Buffalo Bills Receiver Sammy Watkins Prematurely Celebrates
A certain Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver needs to bone up on the “Kama Sutra.” On Sunday, Sammy Watkins cost himself and the Buffalo Bills a long touchdown with a premature celebration during the Bills’ rout of the New York Jets. Watkins appeared to have beaten the entire Jets’ secondary for an 89-yard catch and run. The bomb from Bills’ quarterback Kyle Orton would have been the biggest play of his young career. It was the only blemish on a nearly perfect Bills performance against the pitiful Jets. Kyle Orton didn’t have to do much for the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets had six turnovers–three each by quarterbacks Geno Smith and Michael Vick — in a 43-23 rout Sunday afternoon.
Over the course of the game, Watkins had three catches for 157 yards — but was embarrassed when he was caught from behind while celebrating early on the potential TD. Instead, Watkins started celebrating about 20 yards too early. Saalim Hakim of the New York Jets didn’t give up on the play. Hakim made a diving tackle after Watkins raised his arm in celebration. Nice move rookie.
Watkins Joins An Infamous Celebration Club
Watkins is impressing the league and certainly a talented NFL rookie. But it could take him a while for him to live this embarrassing play down. Especially from his teammates. Imagine if the Bills had lost the game on Sunday. We expect the Sammy Watkins premature celebration to be included in the annual Sports Hall of Shame, Jeers of the Year, and the greatest sports bloopers lists.
The Watkins point could merit his inclusion in other premature celebration fails, such as Leon Lett’s fumble in Super Bowl XXVII, the DeSean Jackson unintentional fumble, and NBA guard Swaggy P turning his back to the ball after shooting a three he thought he made. Only time will tell if Watkins’ ill-advised taunt will be forgotten.
Game Notes
The Jets lost their seventh game in a row for the first time since 2005. That year was in Herm Edwards‘ final season as coach. Geno Smith threw interceptions on three consecutive possessions in the first quarter and was pulled in favor of Vick, who was picked off once and lost two fumbles.