When the Stars Align—And When They Don't
In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, player evaluations swing like a pendulum, captivating fans and pundits alike. Recently, this pendulum swung hard when NFL legend Steve Smith Sr. delivered a scorching critique on Buffalo Bills' second-year wide receiver, Keon Coleman.
"He doesn't have the ability to be a true No. 1, and he's not," Smith pointedly stated.
Downfall or Just a Dip?
As the Bills entered the 2025 season, expectations were high for Coleman, whose rise in college had promised greatness. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 Draft, many saw him as a potential game-changer for Buffalo's high-octane offense. However, to Smith, the reality has been underwhelming.
Coleman averaged just over 42 yards per game in 2024, and the early returns for 2025 show a shocking drop in targets and receptions. After an explosive opener where he caught eight passes, he has since found himself solely at the periphery of the aerial game.
Smith's Tactical Breakdown
On his podcast, "89 with Steve Smith Sr.,” he dissected not just Coleman's performance but also the behind-the-scenes mechanics that could be affecting it:
- Separation Issues: Smith emphasized Coleman's struggle to create space between himself and defenders, a crucial skill for any elite wide receiver.
- Quarterback Trust: It's no secret that a quarterback's confidence in a receiver directly impacts their performance. Smith pointed out that when pressure mounts, QB Josh Allen often opts for other options.
- Statistical Anomalies: With a massive disparity between his targets and receptions, Smith argues that Coleman hasn't capitalized on his opportunities, making a compelling case for reevaluating his role on the team.
32 Drops and Counting
Smith's blistering remarks didn't stop there. He noted that Coleman's inefficiency in contested catches makes for alarming statistics. Out of 12 contested targets, he managed just four successful receptions—defining what Smith described as less than “30 cents.” The comparison to financial transactions wasn't just for show; it symbolically captured the urgency emanating from Smith's critique.
"You can't teach a dog how to bark. You either got it or you don't," he stated.
Reaction and Rationale
In response to Smith's comments, Coleman displayed a laid-back attitude on social media, opting to post laughing emojis rather than directly confronting Smith's assessment. It's a classic case of ignoring the haters—or perhaps an acknowledgment of knowing that the critiques carry weight.
Even as Coleman appears unfazed, the on-field ramifications of his performance are anything but insignificant. The Bills sport a perfect 4-0 record when he garners at least 25 receiving yards in a game, underscoring the stark contrast between his potential impact and his current output.
A Glimpse into the Future
As the Bills gear up for their upcoming clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, I'm left pondering: can Coleman rise to the occasion and silence the doubters? The weight of Smith's words will certainly hang over him like a dark cloud, pressuring him to deliver when it matters most.
Conclusion: A Turning Point Ahead?
Only time will tell if these critiques trigger a transformative response from Coleman or if they serve as a painful reminder of missed opportunities. Yet, one thing is crystal clear: in the cutthroat world of the NFL, the margin for error is razor-thin, and potential alone simply won't cut it.
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Source reference: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/former-nfl-star-steve-smith-sr-unleashes-scathing-assessment-bills-keon-coleman
