Social media has a way of exaggerating everything and the practice moves of Sammy Watkins of the Bills is no exception. The latest is a move Watkins put on a Steeler corner during practice in Latrobe PA Thursday. In a simple one-on-one drill Watkins turned out toward the sidelines and then in again to be wide open in the endzone. Very nice play, but this “practice” move already has the internet and Buffalo morning radio buzzing.
The same happened a few days ago as Watkins made a one hand catch at St. John Fisher college and reporters with cell phones posted the video. The catch, which was admittedly very nice, was given more attention than the play of anyone else on the roster that day.
I can’t wait to see Sammy Watkins explode come game one in Chicago. I’d love to add him to my Fantasy Football roster, but owning the last pick in the first round I’ll never get a chance. I have seen Watkins highlights from Clemson and Sammy has the makings to be an NFL star, but it’s not because of what he does in practice.
I hate to sound like an old man, but going back to the many training camp practices I witnessed in Fredonia where the Bills of the 90’s held camp I saw many a rookie dazzle during the dog days of summer. Come the season most were riding the bench or in some cases didn’t even make the roster. Point is, practice counts for little.
I’m not saying Sammy Watkins will be riding the bench come game one. The Bills traded a first round pick to get him and Watkins will play, plenty. My point is it’s hard to get too excited about an individual practice move when at the end of the day it doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.
Because of the nature of the internet and mobile devices today any snippet of video that surprises or entertains in seven seconds or less travels fast. Then you take mainstream media’s desire to re-purpose that clip and it becomes an actual, credible piece of news gathering.
Can you image how many seven second video clips fans and reporters in 1990 could have posted from watching the likes of Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, Cornelius Bennett, James Lofton, Shane Conlan and Steve Tasker? Blows the mind to think about it!
My hope is Sammy Watkins demonstrates those “wow” moments when the opposition is wearing an NFL game day jersey. Then I’ll join the chorus with a “wow” and a “hallelujah”!
Filed under: Koshinski's Korner
Tagged with: Buffalo Bills, Sammy Watkins, Training camp, Watkins
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