Michael Williams

A wealth of new talent at wide receiver has been getting a good deal of the headlines at Bills training camp. Despite the addition of receivers like Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams along with the emergence of fellow second year WR Chris Hogan, Robert Woods is leading the team in receiving through the team’s first three preseason contests.

Simply put when it’s come to game time, Robert Woods has been at the forefront of the passing game. More importantly Woods’ consistency has earned the trust of QB EJ Manuel during some of the game’s most critical moments.

“It’s big,” said Woods. “Just trying to be consistent and make the most plays on the field when I have the opportunity to. There are catches here and there, but as a wide receiver I just want to keep making those plays all game. I’m just trying to show my consistency and show the coaches I can do that every down.”

The new talent has had a positive impact on the passing game. Woods, who started each of the 14 games he played in last year, has yet to start in any of the preseason games. Nevertheless he leads the team with 11 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown to lead the receiving corps. Not starting has not shaken Manuel’s confidence that Woods will be on the field with the rest of the first team when the games count.

Woods was dropped to the second team in a surprise move when the Bills played the Giants back on Hall of Fame weekend. He's continued with the second team as Mike Williams moved to the first team. Woods will likely still see time as a WR3, but with Watkins suffering a rib injury, that time could increase.