Stefon Diggs used four words to describe play of Bills’ rookie class vs. Steelers

Orchard Park, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills were shorthanded on both sides of the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With several key contributors out of action due to injuries, Buffalo’s 2022 rookie class had an opportunity to step up and step up they did.

Buffalo’s first round pick, cornerback Kaiir Elam, was targeted early and often by Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offense. Elam gave up his fair share of receptions, but also recorded his first career interception shortly before halftime in the team’s 38-3 win.

On offense, two rookies found the end zone for the first time in their respective careers.

James Cook capped off Buffalo’s scoring with a 24-yard fourth quarter touchdown run. The back finished with 31 total yards on four carries (7.8 YPC).

The best rookie performance, however, belonged to fifth-round pick Khalil Shakir. With Jamison Crowder added to the injured reserve and Isaiah McKenzie out due to a concussion, the rookie found himself in the starting lineup. On offense, Shakir hauled in three passes for 75 yards in the win.

Shakir’s first catch was contested with multiple Steelers in the vicinity. He added a touchdown before halftime coming back for a Josh Allen pass and bouncing off a defender for a 24-yard score.

The day three pick also added a 34 yard kick return early in the game to help set up a field goal for the offense.

Stefon Diggs was likely impressed with the play of Buffalo’s rookie class, but he did not want to show it postgame. When asked about the play of Shakir, seated beside him at the podium, and the rest of the rookie class, Diggs kept his praise to a minimum.

“They did all right,” Diggs said with a straight face.

Diggs’ response made Shakir shake his head and smile.

Two touchdowns and one interception by Shakir and company is a good day at the office, but it seems like the 2022 rookie class will have to repeat that type of effort week in and week out before Diggs gushes about their performances.

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