The Buffalo Bills just dropped a preseason blowout on the Cleveland Browns in Week Two, and honestly, it felt like forever getting there. After a lightning delay put the game on hold just 1:39 into the first quarter, with heavy rains turning Huntington Bank Field into a swamp, the skies finally cleared. When the exhibition kicked off again, Buffalo’s backups didn’t just play, they absolutely dominated, proving their worth for the 53-man roster. This was a day for the depth to shine, and shine they did, leading the club to a huge win.
Sherfield Sr. Is Making Noise
With the Bills’ receiving corps already battered, players had to step up and eat snaps. Trent Sherfield Sr. absolutely answered the call. He might not be a young pup, and his NFL film is pretty extensive, but he showed himself to be a super reliable target on Saturday. Kyle Allen was feeding him the ball in the first half, with Sherfield catching a few longer gains on that opening, rain-delayed drive that eventually ended in a touchdown.
But he’s not just an offensive guy. Sherfield also showed off on special teams as a gunner, combining with fellow reserve wideout Stephen Gosnell for a tackle after rookie punter Tommy Doman blasted a 50-yard punt. I’ve always thought Sherfield was the most likely WR6 in camp because of his special teams ability, but he clearly flashed some serious value on offense too. He absolutely helped his case for the 53-man roster today.
Hardman Jr. Needs Consistency
Mecole Hardman Jr. also got some extra reps on offense thanks to those receiver injuries, but unlike Sherfield Sr., he didn’t quite make the most of his chances. He dropped two passes, both of which came on third downs and would have given the Bills first-down yardage. That stings when you’re trying to prove yourself.
Hardman Jr. did flash some juice though, with a nice 30-yard kickoff return after Cleveland scored a touchdown in the second quarter. That set the Bills up in solid field position. However, with Ray Davis already the reigning All-Pro kickoff returner and eyeing the punt-return role, Hardman Jr. is going to need to be more consistently useful as a wideout to make the team. He showed up in the two-minute drill at the end of the first half, making a first-down grab to start things off before capping the drive with a nine-yard catch and run on a wide receiver screen with just 15 seconds remaining. The talent is there, no doubt, but the consistency? That’s what he needs to show.
This Bills depth chart battle is heating up, big time. Guys like Sherfield Sr. are seizing every opportunity, making it impossible to ignore them. Hardman Jr. has the juice, but those third-down drops could loom large. Every single snap matters when you’re fighting for a spot on that 53-man roster, and these guys are feeling the pressure. You gotta wonder who’s going to make the cut.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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