Keon Coleman secured three of four targets for 30 yards in the Buffalo Bills’ 40-9 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but the performance did little to ease concerns surrounding the second-year wide receiver. Despite the team’s incredible showing, Coleman’s impact was minimal, and it was his sixth straight game under 50 receiving yards after a 112-yard effort against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.
Averaging 9.9 yards per reception this season, Coleman has converted only three of his 27 catches into gains of 20 yards or more, which is a decline from the 19.2 yards per catch he averaged as a rookie in 2024.
What Did Steve Smith Say About Keon Coleman?
With a Week 9 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs looming, Keon Coleman is being scrutinized and criticized heavily. Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith talked about the wide receiver during Wednesday’s episode of the “89” podcast, hosted by Smith and NFL reporter James Palmer. When asked about Coleman’s performance this season, Smith had a lot to say.
“He just doesn’t get open fast enough. Josh Allen looks his way. There’s a few times when it’s press coverage when Josh looks over there. But Josh gets off of him very fast. And some people say, ‘Well, he was open on this play, but Josh got off of him.’ Yes. That means he’s taking too long.”
The former All-Pro said that these struggles echo the issues Keon Coleman faced during his rookie campaign, noting that despite offseason efforts to improve his route-running and separation skills, tangible progress has yet to appear.
“He ain’t the guy,” Smith said. “Can’t get separation, can’t get off the jam, doesn’t have it. You reached and got burned. … You can’t teach a dog how to bark. You either got it or you don’t. And the problem is, can he be a dog? I don’t know. … He doesn’t have the ability to be a true No. 1. And he’s not.”
Smith also suggested the Bills may need to pursue additional talent at the wide receiver position before the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
“It’s paramount. You’re gonna have to make a run for someone,” said Smith. “Because the Buffalo Bills are so desperate, they’re expecting plays made from Curtis Samuel to impact.”
Sunday’s win showed the strength of Buffalo’s running game, led by James Cook’s 216 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, as well as the passing attack held by Khalil Shakir, who caught six passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Coleman has yet to prove his consistency. His PFSN Impact Score is 72.5 with a C- rating. He ranks 53rd among all wide receivers.
