‘“It’s a blessing,” said Hamlin. “I keep talking about the challenge. But, how many people get to say they overcome something, a hurdle this big in their life and still be here to tell the story of it?”’
Archives for August 13, 2023
Observations from the field: Folks, we’re so back
‘Don’t judge this competition after just one game. But do know, that the gap between Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley is a lot closer than many expected to be thus far.’
5 players that impressed in the Buffalo Bills Preseason opener
‘The sample size was small, but Cook made the most of his limited work on Saturday. Cook had four carries for 20 yards and a touchdown and saw his day end after just two offensive possessions. Cook had already emerged as the leader in the clubhouse to be the Bills’ feature running back this season and made a strong first impression to start the preseason.’
Buffalo Bills fans excited for the new year at the start of preseason
‘Fans showed up at Highmark Stadium several hours before the game, despite a threat of rain and this game not counting in the standings.’
4 Observations: Bills win preseason opener
‘Going into training camp, Kyle Allen seemed to be the clear cut backup to Josh Allen but Kyle struggled some at camp and wasn’t great in the first half of the Colts game. Meanwhile, after Matt Barkley took over the offense in the second half the offense looked much better. Barkley finished 14/15 with 172 yds and 2 passing touchdowns. Kyle Allen looked like a player who is still trying to work his way through the mental side of the offense and Barkley looked like a player who has been in the Bills system several seasons. After the game, Sean McDermott said the backup quarterback job is an open competition, something that most didn’t think would be the case when Kyle Allen signed with Buffalo this offseason.’
Bills 3 position battles: Where things stand after preseason opener vs. Colts
‘Dane Jackson started opposite of Tre’Davious White and made an impact right out the gate, intercepting Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson on Indy’s opening drive, setting up the Bills with great field position, at the Colts 13-yard line. Jackson is trying to solidify a starting job once again, competing with last year’s first-round pick, Kaiir Elam and 2022 sixth-round pick, Christian Benford. Elam and Benford haven’t done anything to pull ahead of Jackson so far this summer and both had defensive pass interference called against them.’
Carucci Take 2: McDermott-run Bills defense was impressive in preseason opener
‘Sean McDermott seemed to smoothly handle the double duties of coach and defensive coordinator. He was clearly determined to take advantage of the inexperience of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, and wasted little time doing so. On the game’s first series, he called a blitz, sending defensive back Saran Neal on second down to help force Richardson to throw an interception that set up the Bills’ first touchdown.’
Bills take down Colts in preseason opener 23-19
‘Aside from the game itself, the biggest storyline was the return of Damar Hamlin to a live game setting. Hamlin finished with three tackles, including a fourth down stop in the first quarter. “Just my first two plays in being pressures, and it was my name being called,” said Hamlin. “All the jitters and nerves went out the window right there. It was good for me. It was able to get me going.”’
Buffalo Bills win first preseason game over Colts, 23-19
‘Safety Damar Hamlin stole the show, playing in his first game since collapsing on the field on Jan. 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin, who is still trying to make this year’s team, finished with three tackles.’
Bills 23, Colts 19 | Game recap, highlights and stats to know
‘Quarterback Matt Barkley led the offense with 172 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Barkley only had one incompletion across 15 attempts.’
‘It was super fun’ | Damar Hamlin describes emotional first game back
‘”Just my first few plays in being pressures, and there’s my number being called,” Hamlin said. “So, all of the jitters, all the nerves, that was like out the window right there, like right then and there. But it was good for me. It was able to get me going.”‘
Top 3 things we learned from Bills vs. Colts | Preseason Week 1 2023
‘Josh Allen did not play in the Bills preseason opener but he still found a way to contribute to the win. During portions of the second half, Allen called a few of his own plays and relayed them to Barkley via the headset on the sideline.’