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Bears Rookie Luther Burden III Delivers Big Hit on Bills’ Veteran at Tough Preseason Night

In a high-octane Preseason Week 2 clash against the Chicago Bears on August 17, 2025, at Soldier Field, our heart-and-soul safety Damar Hamlin faced a fiery challenge from Bears rookie Luther Burden III. Early in the second quarter, the Bears’ second-round pick (No. 39 overall) unleashed a jaw-dropping block on Hamlin, clearing the path for a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Brittain Brown. The NFL lit up X with the moment: “Brittain Brown runs in to extend the @ChicagoBears lead”, with Burden’s electrifying block stealing the show.

On His Way to the NFL, Damar Hamlin Was Determined to Give Back - The New  York Times

Burden’s raw speed and power sent shockwaves through the end zone, but Hamlin, our fifth-year veteran, never backed down. Despite the Bills’ tough 38-0 loss, Hamlin’s grit kept the secondary fighting, proving why he’s the heartbeat of this team.

With stars like Josh Allen and key defensive backs taking a breather, the Bills tested their depth against a Bears offense that came out swinging. Chicago, led by rookie QB Caleb Williams and fueled by Burden’s versatility, set the tone early. Hamlin, rocking his iconic No. 3, stood tall in the secondary, battling through a relentless Bears attack. This game was a wake-up call, but it’s fueling our squad as we gear up for the final preseason showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 23, 2025.

Bills play their backups and get blown out by the Bears: Final score,  recap, photos - syracuse.com

Bills Mafia, you know Damar Hamlin is built for the toughest moments. From his inspiring 2023 comeback to a stellar 2024 season (89 tackles, 2 interceptions), Hamlin embodies Buffalo’s never-say-die mentality. Burden’s block was a highlight for Chicago, but Hamlin’s response—getting back up and leading the defense—showed why he’s our warrior. As he said post-game, “Every snap is a chance to grow. We’re coming back stronger.”

5 concerns we have following Bears' 41-15 preseason loss to Bills

Even in a tough night, the Bills showed flashes of fire:

  • RB Frank Gore Jr. powered through with 50 yards on 8 carries and 31 yards on 4 receptions, proving he’s a dual-threat playmaker.
  • CB Jacob Parrish and CB Dorian Strong each racked up 8 tackles, holding it down in a shorthanded secondary.
  • WR Tyrell Shavers sparked with a 22-yard catch, hinting at big things to come.

These young guns are laying the groundwork for a Bills squad ready to dominate when the regular season kicks off on September 7, 2025, against the New York Jets.

Raiders Reunite with a Former Starter to Fortify the Offensive Line
Las Vegas, NV   The Las Vegas Raiders have brought back a familiar face in a move that screams both urgency and savvy: versatile offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor is returning to the Silver & Black on a one-year deal (terms not disclosed), reuniting with the franchise where he logged some of the best football of his career and immediately fortifying a position group that has been stretched thin. Eluemunor, 31, started for the Raiders from 2021–2023, showing rare position flexibility across right tackle and guard while anchoring pass protection against premier edge rushers. His technique, anchor, and ability to handle long-arm power made him a steadying force during multiple playoff pushes. After departing Vegas, Eluemunor spent time elsewhere refining his craft, but a confluence of roster needs and scheme familiarity has set the stage for a timely homecoming. For the Raiders—fighting to keep pace in a rugged AFC—this is about stability and fit. Injuries and week-to-week availability on the right side of the line have forced constant shuffling; protection packages have leaned heavily on chips and condensed splits to survive obvious passing downs. Eluemunor’s return allows the staff to plug him at RT or slide him inside at RG, restoring balance to protections and widening the run-game menu (duo, inside zone, and the toss/ pin-pull that Vegas fans love when the edge is sealed). “Jermaine knows who we are and how we want to play,” a team source said. “He brings ballast. Assignment sound, physical, and smart—he raises the floor for the entire unit.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s an unmistakable emotional charge to this reunion. Eluemunor was a locker-room favorite in his previous stint—professional, detail-driven, and accountable. The belief internally is that his presence stabilizes communication on the right side (IDs, slides, and pass-off rules vs. games and simulated pressures), which in turn unlocks more vertical concepts and keeps the quarterback cleaner late in games. On social media, Raider Nation lit up the timeline with a simple refrain: “Welcome back, Jem.” Many fans called the deal the exact kind of “rival-poach, ready-to-play” move a contender makes in October: low friction, high impact, zero learning curve. What it means on the field (immediately): Pass pro: Fewer emergency chips, more five-out releases—OC can re-open deeper intermediate shots without living in max-protect. Run game: Better edge control on toss/duo; more confidence running to the right on money downs. Depth & versatility: One injury doesn’t force a cascade of position changes; Eluemunor can cover two spots with starting-level competency. The timetable? Swift. Because Eluemunor already speaks the language—terminology, splits, cadence rules—he could suit up as early as this weekend if the medicals/check-ins continue to trend positive. The message is clear: the Raiders aren’t waiting around for the line to gel—they’re engineering it. If Jermaine Eluemunor plays to his Raider résumé, this reunion could be the precise mid-season jolt that steadies the offense and keeps the Silver & Black firmly in the postseason race. Raider Nation, the question writes itself: Plug-and-play stopgap—or the catalyst that reclaims the right side