As the Buffalo Bills continued to practice at St. John Fisher University in the morning heat last Friday, defensive coordinator Bobby Babich had an announcement for his unit. He was speaking to reporters about the prior two days' practices, and he was clearly irritated by his defense's production.
Babish was displeased over the fact that in the prior two days of camp practices, the defense could only muster one interception, which he was not overjoyed about, and this is what he had to say:
"I will say this. In two days, we have one takeaway, which we are not happy with," said Babich.
The defense took notice, and the challenge was met head-on as the squad recorded two interceptions during team drills.
Taylor Rapp steps up at training camp after coach's challenge
First defensive takeaway
Rapp's first interception happened in the early window of practice, when Josh Allen threw the ball to the sidelines, and there was no one available to make the catch. Rapp made a diving catch after a missed assignment by the offense to show that the defense was ready to compete.
Second defensive takeaway
The next Rapp take-away came during an 11 on 11 drill in a non-padded practice. The skilled free safety grabbed another missed throw by Allen. When edge rusher Joey Bosa showed pressure on the rush, Allen overthrew tight end Zach Davidson, where Rapp came down with the ball, making his presence known.
How Rapp's experience continues to guide young roster
The Bills return many young and talented players guided by veteran leadership and experience. Being one of the older guys on the squad, Rapp has been trying to form a new safety tandem with second-year safety Cole Bishop.
For six years prior to Rapp and Bishop, Bills fans remember the legendary pairing of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Both created interceptions in bunches. Last year, they came really close to forming one, but Bishop was injured most of the year with a shoulder injury and didn't have enough of an offseason or time to create a tandem with Rapp.
This past offseason, the players spent time working together on everything they needed to do in order to form the next great safety pairing for the Buffalo Bills. They worked out together in Orchard Park at the Bills' practice site. It helped the pair with their timing and coverage.
In fact, Rapp and Bishop have been partnered together through the first three days of camp, for many of the team's drills, and their teamwork is really starting to show.
Let's see what the exciting duo brings on the field in the remaining days of training camp.