Niagara Gazette

‘“I think that that goes a long way in terms of building a football team or any team for that matter,” McDermott said. “That chemistry is important, that bond is important. If you don’t have that, it’s hard to get it once the season happens because it’s go, go, go during the season.”’

‘Miller, linebacker Tyler Matakevich and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips will all begin training camp on the PUP list. Miller is still recovering from a torn ACL in Week 12 last season, while Phillips is rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Players can be removed from the PUP list any time before the start of the regular season.’

‘Since McDermott was hired in 2017, 14 players have started multiple games at guard for the Bills, including six over the last two seasons. But only two of those players — Cody Ford and Wyatt Teller — were drafted by Buffalo and both were subsequently traded.’

‘Offensive line, defensive line and linebacker are the three areas to watch throughout camp and if the Bills choose to keep an extra player for any position, it likely comes from one of those three groups.’

‘Hines never became a significant part of Buffalo’s offense last season after being acquired in a trade from Indianapolis for Zack Moss and a fifth-round pick. He had 13 total touches and one touchdown after arriving with the Bills, but he did return two kickoffs for touchdowns in the regular season finale against the Patriots, the first game following Damar Hamlin’s collapse in Cincinnati.’

‘He still transitioned from being a baseball-first athlete to football and slowly learned the game, finally breaking through as a junior. By the end of his career, Shorter rarely left the field during games. South Brunswick has an enrollment of almost 3,000 students, but coach Joe Goerge didn’t use a big roster and Shorter played receiver, cornerback and special teams.’

‘The Bills sacked or hit quarterbacks on 6.2% of dropbacks before Miller’s injury and 6.1% afterwards. But they put pressured on quarterbacks — including hits and sacks — on 18.6% of dropbacks without Miller and 15.8% without him.’

‘The Bills now have a stable of four adequate running backs and the question isn’t if all of them make the final 53-man roster as much as if they are going to use more than one consistently by the end of the season.’

‘Not only did Edmunds lead Buffalo in tackles during all five of his seasons, but he played in all but seven games and played nearly 95% of the team’s defensive snaps when active. More importantly, he had the size and range to allow Buffalo to predominantly play five defensive backs.’

‘“After taking time over the past several months to evaluate the business side of our operation, we wanted to revamp and improve our structure,” Pegula said in a statement. “We have a tremendous amount of confidence in this management committee we have constructed. I have had a high level of trust and strong working relationships with John, Kathryn and Josh over the years and expect them each to successfully continue to lead our business operations in the years to come. Penny’s wealth of experience at the collegiate level and personality will add to our team as he transitions into his new role with the Bills and our new stadium.”’

‘Shakir might be the early favorite to play in the slot because he has one year more of experience than newcomers Harty and Sherfield. Sherfield played outside in Diggs’ absence during OTAs, drawing praise, including from Allen.’

‘Hines averaged less than 10 offensive snaps per game and he lined up as a receiver in 51 of the 79. A player who had at least 40 receptions and 55 targets during his first four NFL seasons was suddenly invisible.’

‘More than Tre’Davious White’s slow recovery from an ACL tear or the Bills’ revolving door at the cornerback spot opposite him, it was clear that losing Hyde was the biggest blow to the secondary last season.’

‘Certainly his elbow impacted his performance, but Allen made some critical mistakes that he hasn’t since his first two seasons. No player has thrown more interceptions the last three years and the guy who had one pick in his first six playoff games had three in two postseason games last year.’

‘Murphy attended high school at DeSales and eventually earned a degree from Syracuse University. Murphy was given the Dick Gallagher Legacy Award by the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.’