Buffalo Bills training camp is well underway, as the Bills kicked off practices on July 26th at St. John Fisher University in Rochester. Since then, varied impressions have been pouring in as the players and coaches alike work to find the best iteration of this team.
From a near-serious injury to their most valuable asset, Josh Allen, to standout rookie performances on both sides of the ball, here is everything you need to know about the Bills 2023 training camp.
Top Takeaways from Buffalo Bills Training Camp
Going back to the start of training camp, the Bills started making notable impressions long before they even put on the pads. In their first practice, getting an authentic feel for rookies like first-round tight end Dalton Kincaid was tough since physicality was limited. Nevertheless, his route-running abilities and ball-handling skills jumped out immediately, proving that Kincaid will likely line up in the slot and play more of a WR3 role this season.
It would behoove, however, to save talk of Kincaid for a bit later, as he seriously impressed during the second half of camp. Besides, the news that dominated the offseason for the Bills started long before training camp. One could say that it began in late January following the Bills divisional-round loss to the Bengals when star receiver Stefon Diggs appeared visibly upset with his Quarterback.
Diggs Drama Settled
It’s just business, don’t take it personal
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) March 8, 2023
Yes, after the Bills loss to the Bengals, Diggs made headlines by ditching the team and the media immediately after the game, leading many to speculate about Diggs’s future with the organization. Diggs did nothing to extinguish the rumors over the following months and only managed to fan the flames with a series of cryptic tweets. His absence from voluntary OTAs was no surprise as many veterans of his caliber opt out of those; however, rumors of his dissatisfaction with the franchise grew when he missed the first day of mandatory OTAs, though following talks with head coach Sean McDermott and others, he was present on the second day.
Okay, now that that’s been recapped, let’s get on with the good news and the biggest takeaway from Day 1 of Buffalo Bills training camp: The Diggs drama has been settled. First, Diggs showed off the connection with Allen that has made them one of the best quarterback-wide receiver tandems in the league. And following practice, Diggs finally spoke with the media and put all rumors to bed by articulately breaking down the situation and saying that he plans to retire a Bill. It was one of the most relieving pressers ever had for Bills Mafia and a story that dominated the Buffalo Bills news cycle.
Gabe Davis Short Game
Since entering the league, wide receiver Gabe Davis has not been known for his route running or exceptional presence in the short game (catches zero – nine yards from scrimmage). A big-body receiver, Davis has often used his power and abilities to secure deep throws. Still, despite his previous lack of use or production in the short game, second-year offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey baffled some with talk about using Davis more in this role.
Day two of Buffalo Bills training camp ended the confusion as Davis shined in those zero – nine yards catches from scrimmage, showing a much-welcomed improvement to his skill set. His chemistry with Allen stole the show, although it’s safe to say that Diggs remained the most threatening receiver on the field, and Kincaid also continued to impress.
Baylon Spector Leads MLB Race
Jordan Poyer on Bills linebacker Baylon Spector: “He’s a ball player, man.” Says Spector is always around the ball. Mentioned his near-interception today and says Spector has taken control of the huddle when he is in as the middle linebacker and defensive play caller. pic.twitter.com/jTkt0PIV8Y
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) July 28, 2023
Of all positions on both sides of the ball, there are really only three to keep a serious eye on as far as battles are concerned. The most significant is the middle linebacker spot that is now up in the air following Tremaine Edmunds moving to Chicago. The middle linebacker spot is often considered the quarterback of the defense and one of the most critical positions in the game, so the fact that Baylon Spector snagged all of the reps on day three, makes this one of the biggest takeaways from camp.
The Offense is as Explosive as Ever
Here is where more Kincaid talk needs to be had, as the rookie tight end wowed those in attendance during his first padded practice with the Bills. Kincaid showed that he is an elite force and an emerging talent as he blasted through the defense with his incredible route running and hauling in contested throws. However, the tight end was not the only one blowing off fireworks, as Allen, Diggs, Davis, Knox, and second-year runner James Cook all showed that this offense is moving like a well-oiled machine.
Defense is a Wrecking Crew
In the opposite fashion, the Bills offense ended up frustrated as the defense shut them down at every corner. The defense showed absolute dominance on Day 6, which provides hope that the team could be one of the most well-balanced in the NFL. Notable guys like linebacker Matt Milano and defensive tackle Ed Oliver stood out, but a recent acquisition to the squad from the Seattle Seahawks, Poona Ford, really made his presence known.
Cook Can Cook
In his second year, Cook has already shown throughout camp why the Bills drafted him and why he will likely be RB1 come September. He has speed, agility, and detrimental resilience. Not only does he show the elusiveness that makes running backs great, but he also excels in the passing game. This is the dual threat that Dorsey and Allen need to play their style of ball effectively, and it was on full display at St. John Fisher.
Damar Hamlin
It’s challenging to talk about anything Bills-related without providing updates on safety Damar Hamlin. Thankfully, all updates have been positive, and one 2023 training camp takeaway is that Hamlin suited up with pads and took reps with the defense. It’s a positive and moving story worth mentioning, even though with the return of one of the best safety duos in the sport (Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer), plus the addition of ex-Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp, it’s hard to define Hamlin’s role at this time.
Last Day Mentions
The final day of training camp concluded with several performances worth discussing. Gabe Davis shined again. Both Dane Jackson and Kaiir Elam secured INTs in 11 on 11 drills. Knox carried the ball in another day filled with tight end creativity. Damien Harris took reps as RB1 (Cook has struggled with pass protection). Their latest acquisition, Andy Isabella, had a solid day, as well as Greg Rousseau and former Ram, Leonard Floyd, who played opposite one another.
Battles Will Continue
As the league prepares for preseason, a few position battles remain that stood out during Bills training camp. As mentioned, the fight for middle linebacker continues. While Spector played well on his first day, it is worth noting that both Tyrel Dodson and Terrel Bernard also had solid, full days of practice at the position.
The cornerback battle continues sans Tre’Davious White, who is the only roster lock at this point. CB2 is likely going to Christian Benford, Elam, Jackson, or Taron Johnson, and it will be fun to see who emerges. On offense, the only real battle left feels like it’s between rookie O’Cyrus Torrence and Ryan Bates for a starting spot at right guard. This year’s training camp has shown that this is a powerhouse team with more good problems than bad and that whittling down this roster will be terribly difficult, albeit extremely interesting, for the mafia.
Main Photo: Jamie Germano – USA Today Sports
