This is a recap of how the rookies performed for the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.
The Buffalo Bills once again got some big performances from some of their rookies en route to another division win. In Week 7, the Bills saw rookie kicker Tyler Bass connect on six of eight field goal attempts and account for all 18 points scored against the Jets.
On the defensive side of the ball, Dane Jackson not only played in his first NFL game but also got his first NFL start and responded with three tackles, two passes defended, and one interception.
While both of those rookies saw some playing time, it was another rookie with a breakout performance this week. This is a recap of how the five rookies who played in Week 8 for the Buffalo Bills did against the Patriots.
Dane Jackson
While Dane Jackson was active for the second straight week, he didn’t see any snaps on defense due to the return of Levi Wallace. He did however play six snaps on special teams. With the return of Levi Wallace and the recent signing of Daryl Worley, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson remain on the practice squad for a majority of the remainder of the season.
Gabriel Davis
Even though the Buffalo Bills did get John Brown back this week, it didn’t cut into Gabriel Davis‘ playing time too much. He would end up playing 35 offensive snaps, about 60% of the team’s snaps, but only had one target. That one target came late in the game when he had a pass from Josh Allen seemingly go right through his hands in the end zone.
Zack Moss
The Bills third round pick had by far the best game of his NFL career when he carried the ball 14 times for 81 yards while scoring two rushing touchdowns, which was the first of his NFL career.
The hope is that this is the start of a strong second-half finish for the rookie. This past week against the Patriots was likely what the front office envisioned when selecting Zack Moss. He provided that power run game to complement Devin Singletary, who is more of an elusive runner, and both were very productive.
Tyler Bass
The Buffalo Bills starting placekicker didn’t have as busy a day as he did the prior week but was perfect against the New England Patriots. He connected on all three extra-point attempts and made his only field goal attempt of 28 yards.
This is rather impressive, and was a good sign, for Bass who has struggled a bit with accuracy. However, in a game where the weather was certainly a factor, especially the wind, it didn’t seem to phase Tyler Bass.
Reggie Gilliam
The Buffalo Bills did get Lee Smith back for this week but Reggie Gilliam was able to see at least some snaps on the offensive side of the ball at the tight end position. He would end up playing nine snaps this week but didn’t have any receptions.
The undrafted free agent rookie would also play 16 snaps on special teams and had one tackle.