The Bills are not benching cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who has struggled this season. Bills coach Joe Brady is already manifesting a bounce-back game for Hairston on Monday Night Football in Week 5.
“Max Hairston’s going to make a play this week, and you guys are going to be asking me questions like ‘Oh man, what was it like seeing him respond from the previous game?’” Brady said, via Nick Suss of ESPN.
Hairston, a first-round pick in 2025, was beaten by Patriots receiver Romeo Doubs for two touchdowns in one-on-one coverage in a 29-26 loss to New England. Hairston would not speak to the media after the game, violating the NFL’s media access policy.
On Monday, Hairston held an impromptu news conference to apologize.
“Feeling very emotional,” Hairston said. “I let my emotions get the best of me, and I didn’t want to say something I might have regretted. You live and you learn. . . . That’s kind of immature, and I’m better than that. So I wanted to get that out of the way.”
The Bills rank 27th in passing yards allowed, and only the Lions are allowing more first downs. Hairston, though, has drawn the most criticism for his lackluster effort at times. He appeared to have an angle on Patriots tight end Hunter Henry on third-and-10, but didn’t go full speed and Henry picked up the first down, denying Josh Allen and the offense another chance with the ball.
Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said Hairston’s effort clearly wasn’t good enough.
Hairston addressed his play and his allowing his emotions to get the best of him.
“I have to be in control of my emotions within the game,” Hairston said. “It comes with learning, experiencing certain stuff. I have to be better in that aspect.”