Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘The only thing we know for certain is that as long as Morse is healthy, he’s a starter. Beyond him, it’s a guessing game as to what the final puzzle will look like come opening day in New York.’

‘Last season provided some fodder regarding the overall importance of special teams. Longtime NFL writer Rick Gosselin, who has been ranking special teams units for more than two decades with his own widely respected system, ranked the Jets No. 1 in overall special teams plays last season, with the Dolphins fourth and the Cardinals fifth. None of those teams came close to making the playoffs.’

‘Specifically, the Bills need to be better against the run (16th) and in points allowed (18th), but taking it a step further, Pro Football Focus sees loads of room for improvement. In their advanced metrics, PFF graded the Bills as the 13th-best overall defense in the league (a far cry from second based on yards only), but had them 23rd against the run and 29th in tackling. Against the pass, PFF ranked Buffalo 10th in pass rush efficiency and ninth in coverage efficiency.’

‘“The more you can rep together, the more chemistry you’re going to have,” said Daboll. “There are going to be plenty of times in the year when we are going to have to use a different personnel group or do something else so it’s not good for anybody to get hurt during this time, but you go ahead, you work with what you got and put the guys out there because it’s going to happen. Long way to go, but we feel good about the guys we have and we’re looking forward to getting out there.”’

‘Still, Allen accrued some valuable experience, and now in his second year in Brian Daboll’s offense, being mentored by a true QB coach in Ken Dorsey, and surrounded by a much stronger supporting cast, the expectations are soaring for Allen. It’s on him to respond in a positive way which means being better in several areas, most obviously his accuracy and decision-making.’

‘With the Buffalo Bills set to return to St. John Fisher College on Thursday for the start of training camp, here are a few helpful tips and pointers for veteran and first-time attendees to maximize their experience…’.

‘Coleman is a player coach Sean McDermott is familiar with. He played his first four years in Philadelphia, and his rookie season of 2010 overlapped with McDermott’s last year as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator.’

‘Unless you think LeSean McCoy is a mortal lock to be the starting running back, the only position that isn’t completely up for grabs on offense is quarterback, where Josh Allen is the unchallenged starter.’

‘“If we can keep the direct line of communication open, I think, although hard, that’s the healthiest way to go about it,” said Beane. “At the end of the day I know that Sean is trying to do what’s best for the Bills and it’s not a personal agenda. Hopefully he realizes the same (about me).”’

‘“It’s been awesome,” Allen said after his first few weeks together with Dorsey in the spring. “Dorsey is a great quarterback coach. He did some really good things at Carolina so we are thankful to have him here. He’s been back there, he’s played the position, he’s seen it from a quarterback’s perspective.”’

‘”I don’t remember much of my second year; it’s a big jump (for Josh Allen) just being consistent, though, with the coaching staff,” he said. “It’s always a big plus having the same coaching because then you don’t have to learn a new offense.”‘

‘Rochester-area residents can pick up a voucher that contains an offer that can redeem up to four mobile tickets at Tops Friendly Market located at 3507 Mt. Read Blvd., Greece.’

‘Last year was the previous low with 11 open to the public practices, only one of which was at night.’

‘Of course Allen is still far from a finished product, but some of his metrics last season were awful, and he will need to be much better if the Bills hope to contend for a playoff berth because he’s the hub around which the wheel spins.’

‘Regarding his uncommon rookie year youth, Edmunds said the other day following a practice at the Bills’ facility, “I embraced it. I took pride in that, and I wanted to let people know that even being a young guy I deserved to be here, and I showed up every day with the vet mentality.”’