Bills provide crucial update on "face of the franchise" before season-opener
The Buffalo Bills are gearing up to take on the defending Super Bowl champions this Thursday. A statement game for a team with Super Bowl aspirations of their own. While fans are focused on the availability of All-Pro Safety, Jordan Poyer, there is another name that has some question marks surrounding their availability. Last week, […]
The Buffalo Bills are gearing up to take on the defending Super Bowl champions this Thursday.
A statement game for a team with Super Bowl aspirations of their own.
While fans are focused on the availability of All-Pro Safety, Jordan Poyer, there is another name that has some question marks surrounding their availability.
Last week, it was announced that the self-proclaimed "face of the franchise" Isaiah McKenzie was questionable to play.
However, with the Bills going through their final practices before kickoff, we have official word that they were both listed as full participants.
McKenzie has quickly become a fan favorite, and with Brandon Beane providing a contract extension this past offseason, McKenzie is ready for the challenge.
The self-proclaimed "face of the franchise" has quickly taken Bills Mafia by storm.
Initial concerns
Soon after the Bills announced Mckenzie's extension, they brought in veteran wide receiver Jamison Crowder.
The belief was that Crowder would fill the void left behind with Cole Beasley's departure.
McKenzie's role, again, would potentially be more of a gadget player coming into the season, with a chance to compete for targets with Crowder.
However, as camp continued, it became clear that McKenzie would be more of a focal point for the explosive Bills offense.
In fact, on the team's official depth chart, the Bills have chalked in McKenzie for the starting slot receiver position.
Dominance last season, in limited playing time
Perhaps McKenzie's biggest impact last season was his performance against the division rival New England Patriots.
While McKenzie had shown bursts of impressive abilities on the field, this was his first true shining moment as a Buffalo Bill.
Expectations for this season
McKenzie has rightfully earned his spot on this roster but there is a lot for the wide receiver to prove.
McKenzie has won over both the fans of the Bills and the locker room.
In fact, new Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey was raving about the receiver's abilities and work ethic.
Preparation for season-opener
Having both McKenzie and Poyer active and ready for gameday gives this Bills team a huge boost.
While we are still a few days away, they are both trending in the right direction.
Thursday begins one of the most highly-anticipated Bills seasons in recent memory.
The Bills will need to keep everyone healthy throughout the year if they hope to achieve the ultimate goal, Buffalo's first-ever Super Bowl victory.
Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
