Is the "new" Curtis Samuel here to stay?

[Logic]

We all heard the breathless training camp reports about how big a part of the offense Curtis Samuel looked like he was going to be.

We all watched through the first 9 weeks as he was a total afterthought.

Last week, and then even more so last night, Curtis Samuel made plays. Both his usage and his productivity vastly improved. He ran legitimate wide receiver routes and made legitimate plays in the passing game.

So what's the deal? Did his turf toe injury just finally heal up? Did the OC just finally start using him more intelligently? Were the Bills just FORCED to use him because of injuries to other receivers? A combination of these things?

Whatever the case may be, if this new and more productive and versatile Curtis Samuel is here to stay, it will mean great things going forward. Cooper, Coleman, Shakir, Samuel, Hollins could actually wind up being a very strong, versatile, and deep WR corps over the stretch run of the season into the playoffs.

Here's hoping Samuel has "arrived" on this offense and this isn't just a short term mirage.

[dorquemada]

He definitely seemed quicker last night.  Let's hope this is the real deal because as Coleman and Kincaid get healthy, Bills are going to be a real headache for opposing DCs

[Goin Breakdown]

I'm thinkin it was injury and he looks to be rising now. Dude has been reliable and contributing. I'm excited for Coleman to get back with Cooper Shakir and Samuel 

[Coach Tuesday]

Meanwhile Gabe Davis is being shut down for the season after 20 catches.

[co_springs_billsfan]

I thought it was the turf toe getting better last week and the more of these games he strings together I'll feel more strong about it

[US Egg]

Toe injury more than anything imagined be my guess.

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

Samuel is a proven commodity in the league so I’d think so…he definitely deserves benefit of the doubt 

 

this isn’t like a Deonte harty expecting him to take off when playing with Josh type situation 

[Don Otreply]

2 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Meanwhile Gabe Davis is being shut down for the season after 20 catches.

The timing proved to be right to move on from Davis and Diggs.

 

admittedly hindsight is 20/20, but Beane had a plan evidently, and yet was still flexible enough to make the move to get Cooper on board, 

[pi2000]

IMO it's just Josh getting comfortable with him.   He's been getting separation underneath and down field, but Josh just has never looked his way.... until yesterday.   

[MPL]

I thought McDermott made an interesting comment in the post-game press conference about Samuel needing to rebuild his confidence and remember that he is a great football player. The mental side of sports is so fascinating to me, but I tend to think about it more in baseball, basketball, tennis, and golf. But anyway, if Samuel keeps ramping up, I feel a lot better about the offense heading into this critical 3-game NFC stretch (and the playoffs). 

[Big Turk]

Looks like whatever injury issues he had with his toe is healed up and Brady seems to have found a better role for him than simply "gadget" guy in the offense.  Dude was a legit weapon yesterday and played an integral part in the gameplan.

[NewEra]

Certainly looks like the injury had seriously hampered his ability.  
 

if he can keep it up, he’s going to be a fun puzzle piece if Brady can utilize his like he did last night.  He looked like a very nice complimentary piece 

[Big Turk]

Just now, MPL said:

I thought McDermott made an interesting comment in the post-game press conference about Samuel needing to rebuild his confidence and remember that he is a great football player. The mental side of sports is so fascinating to me, but I tend to think about it more in baseball, basketball, tennis, and golf. But anyway, if Samuel keeps ramping up, I feel a lot better about the offense heading into this critical 3-game NFC stretch (and the playoffs). 

 

Sometimes nagging injuries can do that to you because you can't do what you are used to doing...that toe has seemingly been an issue since training camp to varying degrees.  Seems like he is finally over the hump so to speak with that and he looked good the last few games.

[Sweats]

I felt like with Coleman being out of the lineup that Samuel saw his moment to shine and took the opportunity to showcase what he could do.

[BADOLBILZ]

28 minutes ago, Logic said:

We all heard the breathless training camp reports about how big a part of the offense Curtis Samuel looked like he was going to be.

We all watched through the first 9 weeks as he was a total afterthought.

Last week, and then even more so last night, Curtis Samuel made plays. Both his usage and his productivity vastly improved. He ran legitimate wide receiver routes and made legitimate plays in the passing game.

So what's the deal? Did his turf toe injury just finally heal up? Did the OC just finally start using him more intelligently? Were the Bills just FORCED to use him because of injuries to other receivers? A combination of these things?

Whatever the case may be, if this new and more productive and versatile Curtis Samuel is here to stay, it will mean great things going forward. Cooper, Coleman, Shakir, Samuel, Hollins could actually wind up being a very strong, versatile, and deep WR corps over the stretch run of the season into the playoffs.

Here's hoping Samuel has "arrived" on this offense and this isn't just a short term mirage.

 

 

That was a nice TD RAC he had last night

 

 

[JohnBonhamRocks]

Likely a combination of those things. Always thought Samuel was better than his production before coming here and excited to see what he can do down the stretch. 

[EasternOHBillsFan]

That was the upside of this Chiefs matchup... Josh was truly being honest when he said it was just Week 11. They made it a point to rest the players they needed to and have fully embraced the NEXT MAN UP philosophy. The reps that Samuel needed were vital in getting him further integrated into this offense, and he balled out when called upon to make crucial plays. Getting Coleman, Kincaid and Milano back for the December push towards the best possible seed and the playoffs is going to be HUGE.

 

[SoonerBillsFan]

God hope so.

[MiracleAtRich1393]

33 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Meanwhile Gabe Davis is being shut down for the season after 20 catches.

Such a great decision to let him walk!

[RyanC883]

he keeps this up, we may have the best WR group in the league.  Samule, Cooper, Coleman, Shakir, and Hollins as the top 5.