Most Buffalo Bills fans want to forget the Oakland Raiders and Bills match-up last December. Buffalo was leading 24-9 in the third quarter. Quarterback Derek Carr could not find his rhythm. Somehow, Buffalo blew the lead in Atlanta Falcons-like fashion and got clobbered 38-24. A heartbreaking loss. Andre Holmes was on the Raiders’ offense, but things can change on a dime. Just yesterday, Holmes signed a 4-year contract with the Bills. Can the wide receiver improve the team’s passing game and score some points?
Size matters
With the loss of Justin Hunter to the AFC Conference Rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo needs a taller receiver who can go after jump balls and have the advantage.
At 6 foot 4, Holmes should be able to do the job, so Buffalo can make more big plays and score more passing touchdowns. LeSean McCoy is the heart of the franchise’s rushing offense, but he can use some help to keep his legs fresh.
Special teams filler
Brandon Tate was good as Buffalo’s punt returner last year. He even doubled as a wide receiver when the injury bug bit the Bills last season. However, Reggie Bush was a bust on special teams. Holmes racked up 9 tackles on special teams last season, which is a good step forward for Buffalo.
A chance to shine
Playing with the Raiders, Holmes was the guy behind Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. In two years with Oakland, Cooper caught 155 passes for over 2200 yards.
Crabtree also lit up teams’ defense with 17 touchdowns and almost 2000 yards. With two superstars in front of him, Holmes has not had much of a chance to be a breakout star.
Buffalo’s loss of wide receivers Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin makes the signing of Holmes even more important. The Bills need someone to step up and separate himself from the second and third string old wide receiving core that the team is working with in Kolby Listenbee, Dezmin Lewis, and Walter Powell.
Competing for a spot
While Holmes is probably a shoo in for a starting spot, he will also be competing with new free agents Corey Brown and Jeremy Butler. Besides Sammy Watkins as the top receiver, it will be interesting to see who ends up on the Bills’ starting roster.
Welcome to Buffalo, Andre Holmes.
