Preseason key area of concern full of mixed reviews in Buffalo Bills win over Arizona Cardinals
It was expected that the defense was going to take some time to find its rhythm after moving on from a pair of cornerstone safeties in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Take out superstar linebacker Matt Milano with a biceps injury, and this defense is relying on some names in key roles that haven't had much […]
It was expected that the defense was going to take some time to find its rhythm after moving on from a pair of cornerstone safeties in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Take out superstar linebacker Matt Milano with a biceps injury, and this defense is relying on some names in key roles that haven't had much experience doing so in a Buffalo uniform.
Namely, Taylor Rapp, who was one of the expected starting safeties all throughout training camp and the preseason. His first game as a full time starter had mixed reviews, but it wasn't as bad as some are making it out to be.
Going back and watching the All-22 of the game, Rapp was pretty sound in his assignments. He was often where he was supposed to be, when he was supposed to be. It wasn't perfect, but Rapp had a nice day. One glaring play stands out, though.
This one could have been a massive back-breaker for the Bills. Just look at the situation. Right before this play, Tyler Bass kicked the ball off out of bounds, giving Arizona terrific field position to try and mount a comeback. Momentum is hanging in the balance. It was 1st and 10 from their own 40 yard line, trailing by six points with under two minutes to play. There's one thing you absolutely can't give up, and that's a chunk play down the sideline.
Rapp almost did exactly that. Fortunately for him, Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson dropped it, even though Rapp was more than a step late in getting there.
If Wilson had caught that pass, and he should have, it would have gone for about 20 yards, putting Arizona well into Buffalo territory with a stopped clock and still holding all three of their timeouts. That play could have been a crucial swing in the outcome, and quite frankly, it should have been.
This isn't to bash on Rapp. Like I said, all-in-all I think he had a fine game. Even the best players don't make every play, but it does point to a potential weakness on the field that the Bills need to be aware of, and I'm sure that they are. However, this is what they have.
As the season goes on, we'll see if the combinations on the back end of the secondary change as Mike Edwards and rookie Cole Bishop work their way back from injuries. Especially in a defense that played plenty of dime coverage in Week 1, there will be opportunities for safeties to carve out roles in this defense.
Buffalo has a quick turn around before having to deal with the fastest team in the league in the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, and the safeties will be tested early and often.
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It’s a cloud over an otherwise outstanding performance.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
