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Archives for August 26, 2023

5 things the Buffalo Bills will want to accomplish in their final preseason game

‘Look … better. How’s that for being overly simplistic? Let’s get this out of the way: The preseason means absolutely nothing. Still, it was a bit unsettling to see the team’s starters struggle as much as they did in all three phases last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is especially true of the offensive line. If star quarterback Josh Allen doesn’t get adequate protection, that’s big trouble. Starting tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown were unable to contain speed rushes against Pittsburgh. That’s not something that can be explained away by saying “It’s only an exhibition game.” The same goes for the defense, which got torched for a long touchdown run and gave up a one-play scoring drive, as well.’

Four Buffalo Bills players to watch in preseason game against Chicago Bears

“Ryan Van Demark: The unheralded, second-year man can lock down the No. 3 or No. 4 offensive tackle spot with a decent-to-good showing. It would be nice if he played well to give the Bills a little added sense of security. Backup tackle is the No. 1 depth concern on the team, aside from quarterback. The 6-foot-7 Van Demark spent all of last season on the practice squad. On the other hand, a shaky showing by Van Demark and/or David Quessenberry could prompt the Bills to take a harder look at the waiver wire for surplus offensive tackles to add to the practice squad, at the least. Chicago is not strong at edge rusher. The Bears ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt last season. In free agency, they added Yannick Ngakoue (9 1/2 sacks last year) and power rusher DeMarcus Walker (seven sacks).’

Buffalo Bills reportedly made offer for QB Trey Lance, former No. 3 overall pick

‘Entering the league, Lance drew comparisons to Buffalo’s franchise QB Josh Allen for his big arm and mobility. Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft, Josh Allen actually filmed a commercial in support of Lance telling him to ignore the doubters. Unfortunately for Lance, injuries and a lack of playing time have derailed his development in the league. Before being traded to the Cowboys, Lance was demoted to the team’s No. 3 quarterback behind Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold.’

Pregame Points: Bills hoping for rebound performance vs. Bears to wash away dismal effort in Pittsburgh

‘Many of the penalties committed by the Bills last week were done so by the offensive line, moving before the snap. In addition, the overall performance from that unit against Pittsburgh left a bit to be desired, which has been the case since training camp opened in late July. Also, injuries have started to pile up, with Tommy Doyle already out for the season with a leg injury and Connor McGovern leaving Wednesday’s practice with a leg injury of his own before missing Thursday’s session altogether. The Bills’ depth up front has been a significant concern, as they are one more substantial injury away from perhaps needing to slam the panic button in that department.’

AJ Epenesa ‘dialed in’ after breakout 2022 season

‘“It’s always kind of lingering because I want to be able to stay here and play football in Buffalo. The reality of it is that this is a business,” Epenesa said. “I’m just trying to keep my mind straight and eyes forward and put my nose to the grindstone and just work. That’s been my mindset all camp.”’

Capaccio: Bills at Bears: what to watch for

‘If guys are out there with the first team, it’s an indication they are either starters or at least high on the depth chart. If they are playing deep into the fourth quarter, chances are they are either going to be released or, at best, fighting for a spot.’

How to watch the Buffalo Bills preseason game against the Chicago Bears

‘The Bills-Bears game will be aired locally on WIVB, the official broadcast station of the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, a number of our sister stations will air the game across New York State, as well as in Erie, Pennsylvania and Burlington, Vermont. Coverage begins with Buffalo Kickoff Live at 12:30 p.m.’

Carucci Take 2: Bills playing starters in preseason finale raises more questions than it answers

‘First, there’s his acceptance of the obvious inequity between risk and reward. It isn’t even close. There’s absolutely nothing to be gained from having Josh Allen play a second preseason game rather than following the normal script of keeping him and other first-stringers on the sidelines for the final outing of the summer. There’s everything to lose. A serious injury to Allen in a game that doesn’t count could effectively end the Bills’ season and haunt McDermott for a long time.’

Bills coaches, players have faith in James Cook

‘Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey heaped plenty of praise on running back James Cook at the start of training camp, touting him as an every-down back. As the preseason has progressed, Dorsey thinks he’s only getting better.’