Buffalo Bills: Picking the winners in key position battles from Bears game

Offensive Guard

Starting the season on the COVID-19 list may have hurt Ike Boettger a little more than many anticipated. He looks slightly slower than last season and has struggled to regain his form from 2020. Boettger was no star guard last year but he did a really good job filling in for the injured Cody Ford. This was a battle to watch this training camp as it seemed like the only spot on the offensive line that was yet to have a starter set in stone.

After the game against the Bears, I would change this battle from ongoing to complete. Cody Ford has returned and he looked as good as he ever has. There was some noticeable juice in Buffalo’s run game against the Bears and Ford was a part of that. The Buffalo Bills even successfully ran fullback Reggie Gilliam behind Ford several times and was very successful and doing so.

While Ford can still improve as a pass blocker and connecting with blocks in the open field on screens and pulls he has shown more consistency and ability than any other guard vying for the spot. I would say that Ford is about as close to a 100% lock into the starting lineup as you can get and this battle is officially over.

As for Boettger and Jamil Douglas whom I mentioned in the preview both are working towards a backup role at this point. Either or both players could make the team. However, it looks more like one will make the team after the really solid performance from Ryan Bates. Bates played and is listed at center but is known for his versatility across the line and could eliminate a less versatile Douglas or Boettger from roster contention.