Bills’ Rookie Offensive Tackle Says He’s ‘Being an Idiot, Hurting My Team’

Spencer Brown

Getty Spencer Brown #79 of the Buffalo Bills spikes the ball after Devin Singletary #26 (not pictured) rushed for a 16-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers on December 19, 2021.

While there were numerous highlights from the Buffalo Bills 31-14 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, December 19, few came from offensive tackle Spencer Brown, and he knows it.

The 23-year-old rookie was taken out of the game after receiving his fifth penalty, including a silly, completely avoidable call for taunting. While benched, offensive tackle Tommy Doyle stepped in to take over his spot.

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While Brown was obviously struggling on the field, it should be noted he was thrown into playing left tackle after Dion Dawkins was ruled out with COVID-19. Sunday’s game marked the first time Brown was starting at left tackle, and to go against Panthers’ Brian Burns, “one of the best speed rushers in the league is the epitome of getting baptized by fire,” 13WHAM’s Dan Fetes tweeted.

However, the 6-foot-8, 311-pound offensive lineman did not need anyone’s sympathy, and after the game, he took complete responsibility for his penalties.

“That was me being an idiot and hurting my team. We can’t use (flipping to left tackle) as an excuse, Brown said, per News 8 reporter AJ Feldman.


Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott Said Brown ‘Showed His Youth Today’

Sean McDermott

GettyHead coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott discussed Brown’s performance during the postgame conference. “He’s a good player, young player and he showed his youth so I just wanted to settle him down and remind him it’s all about the team and I think it’s a good learning moment for him,” McDermott said, per News 4 Buffalo’s Heather Prusak.

Twitter had a field day with Brown following his numerous penalties, quieting any rumors that Brown would permanently replace Dawkins at left tackles.

Thankfully, Brown’s errors didn’t derail the Bills in Week 15. The rookie will look to right those wrongs when Buffalo faces the New England Patriots in Week 16, a pivotal AFC East matchup that will likely decide whether or not the Bills (8-6) can punch their ticket into the postseason.


Brown Still Has a Very Bright Future in Buffalo


Brown, whom the Bills drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly become one of the team’s most promising rising stars ever since offensive coordinator Brian Daboll elevated him to the starting lineup in Week 4.

The Northern Iowa alum stepped in for Cody Ford, who was taken out of the starting lineup after allowing 11 pressures against the Washington Football Team in Week 3, per Syracuse.com.

Brown reflected on his success thus far this season back in November. “I came in here just, ‘Gotta do my role and make the team and be the swing tackle,'” he said, as reported by The Buffalo News. “And then now, I’m in a starting role. So it’s been a pretty surreal whirlwind of emotions, honestly.”

The rookie has impressed his fellow offensive lineman as well. “It just keeps that over-positive, kill-or-be-killed swagger on the field,” Dawkins said. “Spencer’s just like one of those guys, he’s a young pup. He’s just out there throwing his body around and not caring and just being reckless, which is exactly what football is.”

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