Buffalo Bills free safety Jim Leonhard (35) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bengals beat the Bills 27 to 24 in overtime.
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Buffalo Bills suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, and much of the fallout has landed on Maxwell Hairston. A day after the young cornerback walked out on reporters, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard offered a frank assessment of what is holding him back.
“He's an emotional player, and the emotions are getting the best of him right now,” Leonhard said after the game.
Hairston had a rough afternoon in the 29-26 loss to the New England Patriots. Filling in for injured starter Christian Benford, he gave up two touchdown catches to Romeo Doubs in one-on-one coverage. Leonhard also pointed to a third-down play against tight end Hunter Henry where Hairston did not finish at full speed, acknowledging that the effort was not where it needed to be.
Hairston then left the locker room without speaking to the media, a violation of NFL policy. He returned Monday for an impromptu session and apologized.
“I let my emotions get the best of me, and I didn't want to say something I might have regretted,” Hairston said. “I have to be in control of my emotions within the game. I have to be better in that aspect.”
Leonhard's criticism came with plenty of support. He called Hairston extremely talented and said the second-year corner wants it badly, adding that it falls on the coaching staff to help him settle down. Head coach Joe Brady also expressed confidence that Hairston will make plays moving forward.
The Bills selected Hairston in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Kentucky, banking on his speed and ball skills to strengthen the secondary. The 22-year-old has made only seven regular-season starts, and Sunday showed how much of his development is still ahead of him.
His growth matters for a defense that has had its share of issues. Buffalo ranks 27th in passing yards allowed, and only the Detroit Lions have surrendered more first downs. With Benford sidelined, the Bills do not have the luxury of easing Hairston along.
Buffalo, now 3-1, gets a chance to bounce back when it faces the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football on October 12. Expect plenty of eyes to be on Hairston once again.