The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 and there’s plenty to feel good about—but that doesn’t mean everything has gone according to plan.
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran puts on his “Nitpicky Pat” hat and examines five things he hasn’t liked about the Bills through the first two games of the 2026 NFL season.
Patrick starts in the secondary, where free-agent nickel corner Dee Alford hasn’t carried his strong training camp into the regular season. He also discusses Buffalo’s ongoing cornerback rotation involving Max Hairston and Avieon Terrell, questioning whether the Bills would be better served letting Hairston settle into the starting role rather than continually rotating players.
The defensive concerns continue with Landon Jackson, whose productive summer hasn’t translated to the regular season so far. Patrick breaks down Jackson’s struggles against the run and lack of pass-rush production while discussing what the return of T.J. Sanders could mean for the defensive line.
Also examined is Buffalo’s dime defensive package, particularly the decision to utilize Damar Hamlin in that role. Patrick explains why he’d rather see a more athletic option such as Jordan Hancock get those snaps.
Finally, there’s Tyler Bass. Despite Buffalo’s undefeated start, Patrick still doesn’t trust the Bills kicker and wonders whether Buffalo’s continued faith in Bass could eventually become costly.
The episode also touches on Buffalo’s upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the early AFC picture involving the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, and several Bills who have impressed through two games.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Nickel corner remains a concern: Dee Alford has struggled through two games after an impressive training camp, particularly in coverage and tackling.
- Is the CB rotation helping? Patrick questions whether rotating Max Hairston and Avieon Terrell is beneficial and would prefer to see Buffalo give Hairston an extended opportunity to establish himself.
- Landon Jackson needs to improve: After a promising summer, Jackson has struggled to make an impact against either the run or pass.
- Buffalo’s dime package needs more athleticism: Patrick makes the case for Jordan Hancock or another defensive back getting opportunities in place of Damar Hamlin in obvious passing situations.
- Tyler Bass remains difficult to trust: A missed extra point and several other shaky kicks have done little to ease concerns about Buffalo’s kicking situation.
OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED
The Bills may have concerns, but there’s also plenty going right. Josh Allen, Dalton Kincaid, Greg Rousseau, Deone Walker, James Cook, Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer and Keon Coleman are among the players Patrick highlights for strong starts.
Patrick also looks around the AFC, where Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs and Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals appear positioned to make the conference race significantly more competitive after both missed the playoffs last season.
Plus, there’s an early look at Buffalo’s upcoming home matchup against Justin Herbert and the 0-2 Los Angeles Chargers.
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