Is the cornerback battle already over for the Buffalo Bills?

The Buffalo Bills picked up their first win of the preseason against the Indianapolis Colts, winning 23-19. In a game where there was a lot of rotation on the defense, the cornerback spot opposite of Tre’Davious White was a key battle to keep an eye on.

Cornerback Dane Jackson started out the game with the first team, and three plays into the Colts’ first drive, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson threw an interception that went right to Jackson. Then three plays later, the Bills gave the ball to running back James Cook who ran into the end zone to put the Bills on the scoreboard first. 

After that first defensive drive, Jackson did not see the field again and it was all Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford. Elam struggled on the defense against the Colts. For one, he was bulldozed by Richardson on a quarterback keeper. He then allowed Colts’ receiver Michael Pittman to get an extra step on him in their one-on-one matchups and was called for a pass interference penalty.

According to Matthew Bove, the Bills’ offense voiced concerns about how much Elam has allegedly been holding them in training camp. This was not a good start for the second-year corner who was drafted to take over the role in Tre White’s absence last year.

With Benford, there was not a ton of action his way, but he did get a holding penalty called on him in the second quarter. Overall, the Bills gave Jackson the go-ahead to start the game with the first-team and he definitely took advantage of his opportunity with the interception on the miscommunication between Richardson and his receivers. 

As the Bills now prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there is confidence as to who could be the second cornerback on the defense heading into week one, but there are still two games left to officially determine that. However, with that being said, Jackson looks like he has the spot and it is his to lose.

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