How Bills rookies stole the show in preseason opener
The Buffalo Bills' preseason opener is now in the books. In an unexpectedly dramatic game in which they turned the ball over five times, they took the win 27-24 with a game-winning field goal. Beyond the scoreboard though, there's a big reason to be excited about what went down in Highmark Stadium. The Bills' rookies […]
The Buffalo Bills' preseason opener is now in the books. In an unexpectedly dramatic game in which they turned the ball over five times, they took the win 27-24 with a game-winning field goal.
Beyond the scoreboard though, there's a big reason to be excited about what went down in Highmark Stadium.
The Bills' rookies had a great day and provided early answers for several concerns heading into the season. From cornerback answers to punt bombs, let's dive in.
CB Kaiir Elam
The Bills' first-round rookie had himself a very good game. He has a chance at significant playing time while Tre'Davious White returns from injury and he certainly made his case on Saturday.
Elam played very tight coverage throughout the game and put together a few highlight plays. Perhaps the best of which was this snap against Colts rookie wide receiver Alec Pierce. Elam jams him at the line of scrimmage without giving up leverage and is able to break up the pass from Matt Ryan.
The Bills received quite the scare when the cornerback had to be taken to the blue tent to check for a head injury. Fortunately, Elam was cleared to play after being evaluated but didn't return to the field.
WR Khalil Shakir
In the first half, Shakir had three catches for 46 yards including a 25-yard catch. Early on, it looked like his sideline toe-dragging reception was going to be his most impressive.
But the Bills' fifth-round draft steal wasn't planning on slowing down. In the third quarter – with Matt Barkley taking over the offense – Shakir made consecutive catches for 25 and 21 yards.
Shakir ended the day with five catches for 92 yards in three quarters played. This guy is a 53-man roster lock and could work his way into the receiver rotation earlier than expected if he keeps this up. This is a deep WR room in Buffalo.
Other rookie winners
Matt Araiza: The "Punt God" made his first attempt go an insane 82 yards. Also, he had no issues as the holder so it's time to forget about that narrative.
Christian Benford: Taken in the sixth round by the Bills, Benford is proving why he was listed as a second-team cornerback in the team's unofficial depth chart. Keep in mind that he and Elam went against Colts' starters and played well. Benford had a PBU versus Michael Pittman.
Featured image via Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
