With Buffalo Bills training camp practice at St. John Fisher University now in the 2023 offseason books, the team is set to kick off preseason on Saturday afternoon, August 12th. The inaugural 2023 season matchup will take place at 1:00 p.m. in Orchard Park as the Bills host the Colts.
While it’s merely preseason, plenty is on the line for the Bills— most notably, roster spots. And for the die-hard Mafia anticipating the upcoming season since February, it means one thing: Football is back! Before moving ahead, however, let’s take a quick look at the last few days of camp to get an idea of what to expect over the next few weeks of exhibition games.
Bills Training Camp at St John Fisher Complete
Well that’s it from Bills training camp, St. John Fisher University, and Room 220 in Dorsey Hall. Always bitter-sweet to leave. Back to Buffalo and Orchard Park and on to the preseason and regular season! pic.twitter.com/b6tbd81eyE
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) August 10, 2023
Of course, the offensive and defensive units have been examined as a whole, and there were ups and downs on both sides of the ball throughout camp. This is a good sign since you want to see the ability to disrupt the opposition on either side. However, as head coach Sean McDermott said on Thursday morning, no one has separated themselves in key position battles like cornerback, middle linebacker, and right guard.
That said, it is worth noting that many positions feel locked in, as some players stood out more than others. In consideration, there’s much to gain by looking at who is on the right track and who needs to improve if they want to earn a jersey come September.
On the Right Track
Dalton Kincaid has been showing OUT at Bills training camp.
Kincaid has reportedly been one of, if not Josh Allen’s favorite “target” so far at training camp.
Kincaid runs “exclusively” with the Bills first team and is on the field for almost every play.
So far, Kincaid has… pic.twitter.com/lrwJND4cHF
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) July 28, 2023
There’s no need to mention Bills cornerstones like Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs, both of whom had stellar performances during camp. No, the look here is at guys like first-round draft pick tight end Dalton Kincaid, returning veteran defensive tackle Ed Oliver, newly acquired defensive tackle Poona Ford, and second-year running back James Cook.
Yes, expectations should be tempered, but there is no denying the presence of Kincaid. Not only did he make several unbelievable catches throughout camp, but he has also shown nothing but pro-level play for a guy yet to see pro-football action. Kincaid will have a role in this offense, and even better, his play has only elevated tight end Dawson Knox, who had an impressive final week of practice.
Staying on offense, Cook has officially solidified his role as RB1, proving he can elude defenders and snag quick, contested throws. More satisfying news out of the Bills backfield was found when recently added veteran running back Latavius Murray showed that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Murray took a quick check-down from Allen on the final day of Bills training camp and turned it into a 72-yard touchdown.
Final Camp Takeaways
In the air, both offseason additions, wide receivers Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty, turned heads, looking like solid weapons for Allen. Perhaps the most prominent training camp takeaway is how on-point wide receiver Gabe Davis appeared. The now fourth-year pass catcher looks to have improved his lower body strength and catch ability that plagued him last year.
Oliver has made his presence known on defense, applying pressure consistently, as did the recently acquired Ford. Both tackles have been impressive in their approach, but the most notable standout from the last week of camp has to be returning veteran safety, Jordan Poyer. Poyer, who injured his elbow in training camp last year, leaves John Fisher unscathed with a pair of INTs, multiple pass breakups, and an undeniable presence on the field.
Other notable defensive players on the right track include sure-to-be comeback player of the year (even if he only plays one snap) safety Damar Hamlin, safety Taylor Rapp, middle linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Dane Jackson, and veteran linebacker Leonard Floyd.
Most Prominent Position Battles After Bills Training Camp
Right guards Ryan Bates and O’Cyrus Torrence are locked into a heated battle for the starting spot. While neither name appeared under the “On the Right Track” heading, it’s worth mentioning that both players showed up and had their moments of high intensity. Each player is built differently, but both have shown levels of promising explosiveness.
At corner, Tre White is an obvious lock, but the other side has been up for grabs all offseason. While Jackson has stood out, no one has genuinely separated themselves at this point. Look to the preseason to see second-year cornerback Kaiir Elam and returning corners Taron Johnson, Siran Neal, and Christian Benford make an honest play for the position.
Last but far from least, perhaps the Bills most significant battle— the spot for “quarterback of the defense,” a.k.a. middle linebacker, remains in the air. Bernard seems to be the leader, but linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Baylon Spector likely have something to say. Unfortunately, Bernard sustained a hamstring injury during the last day of practice, and considering his history, this does not bode well for his prospective role. No doubt, it will be interesting to see who can take command and win the starting spot during preseason.
Let the (Preseason) Games Begin!
"The whole gameplan is really focused on him," Sean McDermott joked ahead of the Bills preseason opener against former "Face of the Franchise" Isaiah McKenzie & the Colts.
"I put his face up in the meeting the other day and said this is Public Enemy #1, we gotta take him away." pic.twitter.com/W2bnkTc80p
— News 4 Buffalo (@news4buffalo) August 10, 2023
As was mentioned at the start, the Bills host the Colts this Saturday. Coach McDermott has already said that neither Allen nor Diggs will be on the field. However, most starters and potential starters will play. It will be fascinating to see how some prospective defensive players match up against Colts franchise-hopeful quarterback Anthony Richardson. Equally as intriguing is getting a glimpse of what this new Bills offense has in store.
Besides Bernard, knowing the full spectrum of injuries leaving camp is essential. Other notable injuries heading into the first Bills preseason game of 2023 include EDGE Von Miller (PUP), running back Damien Harris, cornerback Cam Lewis, and fullback Reggie Gilliam. There have been a couple of other scares throughout camp, but for now, may the best roster emerge.
Main Photo: Jamie Germano – USA Today Sports
