Christian Benford emerges as a standout for the Bills
When the Buffalo Bills selected Christian Benford in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, few anticipated the impact he would eventually make. To many fans, he was merely a late-round pick, overshadowed by the buzz surrounding first-round cornerback Kaiir Elam. While both players were drafted with high hopes, their career trajectories have diverged dramatically. Benford, against all odds, secured a starting position as a rookie, while Elam has since found himself on his third team. As Benford continues to elevate his game, he has transformed into the Bills’ premier cornerback, solidifying his place among the league’s elite, even without Pro Bowl recognition.
Early challenges in Benford’s career
Despite entering his fourth NFL season with increased expectations, the beginning of the year proved to be a struggle for Benford. The Bills’ defense faced considerable challenges, allowing opponents to exploit both the run and passing game. Benford, in particular, was part of a unit grappling with consistency. The defensive backfield, with players like Taylor Rapp not performing at their best and rookie Cole Bishop still acclimating, seemed vulnerable. To complicate matters, Maxwell Hairston was sidelined due to injury, further limiting the secondary’s effectiveness.
However, as the season progressed, the tides began to turn. With Hairston returning to the lineup and Rapp heading to injured reserve, the defense found new life. Veteran Jordan Poyer’s presence helped stabilize the secondary, while Bishop’s ascent to Pro Bowl-caliber play injected confidence into the group. It was during this time that Benford began to rediscover his form, reminding fans of the player they knew he could be.
Benford’s resurgence
Since Week 6, Benford has turned heads with his remarkable performance. He has been targeted just 17 times, allowing only nine receptions for a modest 121 yards, along with an interception. Notably, he has yet to surrender a touchdown during this stretch. Among 62 cornerbacks who have logged at least 175 coverage snaps since Week 6, Benford ranks impressively: fourth in passer rating against at 51.3, second in fewest coverage snaps per target at 10.9, and third in fewest coverage snaps per reception allowed at 20.6.
This resurgence coincides with Poyer’s return, which has not only bolstered Benford’s individual performance but also transformed the Bills’ secondary into a formidable asset. As the team prepares for the playoff push, questions loom about whether this revamped secondary can propel Buffalo deep into the postseason.
Benford’s evolution from a sixth-round draft pick to a key player in the Bills’ defense is a testament to his resilience and skill. As the season unfolds, the spotlight is now firmly on him, with fans eager to see how his performance will shape the Bills’ playoff aspirations.
