Veteran Jordan Poyer influential in Cole Bishop’s rise

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.

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.

“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 14^th NFL season, is clearly in the twilight of his career, he is providing the Bills with a valuable contribution in mentorship and leadership.