In the aftermath of a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener, the Buffalo Bills are facing a critical juncture with just two exhibition games left before the regular season kicks off. Head coach Sean McDermott minced no words in expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I don’t care who we play, where we play, or what time the game is, there is a standard of play when you put the Buffalo Bills colors on.”
McDermott’s remarks serve as a wake-up call to the entire Bills roster, as they now find themselves in a do-or-die situation leading up to matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. The pressure is on for players to step up and prove their worth, as subpar performances could result in surprising cuts as the team looks to trim its roster.
One player who has come under scrutiny is the 2017 second-overall pick, who struggled in the preseason opener, completing just 10 of 18 passes for 82 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. His missed opportunity for a potential touchdown only added to his woes, drawing criticism for what was described as one of the most egregious misfires in the NFL.
Despite his shaky performance, it is unlikely that he will be supplanted by the competition. However, the Bills may explore other options in the free-agent market following final roster cuts, potentially opting to release both non-Josh Allen quarterbacks in search of a more reliable veteran signal-caller. The team simply cannot afford to settle for lackluster quarterback play as exhibited in their last outing.
Meanwhile, another player on the hot seat is a former starter for both the Bears and Steelers, who is now fighting to solidify his place on the team. With ample opportunities to showcase his abilities in the remaining preseason games, he must demonstrate improvement to secure his spot. Any continued struggles or missed opportunities could make for an interesting decision for the coaching staff.
As the Bills gear up for their upcoming contests, the pressure is on for players on the roster bubble to make their case for a spot on the final 53-man roster. The coming weeks will be crucial for those looking to secure their place on the team, as every play and performance will be closely scrutinized in the evaluation process. With jobs on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for those vying for a place on the Bills’ roster.
