Some plays make you cheer, and others make you squint, wondering what just happened. This one? It falls squarely into the second category. One clip of Buffalo Bills gameplay has been making the rounds online, and it’s got fans talking less about highlight reels and more about the harsh realities of competition in the NFL. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you just how thin the margin is between holding a starting spot and watching from the sidelines. And when the film doesn’t flatter you, those margins get even thinner.

In that viral clip, the opposing offense pushes the ball into the secondary, right where Bills’ Damar Hamlin is waiting to make a stop. Instead of cutting the play short, his pursuit angle is off, and his reaction comes just a second late. That slight hesitation opened the door for extra yardage, turning a manageable situation into a momentum boost for the other side. That doesn’t just show a missed tackle; it also paints the picture of why coaches want split-second decisiveness in that role. And that’s where the conversation naturally circles back to Cole Bishop, whose style is built on speed, sharp reads, and the kind of closing burst that leaves little room for mistakes.

That contrast is why the online reaction was blunt. “This is such a rough look for Damar Hamlin … he’s a fine player, but you can tell exactly why the Bills will be putting Cole Bishop right back into the starting line-up when he returns from injury,” posted The Bills Guys on X. The post struck a nerve, not because it was harsh, but because the clip seemed to back it up. One play doesn’t define a career, but it can speak volumes in a roster battle.

That’s why Cole Bishop’s absence was always seen as temporary, and moments like this make it even clearer why. Bishop’s reputation is built on speed, sharp instincts, and coverage that leaves little room for mistakes. Coaches trust him in both run support and deep coverage, knowing he’ll attack angles and close gaps quickly. That trust matters in a league where one step can flip the outcome of a game. When he’s healthy, the Bills won’t hesitate to put him back in the lineup.

But for Hamlin, it’s a tough spot. Filling in for a starter means every snap feels like an audition, and the tape doesn’t lie. Even a “fine” performance isn’t always enough when the guy ahead of you offers more precision. The NFL can be cruel that way; there’s no pause button for learning curves. In this case, it’s less about a glaring mistake and more about the little edges that separate starters from backups. And in Buffalo, those edges just happen to be wearing No. 6. 

Cole Bishop pushes Damar Hamlin in Bills’ high-stakes safety battle

After just two days of camp, the Bills’ safety rotation is already taking shape, and Cole Bishop is right in the middle of it. The second-year player has been lining up with the starters at strong safety, paired with Taylor Rapp at free safety. It’s a big step forward for Bishop, who spent much of last year battling both inexperience and the lingering effects of a shoulder injury. Now healthy, he’s finally getting a real shot to claim the job outright. 

Last season was a trial by fire for Bishop. The injury he suffered in July opened the door for Damar Hamlin, who seized the starting role and never let go. Bishop’s early appearances were shaky, especially against top-tier receivers like Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster in the AFC title game. Still, by the end of the year, he’d earned more reps, finishing with 40 tackles and a few flashes that hinted at the athletic upside the Bills saw when they drafted him.

That’s why his early run with the first team in 2025 feels like a calculated leap of faith from Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich. The athletic tools are there; now it’s about eliminating coverage busts, improving communication, and taking command of the secondary. Hamlin excelled at being the vocal leader on the back end, and if Bishop wants to own the position, he’ll have to match that presence. This camp will be his proving ground, and so far, the Bills seem willing to bet he’s ready.