Bills player's redemption story suggests big change to the lineup
It's crazy to think that a first-round draft pick shining in the playoffs is perceived as a redemption story. But for Buffalo Bills CB Kaiir Elam, it makes plenty of sense. The rookie out of Florida had a roller coaster of a regular season, battling for snaps with veteran Dane Jackson and even late-round rookie […]
It's crazy to think that a first-round draft pick shining in the playoffs is perceived as a redemption story. But for Buffalo Bills CB Kaiir Elam, it makes plenty of sense.
The rookie out of Florida had a roller coaster of a regular season, battling for snaps with veteran Dane Jackson and even late-round rookie Christian Benford. Out of 13 games played, Elam crossed 50% of the defensive snaps only six times.
But on Sunday's 34-31 win over the Miami Dolphins, Elam was the star of the show. He was targeted five times and allowed just one catch for two yards, per Next Gen Stats. He also recorded an interception.
With just over two minutes left to go in the fourth quarter, Elam showed up with a stop on 4th & 6. The Bills cornerback stayed on Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki as he broke toward the sideline in the scramble drill.
Elam displayed the skill set of a CB1 on that play, including great speed to catch up to Gesicki after breaking outside.
That was just the cherry on top of a stellar performance for Elam. He had already picked off Skylar Thompson on 3rd & 19 in the third quarter. After noticing he has no one to cover in the flat, Elam dropped back to make the play.
After months of apparently doubting the high-profile draft pick, the Bills got the kind of game they were hoping for from their cornerback.
We can keep asking why he hadn't been playing as much since Week 8. But what matters now is where the Bills go from here. Anyone watching got the feeling that Kaiir Elam should remain one of the defensive starters.
On Sunday, Elam played in 62% of the defensive snaps after taking over for Dane Jackson, who suffered a knee injury. Bills HC Sean McDermott said in the postgame press conference that Jackson was cleared to return but Elam remained in the game.
Does that suggest the rookie cornerback has a shot at the starting role heading into the Divisional Round? CB2 has been an issue for Buffalo all season long and this might be one the coaching staff shouldn't overthink. Give Elam – who played lights out – a chance.
They'll need top-tier play from their cornerbacks as the Bills ready themselves for a big-time clash against the Cincinnati Bengals' talented passing offense.
Featured image via Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
