Buffalo Rumblings
Which Bills players (and coaches) see their stock rising/falling after the Week 9 win against the Dolphins?
The Buffalo Bills are 7-2 and coming off their fifth-straight win, after beating the divisional rivals Miami Dolphins and essentially ending their playoff hopes for 2024. Trying to lock up another divisional title as soon as possible and also targeting the AFC’s one seed, Buffalo has another challenge this afternoon when they take on the Indianapolis Colts. Here are my Bills risers and fallers ahead of another important matchup.
Yes, just one week after celebrating his decreased snaps on offense, here I am putting Hollins back in the risers’ column. The Bills are struggling with injuries at wide receiver, so the veteran has found new opportunity with increased snaps. And, this time, he delivered.
With wide receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman getting the attention from cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller, Hollins had the favorable matchup against Miami’s backup cornerback Cam Smith, and he made the most out of it. Hollins finished the game with five receptions on five targets for 30 yards and one touchdwon, also drawing some pass-interference penalties along the way.
With Coleman out and wide receiver Amari Cooper questionable for Sunday’s game, the Bills need Hollins to exceed expectations when the ball is thrown his way. Hopefully, he’s up to the task yet again this weekend.
Eli Ankou was elevated from the practice squad last week for the second time this season, and his impact was felt. In a game where the Bills were exposed against the Dolphins’ run game, Ankou played 21 quality snaps at nose tackle (34%), helping his team answer against Miami’s heavy formations.
Despite his efforts, the eighth-year pro didn’t earn the 53-man roster promotion this week, with Buffalo deciding to bring veterans Jordan Phillips and Quintin Jefferson back instead. It’s a big blow to Ankou’s chances with the team since he can only be elevated one more time this season. With the way he played in his latest opportunity, if it wasn’t enough, it’s uncertain if anything will be.
It’s not that Hamlin had an awesome game last week — 10 tackles and nothing else on the box score isn’t the most impressive game ever by a safety. However, as the season goes on, more and more it’s safe to assume Hamlin will be the starter for the Bills in 2024 and nothing should change that.
On the year Hamlin has 57 tackles already, plus two interceptions, five passes defended, and two run stuffs. Despite lacking elite athletic traits, the former sixth-round pick is very comfortable with the defensive scheme, and almost always in the right place, at the right time.
Hamlin has become a sure tackler and a guy the coaching staff trusts. They surely value dependability over potential, and that’s where Hamlin keeps the door...
