Buffalo Bills Training Camp: August 6th thoughts
By Cam Boon
Buffalo Bills Training Camp: August 6th thoughts
On another beautiful day in Western New York, the Bills hosted their sixth practice of the 2015 version of training camp. Here’s three thoughts from today’s practice:
1) This receiver cut is going to be very tough:
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At the top of the receiving depth chart it is pretty simple. Watkins, Harvin/Woods, and whoever is not selected for number two. After that, it’s a deep class of pass catchers.
The usual suspects are there, with Chris Hogan, Marcus Easley, Marcus Thigpen and Marquise Goodwin returning for camp. But there are also some other, new names who are challenging for a roster spot.
Dezmin Lewis showed great hands today, hauling in a pass from EJ Manuel after jumping up and back to catch it. Justin Brown did a great job of getting open towards the end of practice, beating his man on a post for a TD. Also, Andre Davis won a jump ball from Manuel on a 40-yard TD during a two-minute drill.
All of these receivers are showing flashes of talent. But the question is who will show more, thus earning a spot on the roster come September 12?
2) Manuel surges back towards top of QB contest:
Jul 31, 2015; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) throws a pass during training camp at St. John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, he has some bad throws. But the Florida State graduate has shown the best promise and took advantage of a bad day from Matt Cassel to take the lead for the starting quarterback job, at least in my mind.
Manuel made a lot of nice throws today, and overall it was probably his best day. After a shaky weekend, he has steadily improved over the last three days, each practice being better than his last.
Tyrod Taylor slipped a little bit, but impressed a lot during the two-minute drill. He forced a couple throws into tight windows, completing one to Chris Gregg and another to Charles Clay in leading his team down to the 15-yard line.
Cassel was least impressive during that drill, checking down a lot and losing lots of time with passes over the middle. His accuracy was also a little off today, missing open receivers both with and without defense.
3) Screen game should be stout yet again:
With Fred Jackson at the controls in the screen game the past few years, there have been few plays where the experienced running back does not get out into space and generate some yardage for the offense. This year, that is expected to grow exponentially. Not because Jackson is back, but because of LeSean McCoy in the backfield as well.
After the first week of camp, it is safe to say that should come to fruition. They worked on screens today, and McCoy made some cuts and jukes that even Jackson sometimes does not make. The speedster from Philly brings an element not only as a runner, but as a pass-catcher to this offense. Anybody that has been to camp has seen that.
News and notes from Twitter:
Andre Reed currently giving instruction to Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin on this near side on beating receivers. Cool to watch #BillsCamp
— Cameron Boon (@lilboon) August 6, 2015
Fans beginning sarcastically trying to get Rex's attention cause WR coach out every pass on the money. #BillsMafia is desperate #BillsCamp
— Cameron Boon (@lilboon) August 6, 2015
Shady takes a toss play that would've gone for at least 20 yards #BillsCamp
— Cameron Boon (@lilboon) August 6, 2015
Taylor hits a streaking Charles Clay in his back with the ball, sending MarQueis Gray into hysterical laughter #BillsCamp
— Cameron Boon (@lilboon) August 6, 2015
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