Former Oregon State Beavers star’s illegal, bone-crunching hit leads to massive loss

Jordan Poyer was a fan favorite during his time with the Buffalo Bills. However, after signing with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, he turned into a villain for “Bills Mafia” fans on Monday.

The safety and former Oregon State standout went from being a hero with the Bills to being blamed for a critical penalty that allowed Buffalo to kick a game-winning field goal in their 30-27 victory on Sunday.

Facing a third-and-9 from their own 31-yard line, Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw a pass intended for wide receiver Keon Coleman, who was covered by cornerback Cam Smith. Poyer made a reckless play by hitting Coleman in the upper body, which resulted in the ball being knocked loose.

Poyer, who spent seven seasons with the Bills before signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins (2-6), was penalized for unnecessary roughness after his helmet made contact with Coleman’s facemask. Poyer believed his hit was clean.

“I’m just playing football. I thought it was a clean play; I felt like I hit him right in the chest,” he told reporters postgame. “I’m just playing the game, it’s tough… What can you do? I had a great break on the ball, he went up for it, and I didn’t stop my feet. I thought I hit him where I should have. Apparently, the ref disagreed. It is what it is.”

Miami coach Mike McDaniel appreciated Poyer’s intensity but acknowledged that relying on the officials is always risky.

“You have to play aggressively to succeed in this game. I believe his intentions were correct,” McDaniel said after the game. “He’s a huge asset for our team and has greatly contributed to our preparation, performance, communication, and everything else. However, he knows that once you step outside the strike zone, you’re leaving it up to the officials. If you don’t hit the strike zone, that’s going to be called every time because it’s against the rules.”

Thanks to the penalty, instead of having to punt, the Bills were given a first-and-10 at their own 46 with 46 seconds left. Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass ultimately made a 61-yard field goal with five seconds remaining, securing the win for the Bills.