ClutchPoints
The Buffalo Bills didn’t leave their preseason opener with a win, but they left with some answers. Their 34-25 loss to the New York Giants was more entertaining than the scoreline suggested. It featured a Ray Davis extra point, explosive plays on offense, and the kind of competitive energy coaches want to see in August. The outcome doesn’t matter in the standings. However, for players fighting for roster spots, it was a chance to stand out. A few did exactly that.
The Bills dropped their preseason opener to the Giants in a game that offered more excitement than the score suggests. Fans saw several highlight-worthy offensive plays and the first meaningful look at players battling for roster spots. Yes, the loss means little in August. That said, it served as an early measuring stick for depth chart movement, with several hopefuls making the most of their opportunities.
Quarterback depth was a clear bright spot. Third-stringer Mike White tossed two second-half touchdowns. It included a 39-yard strike to KJ Hamler on fourth-and-4. Primary backup Mitch Trubisky was sharp in the first half. He went 9-of-13 for 138 yards and an 11-yard touchdown to Dawson Knox. His biggest play was a 58-yard completion to Tyrell Shavers. That set up a short Caden Davis field goal before halftime. Even without Josh Allen taking a snap, Buffalo’s offense showed it has capable hands under center, while roster hopefuls continued to push for their place in the team’s plans.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Buffalo Bills roster hopefuls who improved stock after game vs. Giants.
Few rookies make an instant impression like Deone Walker did against the Giants. The 6’7, 331-pound defensive tackle was a handful for New York’s interior offensive line. He generated three quarterback pressures, swatted down a pass, and posting a 27.3 percent pass-rush win rate in just 15 snaps. His disruptive play wasn’t just noticeabl. It was measurable, earning him a game-high 92.8 overall grade and a 92.9 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus.
Buffalo took a calculated risk drafting Walker on Day 3 after his production dipped last season at Kentucky due to back issues. If he stays healthy, this could be one of Brandon Beane’s best value picks in recent years. His ability to collapse the pocket from the inside gives the Bills’ pass rush a new dimension. Additionally, his sheer size makes him a natural run-stuffer.
Preseason is often about proving you belong. Walker’s debut showed he’s more than capable of making the jump. Performances like this could fast-track him from developmental depth piece to legitimate contributor in Sean McDermott’s defensive rotation.
When you’re fighting for a roster spot as a third-string running back, every rep matters. Ty Johnson made his count. The veteran back carried three times for 26 yards. It was highlighted by...
