Buffalo Bills first-round pick Maxwell Hairston and offseason-signing Michael Hoecht made their season debuts in the Bills’ 40-9 rout of the Carolina Panthers in Week 8.
Hairston, who was coming off an LCL strain he suffered during training camp, and Hoecht, who had just come off a six-game suspension, both made their presence felt in their first game of the season.
Hairston ended up with 25 snaps on the day and posted 15 snaps in pass coverage, without being targeted, which is not a bad sign at all. Hairston also showed promise with a big tackle on a screen play, stopping the Panthers’ Jimmy Horn Jr. in a one-on-one open field situation near the line of scrimmage. Given how the Bills have fared this season in tackling —something that hasn’t been good— this is something to be excited about.
With the struggles of Buffalo’s secondary this year, Hairston brings a desperately needed boost of athleticism and tenacity. Christian Benford has not fared well in pass coverage this year, and neither has Tre’Davious White. If Hairston can take this glimmer and turn it into a consistent light, the Bills may have found their new starter at corner.
The Bills needed a boost at the defensive line, dealing with a plethora of injuries and inconsistent play. Michael Hoecht brought just that, and more.
Hoecht logged 40 of 61 possible defensive snaps and recorded 1.5 sacks with 3 tackles and a forced fumble to top it off. The pass-rush consistency Hoecht provided was the most inspiring aspect of his performance. Every play, it seemed like Hoecht was moving the pocket and pressuring the quarterback. Not bad for his first game back.
Head coach Sean McDermott said after the game that Hoecht was a “tone-setter” and a locker-room leader.
Hoecht and Hairston bring an exciting spark to a Bills defense that desperately needed one. Look for their roles to increase, and hopefully the defense can find some consistency before a big matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.