For the second consecutive week, the Buffalo Bills earned a solid win in this preseason by beating the Cleveland Browns, 31-7 in a game that was blown open in the second half. Once the Bills took a 14-7 halftime lead, Buffalo took complete control and ran away with this win. Last week, the Bills beat the Panthers, winning 29-14, and now they have their second win by double digit points.
It was a close 7-7 game, but then a touchdown at the end of the second quarter was the start of a blowout performance by the Bills. While the game did go into a weather delay just two minutes into the game, it didn't shake the Bills' momentum.
With another great win going into the final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers next Thursday, there were once again plenty of players who stood out (and some who struggled).
Bills players who looked great (and looked bad) in big win over Browns
Winners
QB Kyle Allen
This is now the second consecutive week where Allen shined for the Bills. Last week against the Carolina Panthers, he was efficient and he showed that he could keep the offense as smooth as possible. This time against the Cleveland Browns, he looked like a starter as he went 10/12 for 128 yards and a touchdown late in the first half. He is bound to be the QB2 behind Josh Allen, and these last two performances feels like he has solidified it.
LB Joe Andreessen
“Buffalo Joe” was already a solid special teams contributor, but he shined for the defense for Buffalo. He was often near the ball if he wasn’t making the tackle. In addition, he deflected a pass that landed in the hands of Damar Hamlin for an interception that was the biggest factor in Buffalo running away with this game.
WR Trent Sherfield
I wrote about how Sherfield needed to shine for the Bills, especially since Skyler Bell and Dante Pettis were out, and he definitely did have a solid game. He finished the game with 4 catches for 54 yards which included a 20-yard reception from Kyle Allen. Sherfield is making a push for the final receiver spot, and he might be able to do enough to get a final roster spot.
WR Ja'Mori Maclin
I would be shocked if the Bills ultimately put Ja’Mori Maclin on the final roster, but after this game against the Browns, there should be no doubt that he will be brought back to the practice squad. He was the team’s leading receiver on the day which included a 71-yard touchdown catch from Shane Buechele. He should be a fine practice squad addition.
S Damar Hamlin
Damar Hamlin might only be a special teams player who could occasionally rotate in at safety, but he took advantage of his opportunity against Cleveland. He was tied for the most total tackles on the defense and he managed to pick of Shedeur Sanders as well. Buffalo’s safety room is very crowded, but Hamlin showed why he deserves a roster spot.
P Tommy Doman Jr.
After the Bills finished the first preseason game without punting, rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. finally got his chance to show off his power from his leg. He had three punts for 129 yards, averaging 43 yards a punt and two of them landing inside the Browns’ redzone. He should very well have the lead on the starting punting job over Mitch Wishnowsky.
K Tyler Bass
After missing a 45-yard field goal last week, Tyler Bass redeemed himself by being perfect in this game. He converted a 52-yard field goal and went 4/4 on extra point tries. This is a good confidence booster for Bass going into the preseason finale next Thursday.
Losers
WR Mecole Hardman Jr.
After this game, Hardman Jr. could be on the outside looking in with the final 53-man roster. Against the Browns, he was targeted five times but only had two catches for 15 yards. He also had just four rushing yards on the day. Unless he can prove himself on special teams, he might be a cut candidate at the end of the month.
OL Jude Bowry
It was another rough outing for the rookie offensive tackle out of Boston College. Bowry played early on, but gave up a few pass rushes in which Kyle Allen was chased down or sacked. He’s got a long way to go before he can ever be considered a candidate for a starting position beyond 2026.
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