Surprise star turns heads with a raw and emotional postgame message that has Bills Mafia clamoring for more
Tyrell Shavers would not be denied.
The Buffalo Bills pulled off a thrilling victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, thanks in large part to quarterback Josh Allen having six total touchdowns and putting the team on his back.
An unsung hero of the contest emerged as a result of some disciplinary action toward wide receiver Keon Coleman. Coleman reportedly missed a team meeting, forcing him out of the matchup. In his absence, some players got a bigger role, and one in particular took full advantage.
Camp darling and fan-favorite wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was dominant throughout the game, leading the team in catches and receiving yards, all while finding the end zone. It was his best game as a professional, and Bills Mafia is hoping he uses it to fuel him to great things.
Immediately after the contest, Shavers was asked about his opportunities in the game and how satisfying it was to take advantage of them.
“That’s the one thing that you kind of rep mentally all the time, just whenever the opportunity comes, take it, take advantage of it, take advantage of it,” Shavers said. “I’m blessed. God has been on my side, just gotta keep going, keep taking advantage of them. I’m not getting comfortable, I promise you that. We still got a long way to go in this season. Just gotta keep stacking, keep building, and get better.”
Shavers put on a show against the Buccaneers
Shavers finished the day with four receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown on a long ball from Allen. The rising star beat his defender for a diving touchdown, sending the crowd into a frenzy inside Highmark Stadium.
In Week 11, Shavers ranked first among all qualifying wide receivers in terms of target separation, according to Next Gen Stats. Separation has been a main talking point for the Bills’ receivers, making his performance even that much more impactful.
Even Allen was quick to offer praise to the wide receiver after the contest, discussing Shavers’ work ethic and how it all led up to this moment.
“It’s so friggin cool,” Allen said. “The guy just continues to work extremely hard. He’s never once complained, working from practice squad to now making legit plays in the NFL. And then you turn around after he scores a touchdown and he’s on kickoff, he’s on punt return, he’s doing all these things. It’s fun to watch, it’s inspiring [ . . . ] reward for doing his opportunity to do more, and I think that’s what he’s earned over the course of the season and his career.”
Shavers walked off the field as one of the biggest surprises of the day, but nothing about his performance looked fluky. His separation, route running, and prowess on special teams all pointed to a player ready for more responsibility. If he can keep this up, the Bills may have uncovered an unexpected difference-maker down the stretch.
NFL
Bills’ Keon Coleman finally breaks his silence after being benched in the win against the Buccaneers
This wasn’t the first time Keon Coleman missed a game for off-field reasons.
