Written By: Matthew Conciatori
Edited By: Slavko Glumicic
After signing as a free agent in the summer before the 2019-2020 season, Buffalo Bills’ receiver Cole Beasley has produced mass success, especially during key moments. However, he has done so without much recognition from the League and its Fans.
Listed at 5’8” and 174 pounds soaking wet, he is not much of a big target compared to other receiver builds around the league. However, Beasley proves how much of an asset he is to any football team by becoming a huge option in the passing game, and one of the top slot receivers in the league.
Dallas and Buffalo fans can agree on the fact on how Beasley’s game is played, the bail-out option on 3rd down and short. As a slot receiver, Beasley consistently runs short routes with his fast release off the line of scrimmage. In his first year for the Bills, Beasley had 67 receptions on 106 targets totaling 778 yards in only 15 games. 448 of his total yards were yards before catch (YBC) getting an average of 6.7 YBC per reception. The Bills used his fascinating ability of getting separation off the line to create an average depth of target when targeted (ADOT) of 8.0 yards. Beasley also set a career-high in the 2019-2020 season in touchdown catches with six and in yards/reception at 11.6. He was tied with John Brown that year for the team lead as well.
In his second season with a more experienced Josh Allen as his Quarterback, his stats just seemingly continue to improve. Beasley has 55 receptions on 67 targets for a total of 642 yards in 10 games so far. His YBC is 406 yards only down 42 yards, even though he’s played 5 less games. His YBC per reception is 7.4 showing how quickly Beasley is able to get open from opponents.
Presently on the depth chart for the Buffalo Bills he is listed as the third Wide Receiver (WR) behind Stefon Diggs and John Brown. With Beasley’s experience and versatility, Beasley is certainly a top five slot receiver in the league. Names like Keenan Allen and Tyler Lockett are in contention with Beasley for best, although statistically speaking, Cole Beasley is one of the best at getting the chains moving around the league. Out of his 55 receptions this season, 62% (34 receptions) have been completed for a 1st down. He currently ranks 2nd between the two of those receivers behind Keenan Allen. Allen however has 93 targets compared to Beasley’s 67 targets.
Bills’ teammate Micah Hyde remembers having the assignment of guarding Cole Beasley when both players were on their former teams. Hyde was challenged by Beasley stating after the game, “That boy… he’s an issue,” Hyde said. “He’s a problem. You can’t guard him one-on-one. I really think it’s impossible to guard Cole Beasley one-on-one.” It was never really about size or even speed for Beasley. The focus of his game is built around quickness, leverage, and how Beasley can mix the two attributes together.
Before leaving the Dallas Cowboys, Beasley took his thoughts to Twitter about getting a new contract “I think I should be paid with the best slot WR’s in the league.” Later that summer, the Buffalo Bills took advantage of his undermined value by signing him on a fairly cheap contract. Beasley is currently in his second year of a 4 year/$29 million dollar contract with a 2020 cap hit of around $7.07 million.
Beasley showed out against his former team last season, having caught six passes for 110 yards, and running a beautiful route on his lone touchdown in a 26-15 Bills victory. Beasley claimed that the Cowboy’s front office directed the ball mainly away from him, whereas the Bills value the slot position more. After the game, Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones said “We always thought he was a hell of a player. We just thought he cost too much.” He has been worth every penny in both seasons for the Bills, as they look to make the playoffs in back-to-back years.
Cole Beasley is without question happier than ever to be playing for the Buffalo Bills. “Man, there’s a bond here that I don’t think can happen in many places just with the way it’s kind of set up,” Beasley stated. “It’s a different kind of brotherhood here, and we’re always together. Our kids are together – the coaches, the players, everything. It’s really a unique and awesome thing that we have here in Buffalo, and I know my family has loved every bit of it. That’s part of why I said I’d play here until the wheels fall off.”
The Buffalo Bills are definitely glad they pulled the trigger on offering Cole Beasley a contract. The agreement was undoubtedly a success for the organization, and Beasley himself. Going into week 11, the Buffalo Bills are on their bye week as they look to shake off last week’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals and prepare for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Matthew Conciatori
2nd Year Honours Political Science Student
References
Louis-Jacques, M. (2020, November 11). Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen never wants to leave after fans honor late grandmother. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30298150/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-never-wants-leave-fans-honor-late-grandmother
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