The Buffalo Bills kicked off their preseason slate of games on Saturday against the New York Giants, with stars like Josh Allen and the controversial James Cook on the sidelines. It was the first opportunity for Bills fans to get a good look at their 2025 draft class, as well as the team's free agent pickups. Though many played well, and a few faltered, some names stood out when we re-watched the tape. Most notably; Joshua Palmer.
Looking at the stats, you might disagree.
Targets | Catches | Rec. Yards | Yards/Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
3 | 2 | 21 | 10.5 |
These stats mean very little. As exciting as it is that true, televised football games are back, we mustn't get carried away. Not one soul will care, when Week 1 rolls round, what the final scores of the Buffalo Bills' preseason games were.
When we see a player in action during the season, we won't be left reviewing his preseason statline for one-third of a game. Preseason is good and necessary for the public, just as it is for the team. However, the on-field play only truly matters in that it gives us tape.
Tale of the tape for WR Joshua Palmer
That tape shows just how valuable Joshua Palmer is to this roster already. On the Bills' best drive of the game, Palmer plays important roles on every snap. In the second quarter, with Mitchell Trubisky in at quarterback, Palmer sealed the edge against defenders on outside runs to add yards. He then forced his blocking assignment back effectively on an inside power run play, securing another first down.
His catches came on crisp routes, as he used a subtle fake to seperate from coverage, and turned quickly upfield. On catches by his teammates, he found himself consistently in front of the ball, taking out safeties and corners to create green grass for his unit.
Credit to both Joe Brady for putting him in positions to succeed, but to Palmer for getting it done. Josh Palmer's next contribution came on the Dawson Knox touchdown, where his fake as lead blocker for Reggie Gilliam helped leave Knox open for the score.
Much like Gabriel Davis at his best for Buffalo, Palmer's deep speed creates holes in his wake. Much like Mack Hollins, Palmer's blocking in both the short area and downfield elevates his teammates. When he isn't playing decoy or using his body to create lanes for ball carriers, Josh Palmer works as a consistent contributor outside and deep. When we finally get to see him with Josh Allen under center, Bills fans better prepare for fireworks.