Buffalo Rumblings - All our coverage: Bills face Broncos in 2022 regular-season dress rehearsalBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2022-08-24T08:00:00-04:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/230754862022-08-24T08:00:00-04:002022-08-24T08:00:00-04:00Penalty Recap: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills, preseason
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<figcaption>Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Buffalo is in midseason form</p> <p id="iTEc7I">As a reminder, this is the light version of the penalty recap for the preseason. We can still have some fun though and the full version should be ready to go for the season opener. For now, let’s have some casual conversation about what went down as the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> hosted the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>. </p>
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<h2 id="PekRXA">By the Numbers</h2>
<p id="q5FbOo">Our comparison baseline is last year’s regular-season numbers, which were right around six flags and 50 yards assessed per team each game. The two teams combined floated around this average, but of course this sentence is deliberately misconstruing things for dramatic effect. </p>
<p id="Qtrrzv">The Broncos had three flags assessed for 20 yards. The Bills had eight assessed penalties for 68 yards. See? Deliberately misconstrued. This is also a good reminder that penalty rates are often a poor predictor of success in the NFL. On the good news front, it’s also a reduction from Preseason Week 1 for Buffalo. </p>
<h3 id="fyJSNr">What Stood Out</h3>
<h4 id="HnWyPv">Denver Broncos</h4>
<p id="ikm2Hf">For the Broncos, you can’t have a ton of pattern detection with only three data points. Well, technically four. Denver had one penalty declined, which brings us to our two semi-interesting facts for Denver. </p>
<p id="wlslW1">The declined penalty was their second offsides flag. In a row. On 3rd & 15, Buffalo got a free play and Case Keenum nailed a pass to Khalil Shakir for 25 yards. Even weirder is that Keenum got a pass to Shakir off on BOTH offsides calls. The first was only for a gain of eight and on 3rd & 20 those yards weren’t a big help. It was definitely the right call for head coach Sean McDermott to get the down back for Buffalo. </p>
<p id="4yL1cL">Aside from that weirdness, there isn’t much to discuss for the Broncos. </p>
<h4 id="blOLmw">Buffalo Bills</h4>
<p id="QmZCCV">Making that sequence even crazier is that Denver’s declined flag was actually the fourth penalty in a row. It all began on 3rd & 5 on the Denver 22. Luke Tenuta had a false start leading to 3rd & 10. </p>
<p id="stNR78">On this critical down, Keenum’s pass to Zack Moss fell incomplete. Also, Cody Ford was called for illegal use of hands. Denver could have had 4th & 10, but gambled on the 3rd & 20 maybe taking Buffalo out of field goal range or something. Instead, they gave them the two free plays mentioned above. </p>
<p id="1kuAER">Aside from that, Buffalo still had the more exciting day. It wasn’t just counts either. Defensive pass interference and face mask flags are way more provocative than the false starts and offsides calls the Broncos mostly stuck with. </p>
<p id="D2Djxz">The pinnacle for the Bills would have to be a Quintin Morris holding call. It wiped out a Devin Singletary touchdown run of three yards on second down. The call wiped out seven points, one down, and three yards. That’s 8.3 Harm for those of you who follow my <s>nonsensical </s>proprietary penalty stat. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/24/23319175/penalty-recap-denver-broncos-at-buffalo-bills-preseasonSkarekrow2022-08-23T13:00:00-04:002022-08-23T13:00:00-04:00Bills preseason video review: Christian Benford vs. Broncos
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<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Versus backups but still some good film</p> <p id="n03fj3">The preseason is full of surprises. This week brings us something really new—ll-22 angles for preseason games! Usually not available in prior years and a pain in the neck this year, we’re finally gold! That’s the good news. The bad news is this week’s subject is <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> corner Christian Benford, who didn’t log any reps against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>’ starters. </p>
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<h3 id="Ltqhgu">Play 1</h3>
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<p id="3EF98B">When we did this with Kaiir Elam I noted that a lack of all the angles and limited snaps to judge make it hard to form too solid of an opinion. We cleaned up the angle issue but the limited reps concern is still valid. Also, we add a quality-of-competition issue in this game. Anyway, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to learn. </p>
<p id="075uNw">Here we see Benford lined up in man coverage and he gives a little jam at the line, which turns into a short stint of coverage. There’s no point evaluating how well he does covering the route because he bails so early and that’s the point here. I like that Benford is quick to recognize the play is going elsewhere and he tries to join the swarm to the ball. Head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Leslie Frazier love smart players and this play is a tally on that side of the ledger. </p>
<h3 id="91TWCK">Play 2</h3>
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<p id="tmONhO">We all know I love a good backpedal so it’s great to see this in his toolkit. Once Benford sees for sure where this is going he’s pretty good in coverage and runs mostly right with his man. This isn’t that crazy of a route and Benford would need to show how he handles a contested catch situation but so far so good. </p>
<h3 id="UyJJDI">Play 3</h3>
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<p id="8nziKT">This is more of a team analysis. With Benford locked in on his guy on the short route, he’s completely eliminated from helping out on intermediate and deep routes. This is a way to isolate weak links. For the Bills, the weak links will likely be the corners for the time being, with a couple of excellent safeties on the back end who should help cover some flaws. </p>
<h3 id="SNp7G6">Play 4</h3>
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<p id="m8OLfe">I like a couple things here, the obvious one being what I allude to in the GIF. Benford is looking to the inside as if he’s waiting to see what happens in his zone, but reacts to the play quick enough to suggest he’s reading the quarterback. As a result he’s in the swarm. The other thing I like is how much variation they seem to be asking their young players to take on. They’re trusting their guys with a lot. </p>
<h3 id="8XQdD4">Play 5</h3>
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<p id="TvQ3bR">We have another route where he’s covering his man pretty well. And another example of him trying to disrupt the route a little. Based on this game, I think Benford could be a little more physical at the point of attack, but to be fair it’s a dangerous game to play. Trying too hard to shove right out of the gate can impact how quickly he can react to the route, especially if the receiver counters well. To be more fair, Benford’s draft profile praised his physicality and small sample sizes can be misleading. </p>
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<h3 id="udkEkb">Summary</h3>
<p id="4tfFpJ">Just like Elam, the book of Christian Benford is incomplete. Take this for what it is, simply a few notes on a young player. The good news is they’re promising notes. Benford shows a lot of traits that have translated time and again to success in the Buffalo Nickel defense. Versatility, awareness, and reaction time are all great to see out of Benford. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/23/23317575/bills-preseason-video-review-christian-benford-vs-broncosSkarekrow2022-08-23T10:00:00-04:002022-08-23T10:00:00-04:00Buffalo Bills Rookie Report following Week 2 of Preseason
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<figcaption>Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Several rookies stood out against the Broncos</p> <p id="bD9xpq">Looking at the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ current roster, there are plenty of rookies still jockeying for both a starting role or simply a spot on the roster for the 2022 season. With the Bills’ organization a generally known commodity, rookie performances tend to steal the show for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> hopefuls. Every rookie draft selection <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/22/23315733/preseason-snap-count-notes-buffalo-bills-vs-denver-broncos">received playing time during the Week 2 preseason game</a> against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> this past Saturday. Honing in on how each rookie performed should give a more defined look at where the 2022 draft class stands with just over two weeks before the NFL regular season kicks off.</p>
<h3 id="ofBwrP">CB Kaiir Elam</h3>
<p id="mbuHz2">There is no better place to start than the Bills’ first-round pick. It’s been an up-and-down summer for Elam who comes into the league highly regarded from SEC powerhouse Florida. He’s had days in camp where he’s been victimized while learning to play more reps as a “hands-off” player in the league. However, there are plenty of glimmers of hope featuring back and forth with wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Elam put together an encouraging performance against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> during Week 1 of the preseason—with the exception of one penalty. It was a much more quiet performance in Week 2 while facing the Broncos. The most notable play featuring Elam was a facemask penalty that extended a Denver drive after the unit created a third-down stop. Elam missed the target on his “jam” at the line, which resulted in his finger gripping the receiver’s facemask. Elam played 26 snaps—he didn’t record a stat but also didn’t allow any receptions. The arrow is pointing neutral with the chances of him starting Week 1 looking likely should Tre’Davious White not be ready to return from injury.</p>
<h3 id="6v4hhh">RB James Cook</h3>
<p id="xP1YDv">Cook had much more room to operate during Week 2 of preseason action. The Bills’ second-round pick has only seen nine touches in preseason thus far, but he made the most of the five he received against the Broncos on Saturday. He showcased his ability to quickly chew up yards and run through arm tackles with 50 yards on just five touches. Watching Cook run makes you want more, which is a positive sign for the rookie. To their credit, fellow runners Devin Singletary and Zack Moss have also shown a lot in the preseason. Cook’s ability to be a security blanket in the passing game makes him a unique factor in Buffalo’s offense. Cook’s arrow is pointing up heading into the final preseason game. </p>
<h3 id="Ug03VE">LB Terrel Bernard</h3>
<p id="YffmJA">The third-round pick played 20 defensive snaps against Denver, but he didn’t register a stat. It’s likely that Bernard will be the Bills’ third linebacker with versatility to play as a Mike, Will, or overhang player. There was good and bad from Bernard in the first week of preseason action, but he’s still getting the first shot behind Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano. Linebacker Andre Smith and rookie Baylon Spector (more on him later) are other players who have performed well. Bernard’s competing for snaps with both. Smith will be serving a six-game suspension to start the year. Bernard likely has a small role on the defense in 2022.</p>
<h3 id="W6wrlH">WR Khalil Shakir</h3>
<p id="SMtuoO">Shakir has been a darling throughout training camp and the preseason. All of the things the fifth-round pick did well in college are translating extremely well to the next level. He turned three targets into three receptions and 59 yards receiving against the Broncos. While facing the Colts, Shakir showed off his body control and ability to work the sideline. Shakir put on a clinic against Denver, showcasing how to find soft spots in zone coverage. Former Bills WR Cole Beasley was famous for his masterclass in finding pockets against zone. Shakir could be a younger and more dynamic player than Beasley while doing similar things well. The rookie also provides value as a punt returner and may very well win that job come the regular season. His trajectory seems to be firmly full steam ahead, due north. </p>
<h3 id="i2rApy">P Matt Araiza</h3>
<p id="DAqOgF"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/22/23316334/buffalo-bills-release-wide-receiver-tavon-austin-punter-matt-haack">With news breaking Monday that the Bills released veteran punter Matt Haack</a>, the job is now rookie P Matt Araiza’s for the 2022 season. Perhaps forecasting the move, Araiza didn’t punt against the Broncos, but he did hold six Tyler Bass extra points. the sixth-rounder out of San Diego State blasted his lone punt of the preseason 82 yards. Araiza is new to holding, but he’s seemingly picked it up very well with Bass being a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals and 7-for-7 on extra points with Araiza holding this preseason. He’s still raw at his position, but Araiza’s potential is through the roof.</p>
<h3 id="99dWrl">CB Christian Benford</h3>
<p id="q9cHLG">Benford, like Elam, had a very quiet day on Saturday afternoon. He posted one tackle to ensure a short-yardage gain, but he was pretty quiet on 22 other reps. That’s a good thing for a young rookie playing in his second professional game. It’s likely that Dane Jackson and Kaiir Elam open the season as the starters should White be out with an injury, but Benford continues to knock on the door and refuses to concede the competition. The cornerback competition still seems far from over. </p>
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<h3 id="SzZbaU">OT Luke Tenuta</h3>
<p id="a8lgkt">Tenuta has struggled with his reps at both tackle spots in the preseason, and it’s unlikely he makes the roster at this point. There is a good chance he’s one of the linemen the Bills retain for their practice squad following cuts to field a 53-man roster. </p>
<h3 id="z84TIe">LB Baylon Spector</h3>
<p id="DcBTVK">One of the most notable things to point out about Spector against Denver is that he opened the game as a starter on the kick return unit. The Bills elected to rest a few special teams aces on Saturday, (including linebacker Tyler Matakevich) but Spector’s best shot to make the initial 53-man roster is as a special teams contributor. Edmunds, Milano, Bernard, and Matakevich are likely locks for the team. Andre Smith’s absence likely leaves Spector battling Joe Giles-Harris and Tyrel Dodson for the last linebacker spot on the 53-man roster. Against the Broncos, Spector quietly led the team in tackles and had a couple of nice coverage reps that displayed his plus-athleticism. He sits firmly on the roster bubble heading into the final week of preseason. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/23/23316320/buffalo-bills-rookie-report-following-week-2-of-preseasonMaxwell Owens2022-08-23T09:30:00-04:002022-08-23T09:30:00-04:00Q&A: Warren family Bills season preview
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<p>Matt’s kids get in on the podcasting to talk about the end of the 2021 season and share predictions for 2022</p> <p id="fT3La5">Matt is out of town this week, so his kids join in the podcasting to share how the 2021 <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> season ended from their perspective as well as make some predictions about 2022. </p>
<p id="HroPyR">To have your Bills questions answered on the next podcast, you can call 24/7 and leave your questions at 716-508-0405, email us at BuffaloRumblings@SBnation.com, tweet us at @RumblingsQandA, send us Facebook or Instagram messages, or leave your comments in the show notes article on the website.</p>
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<p id="DaXia0"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this in Apple News, you’ll need to head to your podcast app or phone’s web browser to hear the embedded audio file.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/23/23311151/q-a-warren-family-bills-season-previewMatt Warren2022-08-23T08:30:00-04:002022-08-23T08:30:00-04:00AFC East Roundup: Questions to answer before Week 1
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<figcaption>Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Roster decisions, depth, and chemistry concerns</p> <p id="UiBgQ0">One week of preseason football remains and, with it, important roster decisions will take place for every NFL team in order to reach the 53-man roster limit by August 30 ahead of Week 1. But to reach some of those decisions, some questions still need to be answered. </p>
<p id="6Uz27N">Now, some may think these battles won’t have an impact on the season but it’s true that all it takes is for one player to make all the difference on a team in a Super-Bowl-or-bust window. While that’s true of the entire NFL, let’s discuss some of those decisions to be finalized around the AFC East before that deadline.</p>
<p id="uy7sBl">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> have several looming decisions to make, but we’ll focus on two positions as it relates to roster cuts. At running back, there’s the battle involving rookie Raheem Blackshear and veteran Duke Johnson. Both of these players have scored multiple touchdowns this preseason. Still, with Singletary, Moss and Cook almost locks to all make the roster there may not be room for either back in Buffalo. With Blackshear, the team may be forced to gamble and try signing (and stashing) him on their practice squad. Then of course there’s the battle for the final receiver spot between Jake Kumerow and Isaiah Hodgins. Both players have produced during the preseason as receivers. But something worthy of mention is that, against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>, both played the same number of special team snaps. This battle may come down to who can provide the most juice on special teams as the two seem neck and neck. </p>
<p id="zhDKy8">All the questions for the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> this offseason have been about their lack of an official offensive coordinator. However, sticking to the players, who will step up this season and be the team’s number-one wide receiver? It’s likely that Hunter Henry steps up at tight end as Mac Jones’s favorite target, but what about on the outside? Last season, Jakobi Myers led the way with 866 yards, so perhaps he makes the jump going into his fourth season. Another option could be Nelson Agholor as the over-the-top threat—a role he played with the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a>. Last year was Agholor’s first season in New England and it was fairly disappointing, so a return to his Raiders form would be welcome. </p>
<p id="t3SFNf">The <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> have perhaps the biggest question to answer ahead of Week 1 of the regular season. After suffering a knee injury in the first preseason game, Zach Wilson’s status is in doubt for the team’s opener against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>. Head Coach Robert Saleh hasn’t yet ruled out Wilson, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to hear Wilson won’t suit up Week 1. It’s always paramount to be on the safe side with a franchise quarterback. If that’s the case, it would leave either Joe Flacco or Mike White to start at QB. White did show some flashes last season in three starts, though it didn’t last. For Flacco, a start would be fitting against his former team with whom he won a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>. It will certainly be interesting to see how the two split snaps in the Jets’ final preseason game.</p>
<p id="KGnrf2">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> brought in WR Tyreek Hill this offseason to help elevate the game of QB Tua Tagovailoa. The idea seems to be that, when paired with Jaylen Waddle, teams will be overmatched and out of sync when trying to defend Miami’s offense. The issue to this point is that Tagovailoa and Hill haven’t spent any time on the field together building in-game chemistry through two preseason affairs. Yes, the QB and WR are building chemistry in practice, but it’s an entirely different situation playing against an opposing team giving 100% on the field. Now to be fair and compare to the Las Vegas Raiders, neither QB Derek Carr or WR Devante Adams have seen preseason reps together either. Maybe for the Dolphins that changes with the final preseason game. But with the amount of pressure on Tua this season, it would better benefit both Miami and Tagovailoa to build on-field chemistry ahead of the regular season.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/23/23317148/afc-east-roundup-questions-to-answer-before-week-1Corey Giacovelli2022-08-23T08:00:00-04:002022-08-23T08:00:00-04:00BBR: Khalil Shakir can make an impact in 2022 for the Bills
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<figcaption>Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How did Shakir slip to the 5th round? I take a closer look in this week’s episode of BBR.</p> <p id="MsBMAn">One of the shining stars through two preseason games for the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> has been rookie wide receiver Khalil Shakir. The fifth-round pick out of <a href="https://www.obnug.com">Boise State</a> has quickly become a fan favorite, and a player who I expect to make an impact for the Bills this season.</p>
<p id="6B2WYI">In this latest episode of BBR, I take a closer look at Shakir’s scouting report, and try to understand how he slipped to the fifth round. It’s difficult not to make comparisons to Gabe Davis, and the buzz around his play during training camp back in 2020. You can listen to the episode below, and share your thoughts on Shakir in the comments section.</p>
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<p id="SEMJTf"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this in Apple News, you’ll need to head to your podcast app or phone’s web browser to hear the embedded audio file.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/23/23317021/bbr-khalil-shakir-can-make-an-impact-in-2022-for-the-billsAnthony Marino2022-08-22T19:00:00-04:002022-08-22T19:00:00-04:00Complete Team Wins | Off Tackle With John Fina Show
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DuWgoOuwgve8gO79lBURC2B2YMs=/250x0:2950x1800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71272597/OffTacklelogo2022.0.jpg" />
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<p>Show Airs Monday Nights at 8:00 PM ET on the BR YouTube Channel</p> <p id="fHRUwZ">Join former <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> offensive tackle and first-round pick, John Fina, and host Joe Miller as they talk about the Bills’ second 2022 preseason game against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>, Three #BILLS in the Top 50 so far and Haack and Austin released.</p>
<p id="B8mH0c">While we’ve embedded the live video feed below (the show kicks off at 8:00 PM Eastern), <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BuffalorumblingsSBN">if you want to participate, you should head over to YouTube</a>. You can watch here, but you can’t ask questions and engage with us live. Join us, then subscribe, so you don’t miss another show!</p>
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<p id="J8uAXM">Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-podcast-news-notes-analysis-radio-itunes-google-play-stitcher">Buffalo Rumblings podcast channel</a> featuring Billieve, Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, Breaking Buffalo Rumblings, Code of Conduct with J. Spence, The Bruce Exclusive, The Buff Hub, Jamie D. & Big Newt, The Overreaction Podcast, Food For Thought, The Chop Up, Hump Day Hotline, Off Tackle with John Fina, Bills Mafia Time 2 Shine, Intentional Grounding, Not Another Buffalo Podcast, Buffalo Nerd Sports Podcast and Circling the Wagons:</p>
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</h4>
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<p id="xUkPjP"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this in Apple News, you’ll need to head to your podcast app or phone’s web browser to hear the embedded audio file.</em> </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/22/23316724/complete-team-wins-off-tackle-with-john-fina-showJoe Miller III2022-08-22T13:00:00-04:002022-08-22T13:00:00-04:00Who we didn’t see in Preseason Week 2: Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos
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<figcaption>Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A much shorter list this week</p> <p id="SppIKF">Last week was our first ever look at who didn’t play during a preseason game and...I think it was pretty interesting. That article was by request of our fearless editor in chief Matt Warren in case you wanted to assign credit/blame. It’s a little different this week, as the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> played their starters for the most part. Let’s take a look at who we didn’t see and some possible reasons why. Thirteen players didn’t take the field for this one, which is about 20 less than last week. </p>
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<h3 id="fXbZmt">The Obvious Ones</h3>
<ul>
<li id="2RzSP4">Von Miller—While the other stars saw some time on the field, Miller was still kept in bubble wrap. This is likely due to the defensive end position being a bit more solo in nature than offense where the chemistry between Josh Allen and company was a bit more important to tune up.</li>
<li id="PyFypV">Dawson Knox—Best wishes to Dawson Knox and the entire Knox family. </li>
<li id="C8Fd3p">Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer—Both starting safeties have been dinged up and it’s better to let them rest and heal.</li>
<li id="WDwynD">Tre’Davious White—Still recovering from a major injury, White may not even be ready for the regular season.</li>
<li id="m5SeD1">Ike Boettger—Another player recovering from a major injury.</li>
<li id="eWQms8">Tommy Doyle—Doyle is dealing with a foot injury.</li>
<li id="UuujXB">Marquez Stevenson—Recent foot surgery with an unknown time table for return might mean Stevenson is a long shot for the 53, but could be a good stash candidate.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3UbhlW">The Less Obvious Ones</h3>
<ul>
<li id="oNaZ85">Tim Settle Jr.—Settle started in Week 1, where he was mostly surrounded by players expected to make the team. It’s possible Settle was dealing with an injury but I couldn’t find any mention of one. It’s also possible the Bills have made up their mind on Settle and wanted to see other players compete. </li>
<li id="o2CZ3x">Taiwan Jones—Similar to Settle, there’s nothing to suggest Jones was hurt. The Bills are very familiar with Jones so there’s a decent shot here as well that Buffalo has already made up their mind for the special teams ace.</li>
<li id="Zj2LWW">Siran Neal—Another one with no injuries noted. While Neal is also a special teams mainstay, he’s also been a significant depth piece on Sunday. Neal would be a bit of a surprise cut. </li>
<li id="kKpRqS">Tyler Matakevich—Our third special teams player, Matakevich usually leads the team in snaps. He’s less utilized for depth, but has appeared in games for Buffalo. </li>
<li id="ENFYZq">Kingsley Jonathan—This one is a bit odd. The rookie defensive end also shows no injuries that I can find, but wasn’t allowed to hit the field and show what he could do. Not letting him play still seems like their mind might be made up, but in which direction?</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="O8i7hv">Skare’s guesses</h3>
<p id="G9qG0I">Everyone in the first group should make the team or be injury stashed if I had to wager. On the less obvious group, Tim Settle Jr., Taiwan Jones, and Siran Neal would be locks if I had to wager. I can’t imagine Settle not being in the top four (where he’s currently listed on the Bills’ depth chart). Neal’s spot should be similarly solid. I know the depth running backs have been impressing, but the RB4 shouldn’t expect to see the field unless it’s on special teams and Jones is lethal there. </p>
<p id="WyKIZI">If I had to guess, this grouping fell into a weird spot for the Bills. None of this group has much chemistry to work out as they’re depth mostly, but also they’re not really in competition with anyone. It’s possible Tyler Matakevich falls into this list as well. </p>
<p id="p61ABg">It’s also possible he doesn’t. Matakevich’s name is the furthest back on the depth chart for any of these guys at their respective positions. Baylon Spector and Joe Giles-Harris are intriguing names at depth who both might become especially important with Tremaine Edmunds’s contract up in the air. The pair played significant special teams reps too in both preseason games. Matakevich is a true unknown though. </p>
<p id="6Zvm1C">Kingsley Jonathan saw a ton of time in Preseason Week 1, including a chunk of time on special teams. Without a known injury, being inactive sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s almost certain the Bills have made up their mind but, again, which direction? Is he so far behind the competition he already has no shot? Are they hoping to sneak him onto the practice squad by not giving up any more film on the guy? </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/8/22/23315785/who-we-didnt-see-in-preseason-week-2-buffalo-bills-vs-denver-broncosSkarekrow