Isaiah McKenzie has given the Buffalo Bills a boost in the return game, but his mistake-prone play has also earned the criticism of his coach and could have his job at risk.
McKenzie took over the role as the team’s kick and punt returner this season after the departure of All Pro Andre Roberts, and has excelled at turning the field for the Bills. He is one of the league’s top specialists, averaging 25.5 yards per kick return and 8.1 yards per punt return. But McKenzie has also had issues with ball security, which earned the attention of Bills coach Sean McDermott this week.
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McKenzie’s Miscue Against Dolphins
The Buffalo’s 26-11 win over the Miami Dolphins on October 31, McKenzie tried to field a punt at the 8-yard line but muffed it, with the ball squirting into the endzone and eventually back into the hands of Bills receiver Jake Kumerow for a touchback. Though the Bills avoided what could have been a very costly turnover — or even a Miami touchdown — in what was a close game, they were able to keep possession. But after the game, McDermott shared his concern about the play.
“Putting the ball on the ground is an issue,” he said, via WROC-TV’s Thad Brown on Twitter. “And he knows that.”
McKenzie’s decision to field the punt earned some criticism and is now the second returning miscue from him this season. Against Washington Football Team, he failed to get into position to field a short, pop-fly kickoff that then bounced on the turf and was recovered by Washington.
Though McDermott has not been known to air particularly harsh criticism of his players, he has not been shy about sharing his disdain for fumbles. Ahead of the team’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, McDermott made it know that he wasn’t happy with how often the team put the ball on the turf. Many believed the comments were directed at running back Devin Singletary, who had fumbled four times through the team’s first four games.
“We’re living dangerously,” McDermott said, via SI.com. “… You want to see a game turn fast? Put the ball on the ground and you’ll see how fast it can turn. Just look at the stats in terms of what decides wins and losses. That [turnover ratio] is pretty consistent, year-to-year, week-to-week, of driving wins and losses.”
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