Missing out on the Olympics might turn out to be a good thing for Marquise Goodwin’s football career.
Goodwin took some time away from the Bills in order to try to qualify for the long jump in Rio, but didn’t qualify for the U.S. team earlier this summer. If he had, the wide receiver would be missing training camp right now but he’s in Buffalo and offensive coordinator Greg Roman says that he’s making the most of his opportunities in the offense.
“What a weapon he is huh,” Roman said. “World class speed. The guy has got a different attitude about him and a different look in his eye this year and I like it. He’s showing up every single day. On his off day he was in the weight room with [quarterback] Tyrod [Taylor] working out. He was asking good questions in meetings. All the things that impress you. He’s somebody who is on a mission.”
Coach Rex Ryan said he believes Goodwin’s familiarity with the offense is allowing him to “let his physical gifts jump out.” Goodwin, who is listed behind Sammy Watkins on the team’s depth chart, has only played 24 games in his three years with the Bills, so his health has kept him from letting those gifts show on the field in the regular season.
A change on that front won’t result in a gold medal, but other benefits appear to be in reach based on his work in camp thus far.