Christian Benford left the Buffalo Bills’ Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a toe injury, and that immediately put their “pretty stout” pass defense on notice.
The Immediate Scramble on the Field
Benford was playing tough before he went down, logging three tackles and a pass defended. Losing him mid-game forced an immediate scramble in the secondary. David Igbinosun, a first-year player, got thrown into the fire almost instantly. He was tested right away and, credit where it’s due, he responded with a pass breakup shortly after coming into the game. That’s a solid showing under pressure. However, Benford is still questionable to return to the game. That’s a looming question mark hanging over their defense as this game continues.
Bills’ Cornerback Depth Just Got Exposed
Here’s the real kicker: Buffalo’s cornerback room is suddenly looking incredibly thin. It’s not just Benford’s injury, either. Backup slot cornerback Jordan Hancock went to IR earlier this week, which was already a blow to their depth. Now, with Benford potentially sidelined, the situation is even more precarious. Dee Alford, typically the slot cornerback, might have to shift outside if another boundary cornerback gets hurt. To fill the void, Te’Cory Couch got called up from the practice squad this week, and he’s the likely candidate to step into the slot role. The Bills’ pass defense has been “pretty stout” through the early part of the season, but with these injuries and shifts, they’re definitely going to be “tested going forward.” This depth issue, so early in the season, is a massive problem for any team hoping to contend.
So, as the Bills look ahead, every snap for that secondary is gonna be under the microscope. Can Igbinosun keep stepping up? How will Couch handle the pressure of the slot? Their “pretty stout” defense is facing its first major test of depth right now, and they better figure out their rotation fast.
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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