If not now, why… and when?
The Buffalo Bills are back at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, for a 1 p.m. EDT matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Buffalo is a heavy favorite heading into Sunday, and I see it as the perfect time for head coach Sean McDermott to activate rookie edge rusher Landon Jackson.
While the Bills have started the season with an impressive 3-0 record, Jackson has yet to contribute a single snap, and he hasn’t even put on a uniform for game days. The club has rolled with defensive end Javon Solomon instead, along with veteran defensive ends in Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, and Greg Rousseau. Solomon has played a significant number of snaps on defense (30% of snaps) and special teams (63% of snaps) through three weeks, with one total tackle to show for his efforts.
McDermott said that Jackson was close to being active Thursday night, and I hope the rookie gets his opportunity on Sunday. Jackson could fill Solomon’s role (who only played nine defensive snaps on Thursday), while gaining some much-needed experience. With the Saints’ recent struggles and the Bills being a heavy favorite, could there be a more fitting time?
While it may be a great opportunity for Jackson, I do realize there willl be some growing pains for him. Fans have seen other rookies (T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker) get the opportunity to play through their mistakes early on this season, and I hope that McDermott finally does the same with Jackson on Sunday.
Category: General Sports
