Orchard Park, N.Y. — It’s not how you start, but how you finish. Buffalo Bills, wide receiver Keon Coleman proved just that on Friday night from Highmark Stadium.
At the team’s Return of the Blue & Red Scrimmage, Coleman got off to a rough start. During 7-on-7 work, Josh Allen targeted Keon Coleman. The ball was on the money, but Coleman dropped the ball that was placed right near his midsection.
A few series later, Mitch Trubisky was in with the starters for 11-on-11 work. Trubisky delivered a strike 20 yards downfield to Coleman. The receiver got his hands on the ball, but it bounced off his hands and high into the air. That was the defense’s best shot for an interception on the night, but the ball harmlessly landed on the ground.
Two bad drops could have been the story for Coleman’s night, but he bounced back from that point on in a big way.
Mike White came in with the starter for 11-on-11 work and threw a great pass down the right sideline. Christian Benford, Buffalo’s top cornerback, was in coverage, but Coleman went up and plucked the ball out of the air before Benford could do anything on the ball. The 30-plus yard play had Highmark Stadium rocking, but that was just one of three big catches.
Later in practice, Coleman was lined up against Dane Jackson. Mitch Trubisky saw the 1-on-1 opportunity and delivered a deep ball down the sideline. Coleman boxed Jackson out on the play and leapt up for the catch. Two plays later, Trubisky went deep to Coleman again. Coleman created separation on Jackson, which led to the cornerback grabbing at his jersey. Despite the grab–which drew a defensive pass interference penalty–Coleman came down with the catch and ran into the end zone.
In addition to Coleman’s big summer continuing, here’s a look at other observations from Friday night’s scrimmage.
Josh Allen’s short night
Josh Allen threw more passes to fans pre-practice than he did to players on Friday night. Allen did a quick series of 7-on-7 work before taking off his helmet to don a Bills cap for the rest of the night.
Bills Mafia show out
In the final scrimmage at Highmark Stadium, the Bills Mafia showed up in a big way. The fan base set a record for fan attendance, with 39,224 fans in the crowd.
In the famous words of Allen Iverson, we’re sitting here talking about practice! Well done, Bills Mafia.
Who’s ahead in QB2 race?
Mitch Trubisky and Mike White are competing for the No. 2 quarterback job this summer. On Friday night, both QBs made some big-time throws, but White edged out Trubisky for the night. The latter made some long completions to Keon Coleman, but he also held the ball too long on a would-be sack, fumbled a different snap, and dropped the ball off a bit too often for short gains.
White, meanwhile, showed a willingness to stretch the field and give his receivers chances in 1-on-1 coverage.
White had long completions to Elijah Moore, Keon Coleman, Jalen Virgil and Keleki Latu. In short yardage, White also hid the ball well on a play-action pass to find Jackson Hawes for a wide-open touchdown.
Joshua Palmer participates
Whatever was ailing Palmer at training camp practice on Thursday was not an issue on Friday night. Palmer was suited up and running well on the field.
Palmer was running wide open during the practice for what looked like a big play, but Mitch Trubisky was unable to deliver a catchable ball.
Shaq Thompson and Khalil Shakir exit early
Shaq Thompson and Khalil Shakir both exited practice early on Friday night. The linebacker exited through the tunnel with an athletic trainer a little over one hour into the scrimmage.
Trainers also examined wide receiver Khalil Shakir during the scrimmage on Friday night. The trainers seemed to be looking at his ankle after he limped off the field following a play.
Vet rest
Matt Milano, Tre’Davious White and Joey Bosa all received vet rest on Friday.
Depth receivers step up
With so many injuries at wide receiver, two depth options stepped up on Friday. Jalen Virgil hauled in a few notable passes during the scrimmage. Virgil is well-liked by the coaching staff and saw some regular season action last year for Buffalo. His familiarity with the playbook and ability to play special teams give him a chance of making the roster if injuries persist.
Another receiver who made the most of his opportunities was Kristian Wilkerson. Wilkerson received some first-team run at practice on Thursday and hauled in every pass thrown his way at the scrimmage. Don’t be surprised if Wilkerson makes a run for a practice team spot.
Kicker competition?
Ray Davis can do it all. Buffalo’s No.2 back came on the field to kick field goals for Buffalo on Friday night, with Tyler Bass dealing with pelvic area soreness.
Davis attempted three kicks from 28 yards out. The first was a low kick that went wide left, but his next two kicks were pure.
Kicking is not new to the back. He told WKBW-TV’s Dom Tibbetts that he had a long of 57 yards in high school.
What’s next?
The Bills have Saturday off following tonight’s scrimmage. Buffalo will return to St. John Fisher University on Sunday. The practice begins at 11:15 a.m.
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