The Buffalo Bills have made an intriguing addition to their practice squad by signing safety Lewis Cine. Cine, a former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, saw limited playing time in his first two seasons due to injury and other factors. After being released by the Vikings and clearing waivers, Cine seemed destined for the New York Jets, but a last-minute surprise move landed him in Buffalo.

The mutual interest between the Bills and Cine suggests that both parties believe in the young safety's potential to rehabilitate his career. To assess his abilities, analysts took a closer look at Cine's preseason film. While he showed flashes of competent zone coverage skills in earlier plays, one particular play stood out.

In that play, Cine demonstrated excellent focus and determination, keeping his eyes on the prize and tackling the opponent while navigating potential distractions on the field. It showcased his strong tackling ability and showcased his commitment to preventing short gains. Another impressive moment came when Cine squared up against a much heavier tight end, yet still managed to make a solid tackle while engaged.

Analysts noted that Cine's positioning during crucial plays often reflected his role as a safety net in case other defensive lines failed. In one instance, he made a safety-net tackle just in time, preventing a major advancement by the opposing team. Cine's presence in the right places allowed the defense to close doors on potential scoring drives.

Furthermore, Cine's physicality and willingness to mix it up with any opponent were evident throughout the preseason games analyzed. His proactive approach to finishing plays and contributing to team success was on full display, even when his teammate struggled to control the situation. Despite one imperfect angle and a missed tackle, Cine quickly rebounded with a deliberate approach, executing a great open-field tackle.

While preseason competition must be taken into account, Cine's performance and his consistent effort late in games were noteworthy. Notably, Cine played 100% of defensive snaps in two out of three preseason games, in addition to significant time in the third game and special teams duties. This allowed analysts to assess his endurance and monitor for signs of fatigue or mistakes. Cine showcased hustle and avoided any obvious errors, indicating that he remained sharp throughout the games.

While Cine's lack of regular-season experience and injury history raise questions about the level of competition he has faced, the Buffalo Bills view him as more than just a practice squad player. While the names of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer still resonate strongly in the Bills' defensive backfield, Cine's addition is seen as a luxury for a team renowned for its ability to develop talented defensive backs.

With the coaching expertise and resources available in Buffalo, the Bills are hopeful that Lewis Cine will seize this opportunity to revive his career. Only time will tell if Cine can translate his preseason performances into success on the field during regular-season games. Nevertheless, the Bills' decision to sign Cine to their practice squad indicates their belief in his potential and their commitment to further strengthening their defensive roster.