Cole Bishop’s safety play has taken a complete 180, and all it’s taken is some on the field guidance from a former All-Pro.
Since Jordan Poyer was called from the Bills practice squad and became the starter versus the Panthers in Week 8, Cole Bishop’s play and confidence have shown a marked improvement.
It’s no coincidence that Cole Bishop began playing safety at an All-Pro level the day Jordan Poyer began starting beside him.
— Put Steve Tasker in the Hall of Fame (@HOFSteveTasker) November 17, 2025
He isn’t “All-Pro Po” any longer but his knowledge of the McDermott scheme is invaluable to Bishop.#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/rPXW2wGxDk
Bishop, who had been playing alongside the likes of Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp in the first season and a half of his career, has taken his tutelage from Poyer seriously. This became evident in the Kansas City Chiefs game.
Against the Chiefs, Bishop had a career-high four pass deflections (his previous high was one) and they came in crucial times, including a fourth down deflection of a Patrick Mahomes pass in Buffalo territory that prevented the Chiefs from taking a first-half lead.
In the same game, Bishop made a statement hit on Travis Kelce in the back of the endzone, preventing the Chiefs from scoring before halftime.
Bishop’s production over the past three games has been apparent with two interceptions, six pass deflections and his tackles have doubled per game versus the first 23 of his career.
Cole Bishop’s first 23 games:
— Put Steve Tasker in the Hall of Fame (@HOFSteveTasker) November 18, 2025
1 INT
3 Pass Deflections
3.2 tackles per game
Cole Bishop’s last 3 games:
2 INT’s
6 Pass Deflections
6.7 tackles per game
Coincidence?#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/yROHiTzFhc
“Jordan [Poyer] has been instrumental in a lot of young players’ development… Cole [Bishop] being one of them,” said Bills head coach Sean McDermott earlier this month.
Although Poyer, who is playing in his 14th NFL season, is clearly in the twilight of his career, he is providing the Bills with a valuable contribution in mentorship and leadership.