A mere 24 hours after the Buffalo Bills claimed a preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans who revel in defensive showcases might have felt like they were witnessing a Super Bowl calibre performance yesterday. For those yearning for an explosive offensive display, the game might have seemed less thrilling. Nonetheless, Bills aficionados are undoubtedly pleased with the win.
Preseason clashes like these are crucial for players striving to secure their spots on the team, whether aiming for a starting role or merely a spot on the roster when the regular season kicks off. This setting is a proving ground for both seasoned NFL players and newcomers.
Among those who stood out in the match against the Steelers was rookie running back Ray Davis, a fourth-round pick for the Bills this year. Davis, chosen to bolster the team’s running options alongside James Cook, is currently contending with Ty Johnson for the RB2 slot.
During the encounter with the Steelers, Davis demonstrated his potential by rushing for 58 yards on 8 carries and nearly scoring the team’s first touchdown of the preseason. His longest run of 19 yards was also the team’s best for the day. Davis displayed toughness and agility, running robustly between the tackles.
In contrast, Ty Johnson had a quieter game, managing a single six-yard carry. This performance might hint at a changing hierarchy in the running back position as Davis is quickly proving himself to be a solid complementary option to Cook. His all-around ability poses a challenge to Johnson, potentially altering their standings on the team depth chart.
As the Bills approach their third and final preseason game, it will be crucial for Davis to leverage his remaining field time as he poses a serious challenge for the RB2 role, heading into a season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. With his recent performances, unless the coaching staff heavily weighs veteran experience, Davis might just advance his claim for more significant responsibilities this coming season.