The Buffalo Bills lost their second straight game, this time to the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, 26-17. On a rainy night in Orchard Park, it was on both sides of the ball—and not just because of the precipitation. Focused on slowing down the Chiefs’ air attack, the defense was hung out to dry against the run. Meanwhile the offense couldn’t run the ball effectively and was massively mistake-prone. There were also some notable lineup changes for the game, which included more exposure for some key rookies. More about how each rookie performed against the Chiefs below.
DE A.J. Epenesa
Seeing a noticeable uptick in snaps since the last game, Epenensa was nonetheless invisible on both the stat sheet and on the tape. Granted, he was going up against a strong pair of offensive tackles and a wily opposing quarterback, but you’d expect the rookie to at least record some decent pressure after six games.
RB Zack Moss
The Bills have a run-blocking problem, and it doesn’t appear to be Moss’s fault. Having said that, the rookie needs to be prepared and better equipped to make something out of nothing. Instead of immediately hitting the planned hole and relying on his size and physicality to earn yards. He only had five carries for ten rushing yards, leading to a paltry two-yards-per-carry average.
WR Gabriel Davis
Despite seeing the field for 62% offensive snaps, Davis was only targeted in the passing game once, which resulted in a seven-yard gain. That’s not the production we have become accustomed to for the rookie wide receiver. The tape shows that he was challenged at the line of scrimmage quite frequently by the Kansas City corners and failed to earn separation because of it.
QB Jake Fromm
As with the previous games, Fromm was again a healthy scratch. This should remain the case throughout the season.
K Tyler Bass
The rookie kicker successfully made a 48-yarder in the first quarter, but then missed a 52-yarder in the second half. Saying he “missed” the second kick doesn’t really do it justice, as he hooked it hard to the right. The conditions were tough though, so it’s hard to blame him too much.
WR Isaiah Hodgins
Hodgins remains on Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury sustained late in training camp.
CB Dane Jackson
Jackson was previously elevated from the practice squad because of injuries to Levi Wallace and Tre’Davious White, but did not see playing time this week. With Cam Lewis sustaining an injury against the Chiefs as well, he may see playing time next week against the New York Jets.
TE/FB Reggie Gilliam
Gilliam again saw some limited offensive snaps, all around the goal line. He also was a regular mainstay on special teams.