Maxwell Hairston puts early touchdown behind him
With Buffalo down starting outside corner Christian Benford and starting nickel Taron Johnson, it opened the door for rookie Maxwell Hairston to get his first career start. After playing in 44% and 50% of the snap the last two weeks, Hairston was on the field for every defensive snap against the Dolphins.
Lining up against one of the fastest receivers in the league in Jaylen Waddle, Hairston had a big challenge throughout the day. What came as a learning lesson, Hairston was beat deep in coverage by Waddle down the sideline for a touchdown.
"It's not going to be the last catch he gives up. Playing corner in this league is a challenge. There's really good receivers, but it was awesome to see him respond," Babich said.
The response Babich is referring to was Hairston's second INT in as many games as he ran stride for stride with Waddle in the fourth quarter and picked off QB Tua Tagovailoa. Both McDermott and Babich praised the rookie's ability to bounce back and find a way to make an impact play.
"What I love about Max is he had a tough play in the first half, and in the second half, he comes back and makes a big play at a big time moment," McDermott said. "It shows me something about the young man and his ability to reset and his mental toughness."
The Bills now have recorded at least one interception in three consecutive games, their longest streak of the season.