Last night’s episode of Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills gave players battling for a roster spot one last shot at making their case in game action.
Best moment: Sean McDermott’s speech
The Bills treated the final exhibition as an opportunity for end-of-roster players—many of whom will be released and some of whom might never get the chance to put on an NFL uniform again. The night before the game, McDermott made sure to point out that they should all be proud and are “winners” no matter what happens, which you could sense carried over to the field and in the locker room after the game.
Worst moment: No Keon Coleman
I thought Hard Knocks might turn into the Coleman show based on how funny the second-year wideout is, but the only thing we’ve seen from him—with just one episode left—has been brief practice clips. Overall, the Bills are probably influencing HBO to not follow starters or key players much, and that’s part of the reason for the season not being as good as usual outside of Episode 3.
Funniest moment: Zach Davidson punts
Davidson was featured for the first time in last night’s episode as a former college punter turned tight end—and he went back to his roots in the preseason finale by being used as the punter. After booming a 62-yard punt, we got funny reactions from Josh Allen and others on the sideline. Joshua Palmer bouncing on the mini trampoline at halftime was also hilarious.
Underrated moment: KJ Hamler celebrates team success
Hamler is battling for a roster spot at wide receiver, and he’s drawn rave reviews for his work (as an assistant coach pointed out) and personality—with Josh Allen calling the speedster one of his all-time favorite teammates. It was easy to see why when Tyrell Shavers caught a highlight touchdown that Hamler first questioned an official about when ruled incomplete, and then celebrated with Shavers when they realized it was a catch—clearly not caring that he’s competing with him for a roster spot.
Best quote: Chris Hess
“And then we got Josh—who goes from a high level to an alien level.”
MVP: Jimmy Ciarlo
Despite not being on the team at the start of camp, Ciarlo has become a Hard Knocks headliner over the past two weeks—with Episode 4 showing his work ethic by staying late at the facility, as well as his relationship with his father (who flew on a plane for the first time in 30 years to attend the final preseason game). Ciarlo has the right mindset to stick around the league, and he seems like the ultimate team player, including being unsure about celebrating a fumble recovery by saying he wasn’t the one who forced the fumble.