3 Buffalo Bills players to watch in preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Buffalo Bills are about to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in their second preseason game. In case you missed it, I wrote about how you can watch the contest. Another preseason game means another opportunity for some players to step up and ball out, forcing the organization's hand to either put them on the […]
The Buffalo Bills are about to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in their second preseason game. In case you missed it, I wrote about how you can watch the contest.
Another preseason game means another opportunity for some players to step up and ball out, forcing the organization's hand to either put them on the 53-man roster or look elsewhere at their positions.
The biggest storyline is Josh Allen getting playing time, as I previously wrote Sean McDermott announced the starters would be playing and would be looking at playing around a quarter and a half of football. That said, let's jump in on some players to watch for during the contest.
QB Matt Barkley
Barkley burst onto the scene in his first preseason matchup and led the team to a victory. Barkley opened up after the game saying Allen was in his ear calling plays, another feather in the cap for the franchise QB. However, all eyes will and should be on Barkley to see what he can do with this offense. Kyle Allen had a rough start and while Barkley was taking on the second, third or maybe even fourth-string players, he balled out. McDermott opened up that the battle for QB2 is wide open, so it'll be up to Barkley to show the front office why he's deserving of the role. Another 150-plus yard game with two touchdowns would go a long way to earn the QB2 spot. If he flounders, and Allen has a bad game, the front office may be in a tough spot.
RG O'Cyrus Torrence
Really, we could've boiled this down to the entire offensive line. They were, well, not great. I previously wrote about the Bills keys to success revolving around Josh Allen and in large part, the offensive line. The second-round pick out of Florida has been splitting time with Ryan Bates but earned the start in their last preseason game. Torrence can earn the starting RG position from day one if he can dominate on the football field during the preseason. Buffalo desperately needs to improve this area, Torrence has a real chance to make a difference moving forward if he can succeed.
LB Tyrel Dodson
The middle linebacker position gives me bubble gut. After losing Tremaine Edmunds for the season, this is probably the biggest question mark surrounding the team. Dodson has been front and center after a few days of heated practices and McDermott opened up about wanting to see improvement from the defensive signal callers. With injuries plaguing the team, it's Dodson's job to lose.
Our honorable mention would be for WR Andy Isabella as he's been getting some love from the Bills Mafia and even the coaching staff. In a surprising move, Isabella started seeing some reps with the first team in practices this past week. While originally a long shot to make the roster, Isabella could make waves with yet another impressive preseason performance.
Go in, ball out, and show the front office why you deserve to start.
We're just so happy football is back.
Could the Buffalo Bills cut Damar Hamlin?
The Buffalo Bills S Damar Hamlin has had a remarkable journey back to the NFL. However, when looking at the roster, is there a possibility he could be cut?
Featured image via Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports