: 15/22 passing for 168 yards. Though he hasn’t scored a touchdown, he’s led the starting offense to 10 points (plus a missed 34-yard field goal) on four drives. Allen looks comfortable in Brian Daboll’s offense with his new teammates, but today may be the first time this summer he sees live blitzes. How will he react?
TE Dawson Knox
If he’s fully back from his hamstring injury, it’s an NFL debut for rookie Dawson Knox. In his absence, seventh-round rookie Tommy Sweeney has held his own with the starters, but will Knox supplant him from the get-go? We’ll see how much action Knox gets, considering he was a favorite target of Josh Allen’s at the start of training camp.
WR Isaiah McKenzie
Through two preseason games, McKenzie is one of Buffalo’s most effective players. He leads the team with 99 receiving yards on three catches, and has four punt returns for 34 yards. Will he be able to cement his roster status with another strong game against Matt Patricia’s physical defense, or can someone like Duke Williams or Ray Ray McCloud III outshine him?
CB Lafayette Pitts
Buffalo’s starting three cornerbacks are locked in, with Tre’Davious White, Levi Wallace, and Taron Johnson. Kevin Johnson has his roster spot thanks to a strong preseason, and Siran Neal is making a case for a backup nickel spot. With E.J. Gaines gone and rookie Cam Lewis suffering from a concussion, this game could be a major test for Pitts and his chances to return for another year with the Bills.
P Corey Bojorquez
Cory Carter’s been ruled out of tonight’s game with a knee injury, giving Bojorquez his biggest audition yet for Buffalo Bills Punter 2019. To be frank, neither punter candidate has impressed this summer. With New England Patriots punter Ryan Allen now waived, folks might start clamoring for a replacement unless Bojorquez can deliver a solid start-to-finish of kicking.