When the Buffalo Bills signed Jordan Poyer to the team’s practice squad at the end of August, Bills Mafia was divided. Many assumed the 34-year-old safety was brought back merely as a depth piece and mentor
for second-year safety Cole Bishop and rookie defensive back Jordan Hancock.
But I kept saying it was a great move beyond that idea. After the first couple games of seeing safeties Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and Bishop struggle, I was very vocal in saying that having Poyer on the field may be more important than just having him in the building.
And now, weeks later, that’s proving true. Poyer’s return to the field has stabilized a very fractured secondary, and quite frankly it’s fast-tracked Cole Bishop’s growth. It also feels as though Poyer’s return has re-energized the entire defense.
Jordan Poyer is veteran presence Bills needed
After early returns by Rapp, Bishop, and Hamlin, bringing Poyer back made perfect sense. His understanding of head coach Sean McDermott’s system, leadership in the locker room, and calming influence on the back end have become invaluable.
He may not be quite the same physical player he was in his prime, though in my opinion he has looked very good in his two games back despite those critical of his age. His mental sharpness and experience have proven to be exactly what this Bills’ secondary has needed. Poyer’s instincts, communication, and ability to diagnose plays before they unfold continue to separate him from most players, regardless of how long they have been in the league.
The turning point in Atlanta
When Poyer entered the game in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons, you could visibly see the defense shift. He played just 18 defensive snaps while Bishop was sidelined, but those 18 snaps changed the energy.
The communication was cleaner. The coverage was tighter. The tackling was sharper. The Bills’ defense made several key stops to keep the game within reach, even if the offense couldn’t capitalize.
Momentum spills over in Carolina
The following week against the Carolina Panthers, the defensive growth was undeniable. Bishop, Hancock, and Hairston (making his NFL debut after injury) showcased poise and confidence. That wasn’t a coincidence. Having a steady veteran presence both on the field and on the sideline has helped the young group settle in and play freely.
Poyer’s deep understanding of McDermott’s defense has been a difference-maker. His ability to anticipate offensive shifts, communicate adjustments, and ensure everyone is properly aligned has clearly relaxed Bishop. Earlier in the season, Bishop looked hesitant — almost caught between processing and reacting. Now, with Poyer’s guidance, Bishop looks comfortable and confident, zoning in on what he’s out there to do: make plays.
A star in the making vs. Kansas City
Then in Week 9 versus the Kansas City Chiefs came the emergence of Cole Bishop as a legitimate playmaker. His performance was electric: multiple pass breakups, key third- and fourth-down stops, and one defining moment before halftime: a monster hit on tight end Travis Kelce to break up a touchdown pass and hold the Chiefs to a field goal instead of seven points.
And when it mattered most, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was found launching two Hail Mary passes at the end of the game (with all of Bills Mafia collectively holding its breath). The first pass Bishop read perfectly, batting the ball down over the top of wide receiver Tyquan Thorton in the end zone. The second pass found rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston knocking down the attempted Hail Mary short of the goal line as defensive end Greg Rousseau gave chase to Mahomes.
The Bills’ secondary is still young, still learning, and still far from perfect. But thanks to the leadership of Jordan Poyer, the foundation is solid and leaves the door open to what this group’s ceiling is and remain hopeful that Bills Mafia already experienced the defensive floor earlier this season.
Whether or not Poyer plays significant snaps down the stretch, the Bills have to acknowledge that in his two and a half games back his impact is being felt.
That is the Jordan Poyer Effect.
