Matthew D. Britt-Flickr
With the first preseason game in the books, people will need to hold off on the Sammy Watkins talk and his predicted ascension to the number-one receiver spot. Watkins had no catches on the evening due to being held in check by Prince Amukamara. Watkins was also terrible in run-support, letting a defender blow past him. The last time I checked, there are other talented WRs on the roster. These men are not just going to lay down and give Watkins the keys to drive the car. Mike Williams and Robert Woods are capable receivers and will prove going forward that there is in fact a competition going on in the Buffalo Bills’ camp and nothing will be given.
Robert Woods has the proclivity to be the top WR in Buffalo. He was simply living in Stevie Johnson’s shadow last season. With Johnson on the roster, the former USC product only pushed out 40 receptions for 587 yards and 3-TDs in 2013. Woods managed to go 4-49-yds. The second year player had two notable catches; one reception for 26 yards followed by a nice 3-yard back-shoulder catch for six. Woods is currently listed as the starter, opposite Watkins on the depth chart; however, Williams started in the first two series of tonight’s game.
Williams had only 22 receptions for 216-yards and 2-TDs in 2013. And while ESPN’s Adam Caplan reports the Bills “have been very pleased” with offseason trade acquisition Mike Williams, the team saw very little from the veteran player in tonight’s debut as he did not help his case much. The former Buccaneer had an issue with separation in the Red-Zone but did have a good screen-pass in which he made Prince Amukamara miss and went up the field for 11 yards.
My prediction is Woods steps up big to lead this team as Buffalo’s number one receiver. Pundits can yell on the rooftops about Watkins, but all I saw tonight was a guy who has a problem with the “Jam” and separation. Woods however, showed flashes of greatness in his fluidity in routes and ability to play in the slots. He was able to get off the line with ease and in and out of his breaks. Look for Woods to be a household name in 2014.
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
