What to Expect in Weeks 1-2 of Buffalo Bills Training Camp

Jul 21, 2014; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback

(3) drops to pass under pressure by defensive end

(55) during training camp at St John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Hi Bills Fans! Week 1 of the 2014 Bills training camp is underway, and the competition, along with the weather, is starting to heat up. By now you have probably read dozens of articles of match-ups look for, first looks for rookies, and players that are dependent on training camp to feed their families. With this in mind, here are a few things I am expecting in the first two weeks of camp:

 E.J. Manuel will (attempt to) silence critics with leadership. If this does not happen now, it might never. One of the main responsibilities of your QB1 is to show everyone that he has the skills, command, and aura about him to take his team the distance. If E.J. cannot or does not illustrate this to calm BillsMafia’s collective fears, it may be a long season and even longer offseason before week 1. Note: this does not mean he has to throw in any way shape or form like Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers. He only has to show he can lead and put the team on his back.

Preston Brown will show us what he’s made of. I know what you’re thinking “Tony – the guy is only a rookie, cut him some slack”, but this man will never have a better opportunity in his career to make something of himself. Opportunity is knocking so loud here that he better open the darn door or I will. Words that described him in college included “aggressive”, “hitter”, “thumper”, so it’s time for him to live up to his nicknames. He does not Kiko Alonso’s Replacement” href=”https://buffalowdown.com/2014/07/22/buffalo-bills-kiko-alonsos-replacement/”>need to be the next Kiko, but it sure would be great if he did (unless you’re coming from Kiko’s perspective).

The starting O-Line will  continue to be a grey area. With multiple injuries (Cordy Glenn, Seantrel Henderson to name a few), the exact line-up of the offensive line will not be set in stone the first week or two. However, look for rotational players to pick up as many snaps as they can to either make or solidify positions on the team or even give penned-in starters a run for their money. Once again when opportunity knocks, you either step up or step out. Right now the only certainty on the line is C-Eric Wood, but I’d bet that Cyrus Kouandjio’s jersey will be shown Week 1 in Chicago.