Good Night / Bad Night - Pre-season game 3

[GunnerBill]

So another pre-season comes to a close and it's time for the final 2025 edition of Good Night / Bad Night! Let's get started

 

Good Night for...

 

Tyrell Shavers - Shavers makes it the rarely seen GN/BN hattrick and gets his third positive call out in three games. I think he came into camp as the leader in the clubhouse for WR6 after two years on the practice squad and flashing with the long touch down against the Jets last season. However, I thought his path to the 53 was narrow. This summer he has improved his special teams play, getting on the field in coverage units, has been the stand out receiver in pre-season and put the cherry on the top with the stunning one handed touchdown grab last night. Even more telling he was pulled from last night's game at the same time as the other "they're on the roster" guys. I do still have a question about his ability to separate against NFL corners but I think he has made it. And boy has he earned it! 

 

Shane Buechele - Having seen limited action through the first two pre-season games Buechele got the start and performed admirably as the Bills Quarterback going 25/30 for 278 and a touchdown as well as showing some mobility with his legs. What does it all mean? I don't think he is in the competition for the #2 Quarterback position but I suspect the Bills have decided who has won that job (and I think it's Trubisky) and are preparing for a world where Mike White doesn't come back to our practice squad. In that situation I think this was basically Buechele's audition to be the Bills break glass in case of emergency QB3. 

 

Dorian Williams - I think Williams has had a nice pre-season and there are signs of his play recognition skills improving. He started last season well in that regard and then regressed as the year went on when it feels like he increasingly just slips back into bad habits. This is a big, big year for Williams. It feels now or never for him if he is going to put himself in pole position to succeed Matt Milano after this coming season. Last night he was positive, decisive and showed off that closing speed and hard hitting that has always been there. 

 

KJ Hamler - I don't think Hamler is making the roster but he had a nice night including a touchdown grab and the speed and burst is still there with him. It's the consistency and the mental side that has always held him back. The Bills likely bring him back again to the practice squad but if not there is enough on film that someone else will. That feels like his lot now in the NFL, but I think he can make that work for another year or two.

 

The backup tight ends - Zach Davidson has had an interesting summer. He started it potentially in competition with rookie Jackson Hawes for the 3rd tight end role vacated by Quintin Morris and has ended it with a bit of a fight to hang on to a practice squad spot. I particularly like the look Keleki Latu who had a long catch and run but Davidson had two nice grabs of his own so that practice squad contest for TE4 is intriguing. 

 

 

Bad Night for...

 

Daequan Hardy - This time last year a lot of us thought Hardy had made the roster and were surprised when he ended up cut and on the practice squad. However, this summer he has not shone at all and the Buccaneers picked on him relentlessly last night. I think he was in coverage on both touchdown passes for the home side and he was out of position so often it was almost funny. He might stick on the practice squad, but he might be done here too. 

 

DeWayne Carter - Sound the alarm. DeWayne Carter was out there right to the end last night playing with such luminaries as Nelson Ceaser, Marcus Harris and Paris Shand alongside him on the defensive line. He made zero impact. If he makes the roster it is because Brandon Beane has gone to bat for his 3rd round pick of just over one year ago. The coaches are telling you what they think of where he is through their usage. And it is not good.

 

Kendrick Green - Generally I think the backup offensive linemen have had a reasonable summer - but Green gave up a bad sack in the two minute drill and generally last night seemed to struggle with his balance. He is likely in a battle with Dan Feeney as the vet interior offensive lineman on the practice squad and despite arriving on the roster much later I think Feeney's center ability gives him the inside track and I think he has been the more consistent through three pre-season games. 

 

Coverage units - The first two games were a pretty good look for new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor - however, last night less so. Returns of 39, 42 and 57 yards respectively will cause serious concern among the Bills staff and while it's true that in the final pre-season game a special teams coach might not have all of his guys this was a really disappointing effort. 

 

The Buccaneers play-by-play guy - Who spent the first two series calling running back Elijah Young "Jarveon Howard." In fairness to him it is probably partly on Bills PR as Howard was signed then immediately waived hurt this week only to have Young replace him.... but even when the game feed was clearly showing close ups of Young's jersey the play by play game continued. Eventually a producer pointed out his error. But it was funny while it lasted. 

 

 

That's a wrap folks. Let's hear your thoughts.... we are on to cutdowns!

Edited 3 hours ago by GunnerBill

[BillsFooteball]

Good night for Cole Bishop! Have to give him props as was(is) biggest concern going into season.  Also great night Deone Walker

[jcamm1966]

Walker star of the Defense

[GunnerBill]

I had Deone on my good list and he was in pass rush - reason I left him off the list was I rewatched some run defense snaps and he is having real issues there still. He really is Jordan Phillips mkii. Built like a 1T plays like a 3T.

[eball]

I just watched the condensed version so it was tough to identify some guys, but if Shavers isn’t on the 53 I’d be shocked.

 

What a difference a week makes, however.  Clearly McD lit a fire under these bottom-of-the-roster guys to play like it meant something.

 

The secondary in general was awful, but Bishop had one really nice hit/PBI over the middle that was encouraging.

 

 

[Sierra Foothills]

20 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

Coverage units - The first two games were a pretty good look for new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor - however, last night less so. Returns of 39, 42 and 57 yards respectively will cause serious concern among the Bills staff and while it's true that in the final pre-season game a special teams coach might not have all of his guys this was a really disappointing effort. 

 

Thanks for doing this, GB.

 

I did not see the game but read that Laviska was personally responsible for 2 or even 3 coverage errors.

 

Were the coverage breakdowns individual or team?

 

[Dave_Bills]

Really like what Walker showed. Agreed he still needs a lot of work in the run game but there’s a lot to work with here. I believe he’s the youngest guy on the roster (now that Edmunds is gone)

[LEBills]

I still will be surprised if the Bills keep 6 WRs. The best thing Shavers did last night, despite the circus touchdown, was playing well on special teams. Making the tackle on the return that Shenault lost contain on probably solidified him over Shenault. It is Shavers vs Moore. I do have some hope for his ability against higher competition, he is so big that he drew two penalties last night. How he sat down in the empty zone on the sideline for the first down was great. His hands are inconsistent though, and may keep him on a short leash to offensive snaps.

 

most people were impressed with Walker and asked where Sanders was. You nailed it that Walker is Jordan Phillips reincarnated. A boy that can penetrate and make splash plays. But Sanders did the grunt work taking on double teams yesterday, not getting fooled on the screen pass that Deon did. Sanders was off the field before Walker was because Walker made some bad plays too. He seems to like to spin when in run defense leaving vacated gaps, and he did get pushed around. I am very excited about the two DTs, but I think Sanders had a more consistent night last night.

 

Chase Lundt and Jackson Hawes were great. Hawes has made the roster, Lundt I think has too. RVD I think would be traded if Grable hadn’t missed so much preseason with his concussion. But since he has, I think Lundt and RVD make it as backup tackles along with Grable and we keep 10 at OL.

 

Carter and Soloman are the two biggest question marks to me. Neither has earned a roster spot. But with Hoecht out, Soloman may make it as depth (and cut week 6). Carter if he makes it is only to give him one more year to develop since he was a 3rd round pick. Once Ogunjobi returns (if he is not cut for cap space), the Bills would probably have to cut either Carter or DQ. What they do with those two probably decides whether we keep 5 or 6 WRs.

 

Despite the buzz for Ciarlo, I think they only keep 5 LBs and Ciarlo goes to the PS. I think they would like to keep 6 on the roster but their just isn’t really a 6th guy worth keeping.

 

Finally, props to Tez Johnson. I had to lookup the Bucs depth chart to see if there was anyway the numbers game would leave him as a cut. It looks like he will be safe. He played just like he did at Oregon and I am sad he isn’t a Bill knocking Coddrington off the roster as a returner

[JerseyBills]

35 minutes ago, jcamm1966 said:

Walker star of the Defense

Ya he was impressive 

[ROCBillsBeliever]

@GunnerBill Thanks, as always, for the thoughtful insights! I might add Zach Davidson's surprise punting ability to his "Good" write-up. I, for one, did not have that on my Bills bingo for tonight's game. That first punt was titanic!

[GunnerBill]

38 minutes ago, Sierra Foothills said:

 

Thanks for doing this, GB.

 

I did not see the game but read that Laviska was personally responsible for 2 or even 3 coverage errors.

 

Were the coverage breakdowns individual or team?

 

 

Honestly I'd need to go back and look. I did it reasonably quickly this morning to get the post out as I have plans later. But will remember to come back and update!

17 minutes ago, ROCBillsBeliever said:

@GunnerBill Thanks, as always, for the thoughtful insights! I might add Zach Davidson's surprise punting ability to his "Good" write-up. I, for one, did not have that on my Bills bingo for tonight's game. That first punt was titanic!

 

Ha, yep! The more you can do etc...

[MDH]

22 minutes ago, LEBills said:

 

 

most people were impressed with Walker and asked where Sanders was. You nailed it that Walker is Jordan Phillips reincarnated. A boy that can penetrate and make splash plays. But Sanders did the grunt work taking on double teams yesterday, not getting fooled on the screen pass that Deon did. Sanders was off the field before Walker was because Walker made some bad plays too. He seems to like to spin when in run defense leaving vacated gaps, and he did get pushed around. I am very excited about the two DTs, but I think Sanders had a more consistent night last 

This has been what I’ve seen most pre-season as well. Walker gets a few splash plays that get everyone’s attention but Sanders has been the better - more consistent- player who does all the little things that don’t always get noticed. 
 

So far I’m pleased with both of these picks and I think they’ll both make positive contributions to this DL this year. I think the interior DL will be better this year. 

 

Landon Jackson, on the other hand, I think is at least a year away. Baring injury I don’t think he gets a jersey on game days.

Edited 4 hours ago by MDH

[eball]

Just realized nobody brought up the return of TBass.  While I hate him missing the chippy late, he otherwise looked strong and there are hopefully no issues going into the RS.

 

[GunnerBill]

21 minutes ago, LEBills said:

I still will be surprised if the Bills keep 6 WRs. The best thing Shavers did last night, despite the circus touchdown, was playing well on special teams. Making the tackle on the return that Shenault lost contain on probably solidified him over Shenault. It is Shavers vs Moore. I do have some hope for his ability against higher competition, he is so big that he drew two penalties last night. How he sat down in the empty zone on the sideline for the first down was great. His hands are inconsistent though, and may keep him on a short leash to offensive snaps.

 

most people were impressed with Walker and asked where Sanders was. You nailed it that Walker is Jordan Phillips reincarnated. A boy that can penetrate and make splash plays. But Sanders did the grunt work taking on double teams yesterday, not getting fooled on the screen pass that Deon did. Sanders was off the field before Walker was because Walker made some bad plays too. He seems to like to spin when in run defense leaving vacated gaps, and he did get pushed around. I am very excited about the two DTs, but I think Sanders had a more consistent night last night.

 

Chase Lundt and Jackson Hawes were great. Hawes has made the roster, Lundt I think has too. RVD I think would be traded if Grable hadn’t missed so much preseason with his concussion. But since he has, I think Lundt and RVD make it as backup tackles along with Grable and we keep 10 at OL.

 

Carter and Soloman are the two biggest question marks to me. Neither has earned a roster spot. But with Hoecht out, Soloman may make it as depth (and cut week 6). Carter if he makes it is only to give him one more year to develop since he was a 3rd round pick. Once Ogunjobi returns (if he is not cut for cap space), the Bills would probably have to cut either Carter or DQ. What they do with those two probably decides whether we keep 5 or 6 WRs.

 

Despite the buzz for Ciarlo, I think they only keep 5 LBs and Ciarlo goes to the PS. I think they would like to keep 6 on the roster but their just isn’t really a 6th guy worth keeping.

 

Finally, props to Tez Johnson. I had to lookup the Bucs depth chart to see if there was anyway the numbers game would leave him as a cut. It looks like he will be safe. He played just like he did at Oregon and I am sad he isn’t a Bill knocking Coddrington off the roster as a returner

 

Agree with all of this. Solomon did force the fumble last night - that goes in his favour. But agree he hasn't done a ton else in the games to be sure of sticking.

 

I think it is Shavers > Moore for ST play and just general making an impact. Moore needed to show some splash.

[blacklabel]

If Shavers doesn't make the team outright after that ridiculous TD catch I will.... I'll.... Well, I'll just sit here like a lump still but maybe I'll shake my fist at the clouds or something. 

 

I dunno if there's a spot for Hamler but I feel like he could be a bit of a speed option for them if they want. 

 

Deone Walker had some great plays. A couple times he flat out manhandled his guy and made a TFL. And then he got in there for a sack with Epenesa helping out. I know a few series later he did get washed out on some nice runs by TB but there's enough there that the dude could be a really solid player once he puts it all together. 

 

Cole Bishop looked as confident as I've seen him yet so good for him, keep it going. 

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, eball said:

Just realized nobody brought up the return of TBass.  While I hate him missing the chippy late, he otherwise looked strong and there are hopefully no issues going into the RS.

 

 

Was on my good list until he missed the kick. Good to see him out there and looking healthy. But you can't miss those chip shots and get a good night!

[North Buffalo]

Shavers you would think made the team... shenault and I'd cut codrington because he cant cover... couple guys were decent in coverage but were not sticky enough... hard to remember names and if any are young and worth developing... Walker sticks as a project imo... needs to learn the game.

[WEATHER DOT COM]

We’ll be talking about Landon Jackson next year like we are talking about Carter this year.

 

I just don’t see how he becomes a starting NFL lineman. 

[MikePJ76]

From what Eric wood said about Jackson Hawes, (Kromer said he is the best blocking tight end he has ever had) I wonder if in a numbers crunch they cut Gilliam and put him on the practice squad.

 

Gilliam and codrington could end up put on the practice squad to create roster spots early in the year while they wait for white and Hairston to get healthy.

 

im really bummed about Carter.  I thought he would turn into a big one technique who eats up blockers for the linebackers and would settle in as the Jones replacement.  Now l wonder if they call around and see if anyone else has a draft disappointment to swap him with, someone like mazi smith in Dallas who is equally as bad.  Just to take a shot or something.  Major bummer.   Can’t miss on third round defensive lineman.

 

Dane Jackson tackles really well for a corner and in week 1 that might be more important than any other week of the season

 

(having said that it looks like the jets and pats are going to be physical up front and run the ball a ton)

 

so I assume he is the starter in two weeks.  Dorian strong looks to be a little lost at times so I think he is a red shirt guy who will be inactive on gameday when white and Hairston are healthy.

 

the bills have a serious question mark at backup center.  With McGovern having a hamstring issue this has to be a headache and something they didn’t need right now.  Sounded like practice was sloppy this week with a lot of center exchange issues with the starters.  Hopefully McGovern is ok.

 

this was a really abnormal preseason because of the amount of injuries to starters in practice and the injury history of some of the other starters.  Really felt like they played three of what used to be called “The Scout game”.  ( the old fourth preseason game).  Young guys got a ton of playing time.  Hopefully it helps in the future.

[Sierra Foothills]

26 minutes ago, eball said:

Just realized nobody brought up the return of TBass.  While I hate him missing the chippy late, he otherwise looked strong and there are hopefully no issues going into the RS.

 

 

24 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

Was on my good list until he missed the kick. Good to see him out there and looking healthy. But you can't miss those chip shots and get a good night!

 

I haven't watched the game but according to the live game thread, besides Bass' miss one other made FG appeared to possibly be a miss and the other 2 makes also flirted with the right upright.

 

In other words it sounds like Bass was shaky.

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Sierra Foothills