Buffalo Rumblings
Rookies played key roles in the Bills’ home win against the Dolphins
The Buffalo Bills had to scratch and claw their way to a home victory over the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday. But key play down the stretch by quarterback Josh Allen and a massive 61-yard franchise-record field goal by Tyler Bass led the team to a victory to keep their massive AFC East lead.
This was a game where rookies affected play at multiple different moments, and there are new developments to take note of with some of this rookie class coming out of the most recent win.
The early story line for Keon Coleman in this game was his drop early on in the second quarter as the Bills were getting ready to punch the ball in the end zone. Coleman was running an alert slant in man coverage on cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Coleman was ready to receive the ball with his head turned and looking, but he allowed the ball into his chest and it bounced right off his shoulder pads. Of course, it then went into the hands of an awaiting Ramsey as he fell to the ground at the three-yard line. Had Coleman caught the ball, he at least had a decent chance of scoring on that play. But, alas, he did not and it was a big early negative turning point in the game. The Dolphins went 97 yards on that drive to instead take their own 10-3 lead in the second quarter.
Coleman did have one reception for 21 yards. The key play in the game was on the final drive for the Bills’ offense en route to the long field goal. Buffalo was facing a 3rd & Long. Josh Allen threw a fade ball that was well covered by the corner, but former Bill Jordan Poyer playing help from his safety spot delivered a shot to Coleman’s head that drew a 15-yard penalty — extending the drive. Coleman was injured on the play with a wrist issue. He never returned and now his availability for this week and beyond is in question.
Head coach Sean McDermott didn’t have much of an update on Coleman’s status other than he would not rule out him playing this week, but he also would not commit to the idea that it’s just a one-week injury. The Bills’ receivers have struggled with health all year and Coleman is next in line to be shelved for what could potentially be multiple weeks.
Bishop played one snap on defense in this game and plenty of special teams snaps. Bishop had a tackle on special teams once again — an opportunity he has clearly taken in stride and taken advantage of. Another recent development in the safety room is veteran Mike Edwards requesting and being granted his release on Tuesday.
Bishop was being rostered ahead of the well-traveled veteran with plenty of starting experience. That leaves one less option for...
