When the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans played in Canton, Ohio on Thursday August 1st, that marked the first of many games to be played until February. Football is back, the flowers smell sweeter, the air seems crisper, and everything just feels right. This also means the Buffalo Bills will be playing their first game of the preseason! Today at 1PM, the aforementioned Chicago Bears will be coming to Orchard Park to play the Bills.
In a bit of surprising news to me, Bills head coach Sean McDermott says the Buffalo Bills starters with play “roughly a quarter”. I understand the need to get the team in game action, feel the speed of the game, start getting into game shape for what will surely be a grueling season. I just didn’t think this would happen with Josh Allen and company in game one of the preseason.
Nevertheless, Sean McDermott knows his team and knows there are many new pieces that need to see game action to see who meshes well and get some team chemistry. There is a lot to look for going into this game but we won’t get to see as much as we want with it being the first game. Bare bones defensive sets an offense that will try to get as many involved as possible because you have to round out your team.
There are many players on this team fighting for roster spots and starting jobs so it is hard to narrow down the ones that need it the most but this season will be intriguing to say the least. The Bills always give us something to talk about and this game will be no different. Many storylines to chose from but here are the ones you should keep your eye on.
Three storylines that will come out of the Bills' first preseason game
Josh Allen got in and out unscathed
There is absolutely no way McDermott will hang Josh Allen out to dry in August. Nor should we have to worry about it. Allen is going to sling it to his new wideouts to get a feel for how they play and get some chemistry with them. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady might even have Allen uncork one down the field just to show off that arm strength and wow the mafia in attendance.
Kaiir Elam will find a place in this secondary
Kaiir Elam has been hurt and has missed games early in his career. Mix that in with some inconsistent play and you start hearing talk of him being a “bust”. There were even talk of him being traded. However, it is really when you break it down Elam has been good enough to stay in the rotation if not take over the nickel corner spot to sure up this Bills secondary.
Elam will get extended looks in game one because he needs it. I think he will make the most of his opportunities this preseason and he’ll get his first chance against 2024 number one overall pick for Chicago in Caleb Williams. Chicago’s new look offense provides the perfect backdrop for Elam to show he belongs.
Training camp darling will get an extended look
This year’s training camp darling is wide receiver Tyrell Shavers. McDermott likes the way he prepares which is coach speak for he is working hard to stand out. Special teams is where Shavers will more than likely make the team as he was a gunner on special teams at San Diego State. The Bills need to replace Siran Neal who was their special teams ace the last few seasons. Shavers will catch a few balls from Mitch Trubisky to show his catching ability against other corners but the fans will get to see in game action what the coaches see in practice every day.
With the receiver depth chart consisting of Kahlil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool, and Justin Shorter, Shavers may have a tough time jumping into the top four. However, this is a golden opportunity for Shavers to show how he can contribute to a team that needs new starters at key positions.