As a nod to the Page Six rag, we bring along Page Twenty-Six (in honor of 26shirts of course). Our goal here is to discuss Buffalo Bills players in the news for whatever reason. What’s the low-down with this team and what are people talking about when it comes to all things Bills related?
So let’s roll and find out (RAFO).
A good place to start is with the players. Who’s raising eyebrows among coaches, media, and the fan base after three up and down (at times) games?
It would be ridiculous to come to any solid conclusion about how this Buffalo Bills team today will compare with the same team (mostly) by the end of the regular season. However, there are a couple players who deserve an honorable mention for their progress this season so far.
Deone Walker
Y’all know how much I already love this guy, but honestly… he’s outplayed fellow rookie TJ Sanders and is very productive when DaQuan Jones is by his side. It will be interesting to see how Buffalo utilizes DaQuan when Ed Oliver returns. However, Deone is already playing at a level that merits recognition for how he is rapidly adapting to his role in the 1-technique.
Offensive Line
Go read all the stats you want, I’m just here to let you know what these old eyeballs see while watching live and the All-22 video. The Bills’ offensive line is settling in as a mature group of professionals who understand what Kromer is asking them to do and they are doing it at a very high level. Zone schemes, check. mano-mano, check. Stunts for jollies, check. They can do it all. However, we’ll also be watching how Spencer Brown fares after being listed as having a calf injury. Enjoy the halcyon days we have with Kromer. Best offensive line coach I’ve seen after decades of obsessing about them :)
James Cook
Word from David Edwards is that James Cook has developed a successful relationship with the offensive line on and off the field. Cook is maturing in how he approaches the offensive line when the play is called. His vision and instinct when he gets to the line of scrimmage is becoming elite. Cook’s increased workload does not appear to be a problem now, but I’m concerned about getting Ray Davis and Ty Johnson up to speed so Cook’s workload doesn’t become an issue.
Maxwell Hairston
Maxwell is a focus of Page Twenty-Six because allegedly Hairston is nearing a return to the active roster. However, the messaging from Sean McDermott suggests the timeline on Hairston’s return will be somewhere down the road. Sean McDermott often obfuscates what is really going on regarding a player’s readiness to return from injury so he’s true to form when it comes to Maxwell actually playing a game. Hairston’s return can’t come soon enough.
Sam Franklin
Just a feeling about this guy. He’s sneaky great on special teams and what a find by ST Coach Chris Tabor. Props to McBeane being open minded when Tabor said he wanted Franklin. You can see the talent oozing from Franklin and his instincts on special teams are amazing. I’m excited to watch this guy as he grows more comfortable with his role in Buffalo.
Jackson Hawes
The word is out. People are starting to see what we saw as far back as the Combine. Buffalo robbed the league by drafting Jackson Hawes in the fifth round. He has oodles of the IT thing I’m always babbling about… not quite Josh Allen level but he reeks of IT. This rookie tight end has fans on the offensive line. I believe it was Dave Edwards who spoke highly of Hawes to the media this week. Hawes is wise beyond his years. His ceiling is very high. When you get that kind of respect from veteran players, it’s a big deal. Mark my words, Hawes will continue to grow into a star role and deservedly so. Dude is a stud already.
Thankfully there is no drama to report regarding the players. This is a group that has their eye on the prize and know what it takes to stay disciplined early in the season. It’s a long and grueling season so now is the time to work out the kinks (3rd down defense, puhleez) before the playoffs start. Let’s RAFO.
Editor’s babble: I’m reminded to soak in all the greatness the Bills are now and not take this moment for granted. After literally decades of waiting, we finally have a team respected by the rest of the league as one of the best. It’s a glorious time to be a fan of the Buffalo Bills. You can find me and more of my nonsense on Xwitter @RobynMundyWYO.
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