Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell (9) celebrates kicking a field goal with punter Shawn Powell (6) against the Houston Texans during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
With training camps starting this week and the Buffalo Bills starting on the 28th, lets look at what could be some of the top training camp competitions in this years camp.
– Every year going into training camp there is at least one position battle that will be looked at. In Buffalo there are a couple of battles that you should keep an eye on this year. The number one competition in my book would be the one at QB. Rookie E.J. Manuel will be attempting to prove himself and become the face of the franchise in Buffalo. Journeyman Kevin Kolb has not had great success in his last two stints as a QB and will be looking to make his mark here I Buffalo as well as prove himself and deny Manuel that starting job.
– The second competition that fans should pay attention to will be that of the 2nd WR spot. Stevie Johnson is basically a lock as he continues to move towards a true #1 receiver. With 2nd Year man TJ Graham and rookies Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and Da’Rick Rogers all vying for a spot it will be an interesting one to watch out for. Brad Smith will also be in the mix and OC Nathaniel Hackett’s comments of it doesn’t necessarily have to be a #2 wide-out but he is looking for the top 5 guys to put on the field, TE, RB, and FBs are all on the list as well.
– The third competition to watch for is going to be on the special teams side. Buffalo got rid of their long time punter Brian Moorman last year mid-season. Shawn Powell was the replacement although he is in the same situation with Brian Stahovich competing as well for the punting position. On the Kicking side, long time Bills kicker will be challenged again this year for his job as the Bills spent a 6th round pick on FSU kicker Dustin Hopkins. It could be that the Buffalo Bills have a brand new kicking staff to go along with their brand new coaching staff at the start of the season.
What are your three top competitions to watch out for this year?