Tag: AFC East

Josh Allen: Bills offense wanted to their ‘best football’ vs. Broncos

Josh Allen: Bills offense wanted to their ‘best football’ vs. Broncos

The Buffalo Bills stampeded the Denver Broncos 31-7 in the NFL playoffs Wild Card round.

Buffalo won the day thanks to a defensive effort that prevented any more Broncos points after a mountain top long-ball touchdown by Denver minutes into the contest.

They also did so due to OC Joe Brady and QB Allen spreading the ball around for short gains and on long possessions, bringing a stingy Broncos defense down to Earth.

“I don’t think there was one certain thing over another. We just wanted to come out and execute well,” Allen said after the game. “At the end of the day, we just wanted to come out and play our best football, and I feel like we did that today.”

Going into the game, the Broncos were 31st in the NFL at defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) in defending passes to RBs. An area that Joe Brady and the Bills offense are active in.

Allen led an efficient and balanced offensive distribution of the football, going 20-for-26 for 272 yards with two touchdowns to go with 46 yards on eight carries rushing.

He was backed by RB James Cook who rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown, as Buffalo would keep that momentum scoring 31 unanswered points in total.

While there was a lot of short-gain offense Allen completed a highlight reel 24-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to RB Ty Johnson who also made a highlight play, sliding to make the catch.

Allen then found receiver Keon Coleman for a two-point after-conversion to give the rookie the first postseason score of his career.

He also threw a 55-yard touchdown throw to Curtis Samuel which was the second-longest playoff TD toss of his postseason passing career (75-yard TDs to Gabe Davis vs. KC 2022).

The Bills QB surpassed legendary Hall of Fame signal-caller Jim Kelly for the most postseason passing TDs in Bills history.

“It’s great, it’s amazing,” said Bills receiver Khalil Shakir of Allen per Sky Sports. “We know we go as he goes, how special and what he’s able to do, we’re always in it no matter what.

“We just continue to work, you can never be too good, it is a league where everybody is constantly getting better.”

The Bills remain undefeated at 9-0 when leading at halftime remains intact this season, and became the first team since at least 1960 to not lose the turnover battle through the first 18 games of a season (incl. playoffs)

The game also yielded some interesting notes per NFL Next Gen Stats that point out that Buffalo used six-plus offensive linemen on 22.2% of offensive plays against Denver, which was their 3rd-highest rate in a game this season.

Meanwhile, Allen generated 20+ EPA for the 3rd time in his postseason career and completed all four of his deep passes for 139 yards & 2 TDs to now lead all QBs with 23 completions and 791 yards on passes of 20+ air yards in the postseason since entering the league in 2018. His 55-yard touchdown throw to Samuel was also the first deep completion allowed by Surtain as the nearest defender in coverage this season.

Allen did take a hit late in the game from Denver outside linebacker Nik Bonitto on his right hand where he then took a seat on the bench and was looked at by Bills’ training staff. He was replaced by backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky for the final possession.

The television broadcast showed a close-up of his thumb bleeding as a Bills’ trainer put an adhesive on it.

“It’s good,” Allen noted postgame. “I just got a little blood there. It’s fine. We’re fine.”

“We’ll follow that nail all week,” CBS analyst Tomy Romo mused.

Bills’ Sean McDermott, Josh Allen give early preview of Ravens matchup

Bills’ Sean McDermott, Josh Allen give early preview of Ravens matchup

The Bills beat the Broncos 31-7 on Sunday at home in Orchard Park and advanced back to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs for a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens.

Buffalo lost a head-to-head matchup in Baltimore 35-10 in NFL Week 4 this season, which was the third-worst margin of loss in quarterback Josh Allen’s career.

Both outcomes he’ll look to change this time around when it will matter most.

Allen was asked about the Bills game next week against the Ravens during an on-field postgame interview with CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson

“They got after us earlier this year so we have a lot of film to watch,” he said. “It’s a great team who has a great quarterback with Lamar doing what he is able to do. He is one of the most dynamic, if not the most dynamic quarterback in the league, he is so fun to watch, but I’ll be watching their defense this week. That is our focus.”

While a victory during the regular season would have bolstered Buffalo’s chances for the No. 1 AFC playoff seed and a first-round bye, the division-round matchup will ultimately determine the two teams’ postseason fates.

Buffalo is the 2 seed and Baltimore is the 3 seed, meaning the Bills will host the Ravens in Orchard Park with a chance to “defend their dirt”. The team has been a perfect 9-0 in their 2024 campaign including the first round Wild Card win.

There are plenty of storylines leading into the contest as well.

Allen and Jackson’s teams meet with a matchup of the two clubs with the most points per game in the NFL after the Detroit Lions (who Buffalo beat in NFL Week 15) and the Bills (30.9) and Ravens (30.5) averaged 30 points per game during the regular season

Both quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, with Allen going 7th overall to Buffalo and Jackson going 32nd overall in the final pick of the first round to Baltimore.

Both clubs traded up to select their respective signal caller.

Both Allen and Jackson are this season’s front-runners for MVP. Jackson’s won the award twice. Notably over Allen last season as he had fewer turnovers and his team had a better record, despite Allen having better overall quarterback stats.

The Ravens added RB Derrick Henry in free agency which bolstered their offense, meanwhile, the Bills re-booted their roster and payroll, with media analysts writing them off to a rebuilding season with many predicting the Dolphins or Jets would win the division.

Instead, Allen’s turned in an MVP-caliber performance and the Bills have had one of their best seasons with him under center and Sean McDermott as head coach, winning the AFC East for the fifth straight year and locking in the 2 seed and home field advantage through at least the first two rounds.

Henry and Bills RB James Cook each had a league-high 16 rushing TDs during the regular season, with Henry being selected to the Pro Bowl along with eight other Ravens (the most selections in the NFL.) Buffalo only had two, Allen and offensive lineman Dion Dawkins, with Cook a clear snub.

The Ravens also had five All-Pro first-team selections with the Bills having none.

“This is what everyone’s been waiting for, right?” coach Sean McDermott said in his postgame press conference after Sunday’s win. “So it’ll be a nice week and everyone will be looking forward to it, and they’re a great football team. I mean they handled us pretty good the first go around and they’re certainly playing well.”

Jackson and Allen’s teams have played each other only once in the playoffs with both players under center in the 202 divisional round when Buffalo beat Baltimore 17-3. Buffalo opens as a slight favorite this time around as well.

With a win against the Broncos and the Ravens up next, the Bills are embracing the moment.

“I’ma enjoy the win first, but I love playing good on good football,” left tackle Dion Dawkins said. “We have a lot of competitors on our team, and when juggernauts come into town or when we go to their spot, the intensity is up. And I love it. I love when the intensity is high, but we’ll see ’em in a week. They’re a good team and we look forward to it.”

Buffalo has lost in the division round each of the last two seasons and is looking to get over that hump to return to the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2022 for a chance to advance to the Super Bowl.

Tyreek Hill teases Steelers as potential landing spot on social media

Tyreek Hill sparks Steelers trade rumors after posting a video with a Steelers helmet subtly visible in the background.

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers have been down the ‘WR trade rumor road’ before. Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams, D.K. Metcalf, and Cooper Kupp were all linked to the Black and Gold as potential trade candidates throughout the 2024 season.

However, the Steelers ultimately decided on a receiver who demanded less trade compensation—former New York Jets WR Mike Williams.

Another receiver from the AFC East has been linked as a potential 2025 trade candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers this past week: Dolphins superstar WR Tyreek Hill.

Hill recently alluded to being done with the Miami Dolphins after quitting during the Week 18 contest and changing his profile picture to mimic former Steelers WR Antonio Brown.

Adding further speculation to a potential Steelers-Dolphins trade, Hill recently uploaded a video to social media featuring a Steelers helmet hidden in the background.


The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need to upgrade their wide receiver room heading into the 2025 offseason, and Hill—even at 30 years old—would be incredible in the Steel City.

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Bills’ James Cook on milestone day: ‘Something I’ve been working for’

Bills’ James Cook on milestone day: ‘Something I’ve been working for’

The Buffalo Bills lost their final game of the 2024 NFL regular season against the Patriots in New England.

However, the game was played more like a preseason contest.

The Pats got a 23-16 win and lost the No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL Draft, while the Bills rested many of their starters and played backups, depth players, and rookies.

But they also took some opportunities to help some of their starters and vets reach incentives and milestones.

Two of which went to the team’s RB1 James Cook.

Cook tied the Buffalo franchise record with his 16th rushing TD of the season and finished the regular season campaign with over 1,000 yards rushing.

 

Midway through the third quarter Cook ran up the middle for 2 yards on first-and-goal from the 3-yard line. He followed that up with another carry for 1 yard out for the touchdown.

“It was big,” Cook said to the media in the postgame. “Just to have your name in the record book is great, man. First of all, I’ve gotta give thanks to my O-line, though. Without them, nothing would be possible. Just blessed.”

Going into the matchup the third-year pro needed just 19 rushing yards to surpass 1,000 on the season, and one more touchdown on the ground tie O.J. Simpson (16.)

“It was nice, it was just a good moment,” right guard O’Cyrus Torrence said via The Buffalo News. “Because we talked about it all week. We knew he needed 19 yards to get to 1,000. And we knew he needed at least one touchdown to tie the record. So, we (were) glad we were able to get both of those.”

Cook did just that on 10 carries finishing the regular season with 1,009 yards total to go with 32 receptions for 258 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Initially, he saw limited action but noted “We discussed it during the week, and it happened,” and how “that was always the plan” for him to reach the mark.

“It’s great,” he added. “That’s just something I’ve been working for and working hard throughout the year. I mean, to do that, and to go for 1,000 yards for my second year is a blessing.”

It took the RB 17 weeks to achieve the mark (as the Bills had a Week 12 bye) and it’s worth noting that there were only 14 games in 1975 when Simpson set the mark. Nonetheless, Cook’s matching the total could be a forecast of seasons to come.

Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott spoke after the game about helping Cook have a chance to gain over 1,000 yards while having a shot at the franchise rushing touchdown mark.

“No. 1, you’re trying to make sure you’re protecting (Cook) as much as you can and we’re smart with it,” McDermott said during his postgame press conference. “He’s worked all year. The offense has worked all year, the O-line and James, and so get a chance to get it on a short run was good to see.”

It was Cook’s second consecutive year with 1,000+ rushing yards becoming the first Bills RB since LeSean McCoy to do so in back-to-back campaigns (2016-17.)

His improvement of +14 in rushing TDs going from two in 2023 to 16 in 2024 is tied for the third-largest improvement all-time among players to play 16+ games in consecutive seasons in NFL history.

The running back plans to keep the ball from the touchdown and to get it painted as a keepsake.

“Just something that I can tell my kids, and their kids’ kids, something that had never been done in some years,” Cook shared. “So, just a blessing.”

Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 opponents revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 opponents are set, offering fans a glimpse into what could be one of the NFL’s toughest schedules.

It is no secret that the morale of the Pittsburgh Steelers is at the lowest it’s been all season in 2024, as the Black and Gold’s Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals completed what can only be described as late-season collapse.

However, fans who are looking forward to what the team can offer next season are in luck, as the Steelers’ 2025 opponents are now set:

Home:

  • Baltimore Ravens
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Buffalo Bills
  • Green Bay Packers
  • Indianapolis Colts
  • Miami Dolphins
  • Minnesota Vikings
  • Seattle Seahawks

Away:

  • Baltimore Ravens
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Chicago Bears
  • Detroit Lions
  • New England Patriots
  • New York Jets
  • Los Angeles Chargers

On paper, facing the NFC North and AFC East divisions, as well as the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks, could present the Pittsburgh Steelers with one of the more difficult 2025 schedules in NFL,

How do you all feel about the Steelers facing some serious competition in 2025?  While fans may be excited to look at what next season offers, the Pittsburgh Steelers will ultimately remain laser focused on defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 Wild Card round of playoffs on Saturday, January 11th at 8:00 PM EST.

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Bills’ Sean McDermott focused on ‘ultimate goal’ post-Patriots loss

Bills’ Sean McDermott focused on ‘ultimate goal’ post-Patriots loss

The Bills lost to the Patriots 16-23 in both clubs’ final game of the 2024 NFL regular season.

On a chilly day in New England, Buffalo rested a number of their starters with others seeing marginal action as the game had no bearing on their playoff standings.

The Bills already clinched the No. 2 seed and it was time to give depth players and rookies more playing time.

Bills HC Sean McDermott made one thing clear during his postgame press conference as to how the team will measure success in the postseason: “The ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl.”

The last contest of the regular season did have some meaning, however, as Buffalo became the first team in NFL history with 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns in a single season. They also tied the 2019 Saints for an NFL record for the fewest turnovers in a single season (8) since 1933 when turnovers were first tracked.

Multiple Bills players were also given the opportunity to reach contract incentives for bonuses in the game.

 

Von Miller was credited with his 6th sack of the season which netted the veteran linebacker $1.5 million while ending the Patriots’ opening drive of the game. WR Mack Hollins caught a $50,000 bonus with his second reception of the game which made for 30 on the season. P Sam Martin netted $100,000. for his 25th punt of the season inside the 20-yard line thanks to CB Ja’Marcus Ingram’s help keeping the ball from going into the endzone.

Speaking of bonuses, Buffalo didn’t have a single injury update reported.

“I’ll knock on wood because sometimes things show up the next day. I feel like [we did],” The coach also noted. “Let me just knock on wood to make sure. I’ll know a little more tomorrow.”

While the loss to New England broke the NFL’s longest active streak of eight straight wins against division opponents, it may have been strategic.

That win dropped the Patriots out of the No. 1 overall pick selection spot in the 2025 NFL Draft, a position they could have leveraged in multiple ways to help expedite their rebuild process and improve their team and payroll ahead of next season.

Last year New England tried to trade up with Buffalo from the second round so they could reportedly draft either now-Panthers WR Xavier Legette or now-Bills rookie WR Keon Coleman. Buffalo instead made the trade with Carolina to not allow a division opponent to get better (and since we play them twice a season) and took Coleman ahead of them at the top of the second round.

They can now add losing the No. 1 overall pick to any jaded feelings toward Buffalo.

As for the Bills, they’ll now turn their complete focus to the start of the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills approaching multiple records going into Week 18

#Bills approaching multiple records going into Week 18

The Buffalo Bills far exceeded expectations in 2024 as they head into the season’s final week with a record of 13-3 and the AFC’s two seed locked up.

Despite already having their sights set on the postseason, they have a few records they could set in Week 18 against the New England Patriots.

With the team’s success, specifically on offense led by quarterback Josh Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, they are now in a position to make more history:

Most players with a receiving TD in a season

Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) runs after making a catch with wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) running alongside in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

With Tyrell Shavers’ long catch and run for a touchdown in Week 17, the Bills tied the NFL record for most players with a receiving touchdown in a season.

The following players caught a touchdown in 2024: Khalil Shakir; Amari Cooper; Keon Coleman; Mack Hollins; Curtis Samuel; Tyrell Shavers; James Cook; Ty Johnson; Ray Davis; Dalton Kincaid; Dawson Knox; Quintin Morris; Josh Allen.

With the Bills slated to play their backups for much of the Week 18 game, they have a good chance of breaking this record. Some players who haven’t had much of an opportunity this year will have the chance to be an NFL record-breaker.

Some potential practice squad guys who could find the endzone in Week 18 are TE Zach Davidson, RB Frank Gore Jr., WR KJ Hamler, and WR Jalen Virgil. If FB Reggie Gilliam scores his first TD of the year that would break the record as well. And, there’s always the chance an offensive linemen could catch one. Josh Allen caught a touchdown this year so nothing can be ruled out.

First team to pass and rush for 30 TDs in a season

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On the season, the Bills have compiled 33 rushing touchdowns and 29 passing touchdowns. No team in NFL history has had 30 of each in a season. The Bills can be the first to do so by throwing one more touchdown pass, and it could set this record as well as break the record above in one play.

Mack Hollins leads the team with five receiving touchdowns while James Cook leads the team with 15 rushing touchdowns.

Most wins in a regular season in franchise history

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The Bills have never had 14 wins in a regular season in team history. A win over the Patriots in Week 18 would cement this squad in its team history.

The Bills have now had five years in team history with 13 regular season wins: 1990; 1991; 2020; 2022; 2024.

Backups will likely see the majority of snaps in the game, but they could still etch their spot in team and NFL history with a strong performance.

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Causes for concern as the Bills take on the Patriots in Week 18

Causes for concern as the Bills take on the Patriots in Week 18

The Buffalo Bills will play the New England Patriots in Week 18 at Gillette Stadium.

The Bills (13-3) and Patriots (3-13) have trended in different directions this season. The Bills have won 10 of their last eleven while the Patriots have lost their last six.

Even though Buffalo is favored to win the game, there are always a few things that make winning difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills against the Patriots in Week 18:

Starters will get some rest

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) tries to avoid New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) during an NFL game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
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Let’s make one thing clear: the Bills are not very concerned with the outcome of the Week 18 game. But the obvious concern for losing stems from resting their key players.

We’re not sure how much the Bills’ starters will play, but it shouldn’t be very long considering they are locked into the two seed in the AFC. This will be valuable for Buffalo’s coaching staff to see some meaningful snaps from depth players.

Drake Maye can beat you

USA Today Sports

Drake Maye is one of the few concerns to worry about on the current Patriots team. The rookie QB looks poised beyond his years at the quarterback position and should be able to do some damage against backup-caliber players on the Bills defense.

It will be interesting to see how the second or third-string defense does against a more-than-capable QB.

Get out safe

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The biggest concern for the Bills in this game is health. If they can get out of this game safely and with no new injuries, then that would be huge for their momentum going into the postseason.  

You’d think the Bills’ key guys won’t have much time on the field in the regular season finale. No matter who their opponent is next week, you want to be as healthy as possible.

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3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Patriots in Week 18

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Patriots in Week 18

The Buffalo Bills will play the New England Patriots on the road at Gillette Stadium in Week 18.

The Bills (13-3) have won 10 of their last 11 games, while the Patriots (3-13) have lost six games in a row.

The Bills are favored by only 2.5 points given that they are expected to rest their starters for much of the game. In the first matchup between these two AFC East foes in Week 16, the Bills skated by with a 24-21 victory.

Even though the Patriots have just three wins this year, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Buffalo will need to execute its game plan to pick up its 14th win of the year.

With that, here are three keys to a Bills win in Week 18:

Staying healthy

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The Week 18 game doesn’t matter for the Bills as they are locked into the two seed in the AFC.

While it remains to be seen how much playing time the Bills’ key players will see, the main thing will be the team’s health for the wild card round next week.

If the Bills get out of this one with no new injuries and some valuable reps for backup players, that’s a win.

Beware of Drake Maye

USA Today Sports

Quarterback Drake Maye continues to be the only hope the Patriots have of winning games. The rookie can make you pay if you aren’t executing on defense.

According to head coach Jerod Mayo, Maye will be suiting up for this one.

Maye made some great plays the last time these teams met in Week 16. He showed his potential in the league while making the game closer than many expected. He posted a 90.2 passer rating and threw for two scores. 

Put backups in positions to succeed

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The Bills should have plenty of time to get a good look at their depth players and younger talent. Even if the Bills fall short on the scoreboard, you can consider it a win if guys are getting valuable reps and starting to get comfortable on the field. 

If the coaching staff pulls the right levers without going deep into the playbook, the Bills could walk out with their 14th win despite resting their main contributors.

What we learned from the Bills’ Week 17 win vs. Jets

What we learned from the Bills’ Week 17 win vs. Jets

The Buffalo Bills ar rounding out their 2024 schedule, most recently with a Week 17 win over the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, 40-14.

The Bills (13-3) and Jets (4-12) have trended in opposite directions for much of this season, the former being dubbed as overachievers and the latter underachievers. Buffalo took care of business at home against a struggling New York squad and have now positioned themselves firmly as the second seed in the AFC playoffs with a week to spare in the regular season.

Next, the Bills will take on the New England Patriots (3-13) on the road at Gillette Stadium without anything to play for in Week 18.

Here are five things we learned from Week 17’s win vs. the Jets:

Defense ramping up for playoffs

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The Bills defense looked playoff-ready.

Granted, it was over the four-win Jets, but they bucked some trends that could be telling for what’s to come in the postseason.

Buffalo had a quarterback pressure rate of 43.2%, which ranked fifth out of every team in Week 17. For the season, they rank middle-of-the-pack in the NFL with a pressure rate of 34.7%. And, they only blitzed 13% of the time on Sunday. This is a sign that the defensive line is stepping up down the stretch.

The Bills also held Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers without a third-down conversion (0-for-5). Going into the game, Buffalo’s defense ranked among the worst in the NFL on third downs. They ranked 32nd in the NFL against the pass on third down and 31st against the run (EPA/play).

These are good signs from the defense for what’s to come. The two-seed is wrapped up and the defense can continue to get healthy for the final run.

Cooper and Coleman provide a huge boost for the offense

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Wide receivers Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman haven’t been on the field consistently for the Bills, and when they have been on the field they haven’t gotten consistent targets. But one thing is clear: they can make plays when given the opportunity.

Cooper has played only eight games for Buffalo this year and has seen three or fewer targets in six of them. Coleman has played in 12 games and has seen two or fewer targets in five.

The Bills haven’t needed to break glass in case of emergency much at all this season. So, two of their better playmakers have had limited touches. But, as you saw in Week 17, they are more than capable of coming down with difficult catches when relied upon.

Both found the endzone against the Jets on highlight-reel plays. In the postseason, the Bills may lean on them a bit more, especially Cooper who has been around the block in the NFL without getting many chances in the postseason.

Cole Bishop flashing potential at safety

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Second-round rookie Cole Bishop has three starts under his belt, the latest being Week 17 as he filled in for Damar Hamlin.

Bishop has made his share of rookie mistakes, but he has shown flashes of what he can become and why he was picked early in April’s NFL Draft. Head coach Sean McDermott has been impressed with him.

Ahead of the Week 17 game, McDermott said, “I’m impressed with his improvement, and it’s good to see. His first game [Week 5 at HOU] was a bit rocky as it is for most rookies… it’s been fun to watch Cole develop so we’re looking for more as the season moves forward here.”

Bishop, even as a rookie, seems to give the run defense a boost at the very least with his downhill style of play. He’ll be one to watch in the final week of the season. He could be a starter come Week 1 of 2025 and may be needed before that.

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