Buffalo Bills: 5 observations before the season begins
The quarterbacks and the offensive line dilemma are just a few of the observations made before the Buffalo Bills regular season begins.
A new Buffalo Bills season is upon us and that means young new talent and a different looking roster than last season.
It’s time to make a few observations on the offseason and looking forward to the start of the regular season.
1. The quarterback battle
Of course the number one observation for all Bills fans is the quarterback battle that is still ongoing. All three of the quarterbacks have started a preseason game and have shown their strengths and weaknesses.
Head coach Sean McDermott is still hesitant to name a starting quarterback right know, but that will likely be indicated in the last exhibition game Thursday in Chicago.
An injury scare from AJ McCarron almost removed himself from consideration, but his shoulder injury is considered day-to-day.
Josh Allen‘s first start as a Bill was rough, due to the lack of performance by the offensive line. Nathan Peterman played well this preseason and has a chance of making the move up the depth chart. Whoever is chosen to start will be the best for the team heading into the season.
2. Offensive line dilemma
Their poor performance Sunday led the quarterbacks into a downfall, at a time where they have to show the coaches why they deserve to start in the NFL. There is clearly an extensive change from last season to this season’s offensive line. They’ve got another week to clean themselves up before it actually counts.
3. Defensive line
The defensive line has seen a lot of new names going into this season. One in particular is defensive end Trent Murphy, who is still injured and it is unknown if he will be healthy by Week 1. If not, it will give Shaq Lawson another chance to redeem himself to the coaches.
Veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams sustained a knee injury against the Browns and from what is known now, he is getting better. He wore a knee brace for a little while, but could return Week 1. Rookie Harrison Phillips has really showed himself already this year, tallying a sack in the preseason so far. He is a great backup who could ultimately transition into a starter when then that time comes.
The Bills totaled 27 sacks last season. Could that number go up? Jerry Hughes led the linemen in sacks last season with 4.
4. Edmunds-Milano duo at linebacker
Rookie linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is exactly what we expected from him. A big and speedy linebacker who can make the tackles. It’s been great seeing him in a Bills uniform and making the moves we have been talking about for a while. He has been receiving national attention as a potential defensive rookie of the year, but it may be too early to call.
It has been said that the 20-year-old is already turning into a leader in the locker room and making his voice heard by other players.
He will most likely be paired up with second-year player Matt Milano. Milano played well last season, totaling 50 combined tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception. These two have already show a lot of talent so far in the preseason and will hopefully turn out to be on one heck of a pair this season.
5. The competition for starting punter
Punter Colton Schmidt could be on the chopping block with the signing of 13-year veteran Jon Ryan. Ryan, 36, spent the last 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before being released because the team drafted a new punter. Ryan has a good enough chance as Colton Schmidt has to make this roster.
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Ryan statistically has been better than Schmidt. He has greater numbers in almost all categories, he seems to be the better guy. Schmidt’s contract is up next season and the Bills might just have his replacement already on the roster.