The Buffalo Bills fell 22-16 to the New York Jets in Monday’s season-opener at MetLife Stadium. Losing divisional games on the road isn’t anything special. Keeping the wind in the sails of a team who lost Canton-bound quarterback Aaron Rodgers is something else.
However, for as disappointing as the Bills’ Week 1 loss was, fans can be optimistic about some questions the defense dutifully answered.
As the season opener approached, there was little certainty about the starting cornerback role opposite Tre’Davious White. Buffalo opted for second-year corner Christian Benford, who was perhaps the team’s best defensive player in the preseason.
Subsequently, 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam was listed as a healthy scratch on Monday.
If the game was any indication, the Bills made the right choice.
Benford’s biggest play of the day didn’t come from locking up a receiver or creating a turnover. On running back Breece Hall’s explosive 83-yard run, it was Benford who chased him down from the opposite boundary, saving a touchdown.
Buffalo coach Sean McDermott made sure to acknowledge Benford’s incredible effort.
“I mean, you wanna talk about a play that should be shown on SportsCenter,” McDermott said. “And we’re trying to teach our kids habits and proper habits, and those are the plays to me that need to be shown to kids.”
A competitive edge doesn’t always translate to the box score, but it does earn brownie points with the coaching staff. Benford’s hustle, combined with strong coverage skills, will earn him additional playing time. Pro Football Focus gave Benford the highest coverage grade (72.7) of any Bills corner on Monday. He allowed just a single 14-yard reception and had a pass breakup, too.
“He outworked people and the result of it was it saved us four points,” McDermott said. “We gave up the field goal there, but I think that’s what should be written about. That’s what should be on television if we’re teaching our kids … the right way.”
Amidst a flurry of reckless turnovers and a season-changing special teams gaffe, the defense’s performance can keep fans’ chins up. Benford will get the chance to prove his coaching staff right once again on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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