Bills' Sean McDermott on Coleman's progression: "We expect more, and he has shown growth."

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was benched for disciplinary reasons during a pivotal game against the New England Patriots, raising questions about his maturity and consistency.

Why it matters: The decision to bench Coleman, who had started the previous four games this season, reflects the internal expectations the Bills have for their players, especially in high-stakes matchups. A lack of discipline can impact team morale and performance.

• Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed Coleman's benching was due to an incident that occurred prior to the game.
• The Bills ended up fumbling on the drive Coleman missed, highlighting the potential consequences of such disciplinary actions.

What’s new: Despite being benched for the first series, Coleman returned to play 42 snaps, contributing significantly to the offense, including a touchdown.

• Coleman caught 4 of his 7 targets for 23 yards, showcasing resilience after the initial setback.
• However, he also committed a fumble that allowed the Patriots to gain possession deep in Buffalo territory.

Yes, but: While Coleman showed flashes of talent on the field, consistency remains a concern for both him and the coaching staff.

• Offensive coordinator Joe Brady emphasized the need for Coleman to be accountable to his teammates, indicating that his performance must align with team expectations.
• This sentiment echoes McDermott's comments about the importance of maintaining “winning habits” to translate into success on the field.

By the numbers: Coleman's production is noteworthy, but it comes with caveats.

• In the game against the Patriots, Coleman played 62% of offensive snaps, which indicates his importance to the team's offensive strategy, even as they grapple with his discipline issues.
• His previous track record includes being benched for similar reasons last season, suggesting a pattern that the Bills will need to address moving forward.

Between the lines: Coleman's situation serves as a microcosm of larger themes within the NFL regarding player accountability and discipline.

• McDermott's comments suggest there is still room for growth for Coleman, who has shown signs of improvement this season.
• The Bills are clearly investing in his development, but there is a growing urgency to ensure he aligns his on-field contributions with off-field behavior.

What’s next: As the Bills continue their season, Coleman's ability to maintain focus and discipline will be crucial.

• The team is likely to monitor his progress closely, particularly as they head into more challenging matchups.
• How Coleman responds to this latest benching could determine not only his future role with the Bills but also influence the broader dynamic of the team's locker room culture.

The bottom line: The treatment of Keon Coleman by the Bills underscores the delicate balance between talent and discipline in professional sports, reflecting the ongoing challenge teams face in cultivating both skill and character among their players.