The Bills finished up their preseason on Saturday at Soldier Field, defeating the Chicago Bears 24-21.
Ya boy was in attendance (if ya didn’t know, I’m Dunkirk, New York born and raised but now live in Chicago,) and let me tell you, Soldier Field is beautiful. It’s a pain in the ass to get to and from, but once you are there, on Lake Michigan, it’s a treat.
The weather could not have been more perfect on Saturday and the Bills came out on top with a win.
So how does the team look, 2 weeks out from game 1 against the Jets? Here are my preseason grades:
QB – C+
While Allen looked good in his drive against Chicago, the Pittsburgh game sticks out. According to PFF, Allen held onto the ball too long and it caused issues for the O line, making them look worse in the process.
Chicago was a clean drive, but overall it was an up-and-down performance from Allen.
Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley didn’t perform enough to secure the QB2 position and it looks like the Bills could explore a trade.
The Bills will be fine as long as Josh is healthy. But the overall performance over the last month from the QB room has left something to be desired.
RB – B+
James Cook looks ready to pick up where he left off last year and the Bills look committed to running the ball.
Harris didn’t play a ton but looked ready in his time. Murray is an ageless wonder. This is a good group.
WR – A
Stefon Diggs is the best WR in football IMO.
Gabe Davis is finally healthy and ready for his breakout season.
Sherfield and Harty add an element to the offense they have never had.
Shakir and Shorter are young guys who I’m excited to see continue to develop.
The pass catchers have performed all summer.
TE – A
Same as above.
Knox and Kincaid AKA Donkey and Diddy King are about to take over the league. Get ready.
OL – C
The tackle position and depth leave so much to be desired and McGovern’s injury will affect the interior depth. They added pieces, but it remains to be seen if it’s an improvement or just a change.
DL – B(ecause) it’s all on Von
I’m VERY excited about the interior line depth and the potential breakout for Greg Rousseau. Poona, Ed, Daquan, and Settle should allow the Bills to dominate interior trenches, especially if Miller and Rousseau are back at full force by week 4.
The reason this is a B really is because Basham and Epenesa have failed to show signs of a breakout again, two huge draft day misses for Brandon Beane and both guys who could be gone after cut day.
MLB – F
Matt Milano – A
There is 0 confidence from this blogger in the MLB position going into the season.
Hopefully they run a lot of dime packages.
CB – B-
Elam has disappointed and could end up 4th on the depth chart. Christian Benford has been excellent and looks to be the starter. If those guys were just drafted in opposite rounds, maybe this grade is higher.
Dane Jackson has been fine but Benford has shown flashes of stardom to take it over the finish line.
Tre White looks more like himself than at any point last year, but he has a tough first test.
Safety – B+
Poyer and Hyde have had a few lapses, but also look comfortable as a tandem and when the chips are down, I’ll trust those guys with my life.
Rapp, Lewis and Hamlin provide great depth, special teams support and probably will play some sub-LB this season if the MLB position stays disappointing. The safety play this year will be a massive key to the defense’s overall success.
Kicking Specialists – A
Reid Ferguson is a national treasure who must be protected at all costs.
Tyler Bass and Sam Martin, I’d trust them with my life. As dependable of a trio as you can ask for in the kicking game. They will win the Bills multiple games this year with their competence.