NFL
By: Charlie Gross
As the Buffalo Bills head into their second week of training camp, the fans of a team who are the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl have concerns about their team’s roster. Here are the top 5 positional battles at Buffalo Bills training camp I’m most interested in.
Positional Battle # 1: Matt Haack vs. Matt Araiza
While this might seem silly or like a luxury to other fan bases, the battle to be the Bills punter is important. Not only is the winner going to punt, but he is also going to hold for kicker Tyler Bass. Matt Haack is the incumbent and favorite to win the job although he hasn’t set a very high bar. Haack is widely regarded as one of the best holders in the NFL but he’s a very average punter. Haack’s competition is the “punt god” Matt Araiza, who comes with his own set of concerns. Araiza has only one year of punting experience and even less experience as a holder. Bills coaches would seem to have a difficult decision to make. Keep the more experienced player who’s a great holder but average (at best) punter or take the young, inexperienced player with the big leg.
Positional Battle # 2: Punt/Kicker Returner
Another “luxury” battle is for punt and kick return duties. The release of Andre Roberts last year created a massive hole at both spots on the roster. The Bills limped through last season with a combination of Isaiah McKenzie, Micah Hyde, and Marquez Stevenson all taking turns fulfilling those duties. For 2022 Brandon Beane has added veteran Tavon Austin and Rookie Kahlil Shakir to the mix. Sean McDermott is a big fan of players who are versatile and Isaiah McKenzie seems to be the frontrunner again. McKenzie has struggled with ball handling and decision-making, especially on punts. Andre Roberts was so good at knowing when to field a punt and when to let it go for a touchback. Unfortunately, McKenzie and Stevenson for that matter haven’t shown the ability to make those same high-level, split-second decisions in the heat of the moment.
Positional Battle # 3: Wide Receiver Depth
Wide Receiver room depth will be affected by a player’s ability to contribute on special teams. Players in contention for the last 3 or 4 spots are Jamison Crowder, Jake Kumerow, Tavon Austin, Marquez Stevenson, and Kahlil Shakir. Jake Kumerow doesn’t play many offensive snaps but he’s a four-phase special teams player with good size, so I think he makes the team. Besides if the Bills cut him, Green Bay would snatch him up. Kahlil Shakir seems like a good bet to make the final roster as well. McDermott and Beane subscribe to a “Draft, Develop and Resign” teambuilding philosophy. Shakir could end up being the primary slot receiver and punt returner by 2023.
Fans and Media assumed Jamison Crowder would take over for Cole Beasley in the slot yet but he didn’t step on the practice field until August 1st, so he’s a little behind. Tavon Austin is a very explosive player with the most experience as a return man but most of that experience came earlier in his 10-year career and in college. Marquez Stevenson, a 6th-round pick in 2021, was a very dynamic kick returner at Houston in college but has yet to flash much in NFL games that matter. McDermott has never kept more than six Wide receiver’s on the roster during his tenure with the Bills, so it will be interesting to see if that changes this season.
Positional Battle # 4: A.J. Epenesa vs. Carlos Basham
Fans may be miffed to see these players on my list. I don’t think that either of these players gets cut. The Epenesa vs. Basham battle is more about playing time. Epenesa and Basham have had similar career arcs so far. Both were 2nd-round picks and both have had issues reshaping their bodies when it comes to how much weight the team wants them to carry. Additionally, both were drafted to provide long-term depth at the very least, for the defensive end group. Epenesa has one more year of experience in the league but so far has only shown an ability to beat Austin Jackson off the edge. Basham has shown more flashes, especially in the playoffs last year. No matter what the winner of this battle may find themselves as DE4 behind Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, and Shaq Lawson.
Positional Battle # 5: Backup Offensive Line
Brandon Beane has always prioritized having an Offensive Line room full of versatile, veteran backups. This year is no different. Beane has loaded the roster full of players with starting experience. Greg Mancz, Cody Ford, David Quessenberry, Greg Van Wroten, Bobby Hart, and Ike Boettger to go along with recent draft picks Tommy Doyle, and Luke Tenuta. McDermott usually keeps 9 Offensive Lineman all together which means these 8 players are fighting for 4 or possibly 5 spots on the roster. While I don’t think any of these players are locks, it’s reasonable to assume that Mancz, Quessenberry, Ford, and Doyle have the inside track right now. Ike Boettger probably starts on the PUP list. This leaves Van Wroten (Trade candidate?) and Bobby Hart as the cuts with Tenuta likely ending up on the practice squad.
Don’t rule out a few trades. Brandon Beane always seems to be able to trade a few offensive linemen he’s going to cut to other teams for late-round draft picks.
The Bottom Line
These battles may seem inconsequential but sometimes a muffed punt or field goal can cause a loss. A great kick return can shorten the field for the offense or even put points on the board. Injuries happen and having good, competent players in-depth roles is important. Sean McDermott wants his defensive line to attack upfield, having talented depth allows for a good rotation to keep everyone fresh. These aren’t always the flashiest but sometimes they are the most important.
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