In the realm of American football, the topic of discussion around receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been one that has often pivoted towards his struggle with drops on the field. This glaring issue was once again brought to light during his preseason debut with the Buffalo Bills against the Bears over the weekend.
Valdes-Scantling, who only had one target late in the second quarter, found himself unable to secure the pass thrown by backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The dropped ball became a focal point for critics and spectators alike, highlighting the receiver’s ongoing battle with consistency in catching passes.
Despite this setback, Buffalo took a chance on Valdes-Scantling earlier this year by signing him to a one-year deal in May. The team hoped that his presence would help bolster their revamped receiving corps for the upcoming 2024 season. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady, in a recent press conference, acknowledged the drop but also spoke to the progress Valdes-Scantling has made within the team’s offensive scheme.
Brady noted, “He obviously wants the drop back from the other day. But I think you’ve seen — if you’ve been at these practices in the last few weeks, you can see his comfort level of him being able to make plays, both down the field [and] intermediate roles. He’s comfortable in the offense now.”
The coach continued to praise Valdes-Scantling’s attitude and work ethic, emphasizing the importance of being in the right place at the right time rather than focusing solely on individual mistakes. Brady expressed confidence in the receiver’s relationship with starting quarterback Josh Allen, highlighting the trust that has developed between the two players.
However, despite the positive strides and growing comfort level, Valdes-Scantling will need to demonstrate a higher level of consistency in catching passes if he hopes to solidify his role within the Buffalo offense for the upcoming season. The pressure is on for the receiver to prove his worth and overcome his notorious struggles with drops to make a significant impact on the field.