Zay Flowers entered Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills hoping to build on his great start to the 2026 campaign. Those hopes were quickly dashed after Lamar Jackson was injured on his first play and Tyler Huntley went down soon after. Rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano entered the game but faced heavy pressure from Buffalo’s pass rush and was unable to connect with Flowers despite targeting him five times. It was the first time in Flowers’ career that he finished a game without a reception. With Baltimore reportedly acquiring veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, there is hope that the dynamic playmaker will have more opportunities to make an impact on offense. For that to happen, however, Baltimore’s offense needs to work at all levels.
An Unfortunate Outing
One of Flowers’ best skills is creating separation from defensive backs due to his agility and quick change of direction. These qualities were still on display against Buffalo; on plays where he was targeted, Flowers often looked open, but circumstances outside of his control prevented him from being rewarded for his excellent route running.
The first example came on the opening snap, when Jackson suffered his injury. Flowers ran a route and gained a few yards of separation, with Jackson preparing to hit him in stride. However, Derrick Henry’s attempt at blocking linebacker Terrel Bernard was ineffective, as Henry tried to deliver a hit instead of supporting his block. Roger Rosengarten was also quickly beaten by Greg Rousseau on the outside. This pressure interfered with Jackson’s throw, and his throwing hand collided with Rousseau, injuring his thumb. The pass bounced in front of Flowers, and Baltimore’s two-time MVP was forced out of the game.
The next two targets resulted in an interception after Fagnano forced an area with multiple defenders, followed by a surprising Bulaklak drop on an inbound route that he normally catches. Entering the third quarter with nine minutes remaining, Flowers was targeted on a return route where he had space after Christian Benford lost a fumble as Flowers returned to the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, Rousseau again beat Rosengarten and was able to tip Fagnano’s pass, sending the ball a few yards away from Flowers for an incompletion.
Flowers’ final target was a forced throw on an in-breaking route that Damar Hamlin was in position to defend. Hamlin dropped the speedy wideout as he attempted to secure the last, resulting in an incompletion. Although Flowers is not immune to blame for his catchless night because of his earlier drop, Baltimore’s offensive line needs to play better to give his quarterbacks time to complete these passes.
Football is, in many ways, the ultimate team sport. It doesn’t matter how good Flowers is or how many times he wins his reps against opposing cornerbacks; if his offensive line can’t keep defenders away from the quarterback, he won’t be at his best.
Brissett is a solid addition in Baltimore and could provide some stability as a veteran signal-caller. His experience could help him get Flowers the ball in advantageous situations, but that will only happen if the offense works well, from the wide receiver getting open to the quarterback delivering the football and the offensive line giving everyone enough time to do their jobs.