Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman found himself in the crosshairs of one of the NFL’s most outspoken analysts, Steve Smith Sr., who delivered a sharp critique of the second-year wideout’s performance. The former Carolina Panthers star did not hold back, questioning Coleman’s ability to get open and establish himself as a top target. In response, Coleman offered a calm and professional reaction, choosing to focus on his own process rather than engaging in a war of words.
Smith’s Scathing Assessment Of Buffalo Bills Keon Coleman
On a recent episode of his podcast, “89 with Steve Smith Sr.,” Smith gave a blistering review of Coleman’s play. When asked what he has seen from the receiver this season, Smith bluntly replied, “Well, the short version: nothing.” He argued that Coleman struggles to create separation, which is why quarterback Josh Allen often looks his way and quickly moves on to other options. “That means he’s taking too long,” Smith explained. “That means the quarterback doesn’t have confidence in your ability to get there.”
Smith, who was known for his fiery competitiveness during his playing career, also dismissed Coleman’s size advantage, noting his low success rate on contested catches. He concluded his assessment by stating, “He doesn’t have the ability to be a true No. 1, and he’s not… You can’t teach a dog how to bark. You either got it or you don’t.” The comments highlight a noticeable dip in Coleman’s production this season. After being targeted 57 times in 13 games in 2024, he has only seen 27 targets through the early part of the 2025 season.
Coleman’s Cool and Confident Response
When asked about Smith’s harsh criticism, Coleman handled the situation with a calm demeanor. His initial public reaction appeared to be a social media post of laughing emojis, but when questioned directly by reporters, he was measured and professional. “No comment on that,” he initially stated.
When pressed further, Coleman elaborated, explaining his lack of engagement with the specific remarks. “I don’t even really know what he said, so that’s why I said no comment,” he explained. Instead of firing back, he shifted the focus to his own approach to the game and his ability to navigate the pressures of being a professional athlete. “I feel like I handle things pretty good. The ups and downs of it, the flows of being a professional. I feel pretty confident about that.”
Coleman’s mature response is a positive sign for the young receiver. Rather than letting outside noise affect him, he is demonstrating a focus on what he can control. For the Bills, who have prioritized a run-heavy offense this season, Coleman’s development remains a key factor in the passing game’s potential. His ability to turn this criticism into motivation on the field will be the ultimate answer to his doubters.
