Bills' Preseason Nightmare: Who's Up and Who's Down After the Brutal 38-0 Rout?

The Buffalo Bills' preseason clash against the Chicago Bears turned into an undeniable nightmare, culminating in a crushing 38-0 shutout loss. While it's crucial to remember that preseason games are primarily for evaluation, a defeat of this magnitude certainly sends ripples through the organization and ignites urgent questions about certain positions and individual performances.

The scoreboard may not count, but the tape always does. Let's dissect the action to see who managed to elevate their stock amidst the chaos and who unfortunately saw theirs plummet.

Stock Up: Glints of Promise Amidst the Gloom

Even in a blowout, individual efforts can shine. One player who undoubtedly boosted his standing was Rookie Wide Receiver, Devon Williams.

Despite the offense's overall struggles, Williams consistently found ways to get open and displayed impressive hands, hauling in several contested catches in traffic. His route running looked crisp, and his ability to create separation against starting-caliber defensive backs was a welcome sight. He might just be the diamond in the rough the Bills are looking for, carving out a legitimate role in the crowded receiver room.

On the defensive side, Third-Year Defensive End, Malik Jones, demonstrated a relentless motor and a knack for disruption.

He managed to consistently pressure the Bears' quarterbacks, recording a sack and multiple hurries. Jones looked strong at the point of attack against the run and showed significant improvement in his pass-rush arsenal. In a game where the defense struggled collectively, Jones's individual tenacity was a bright spot, making a strong case for increased snaps once the regular season arrives.

Stock Down: Struggles That Raise Concerns

Unfortunately, more than a few players and units exited Soldier Field with their stock diminished.

The most glaring issue was the Offensive Line, particularly the second and third-string units. They consistently failed to open running lanes and, more concerningly, allowed a relentless pass rush to collapse the pocket, leading to multiple sacks and hurries. Protecting the quarterback and establishing a run game are fundamental, and the struggles here were profound, indicating a significant area for coaching staff attention.

Another individual who endured a tough outing was Veteran Backup Quarterback, Mike Davis.

Tasked with leading the offense for a significant portion of the game, Davis struggled with accuracy and decision-making. He threw two costly interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and often held onto the ball too long, leading to sacks. While it's a small sample size, his performance did little to instill confidence in his ability to step in should the starter be unavailable, leaving the backup QB situation as a notable concern.

Looking Ahead: Lessons from the L

A 38-0 preseason loss is never easy to swallow, even if the stats don't count.

It serves as a stark reminder of where the team stands and the significant improvements needed. While the 'Stock Up' players offer a glimmer of hope for future contributions, the 'Stock Down' areas highlight critical vulnerabilities that must be addressed swiftly. The coaching staff now faces the daunting task of reviewing this humbling film, making tough roster decisions, and ensuring that these crucial lessons translate into a more cohesive and competitive unit when the real games begin.